Neighbors Magazine, July 2023

July 2023 | Volume 48 | Number 6

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

John Bert East Leesburg

Steve Lake | Vinemont

Joe Anders Northport

Phillip Hunter | Birmingham

Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka

Tommy Martin | Moundville

Bill Cook Montgomery

Trip Horne | Louisville

Mark Kaiser | Daphne

Thomas Adams Newville

Ann Whatley | Opelika

Jonathan Edgar Wetumpka

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

Printed in the U.S.A.

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

Photo By Maggie

Alabama Produce Just Tastes Better

From the juiciest tomatoes and sweetest strawberries to the ripest peaches and freshest lettuce, fruit and vegetable farmers feed Alabama one bite at a time.

“There is no better way of life than being a farmer,” said Pete Baker, owner of Four Mile Farms Produce in Talladega County. “We know we are actually feeding somebody, and they are enjoying our product.”

Farmers like Baker and Ralph Du Toit of Extreme Green Farms in Lee County said they strive to give consumers their absolute best — the best product, best service and best quality.

“It is very satisfying to see a customer happy with a product they bought from

tomatoes and cucumbers. “People love local.”

Baker and Du Toit are members of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), a partner organization of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Through the years, these AFVGA members have gleaned tips for consumers — and farmers looking to diversify into specialty crops.

Top Tips for Consumers

1.It’s Farm to Table Baker said their produce comes off the farm, to the store and directly to the plate of consumers quickly.

diverse array of fruits and vegetables. “I assume my customers are eating the products we pick within two days, or they are canning it.”

Consumers often walk into the farm stores at Four Mile Farms Produce and Extreme Green Farms and leave with baskets of produce that have just come off the plant or from the greenhouse beds.

“When we harvest our lettuce, we try to sell it that same day or the next day,” said Du Toit. “To distinguish yourself as a grower, you must sell a premier and fresh product.”

Baker and Du Toit agree giving consumers food as soon as the product is picked showcases the fresh taste.

2.Your Farmer is Your Neighbor

Buying local guarantees consumers know where their food is coming from, said AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton. Purchasing from a producer gives the public the opportunity to meet their farmer, ask questions, learn how to better prepare produce and establish a relationship with the individual who puts food on the table.

“The freshness of our products and the trust and relationships customers have with us as farmers keeps them coming back to support

Ralph Du Toit of Extreme Green Farms in Lee County found a passion for hydroponics at a young age in his home country of South Africa. Du Toit and wife Missy prioritize delivering produce to consumers straight from their farm.

and buy local,” Baker said.

At Extreme Green Farms, Du Toit emphasizes the relationship aspect of his business.

“Relationships are key,” he said. “Extreme Green Farms has a relationship with the owner of one of Auburn’s finest dining locations. You must connect with people who want local. Every customer walks out of my door thanking us for the opportunity to buy farm-fresh food.”

3.Quality Can’t Be

Beat Quality and freshness are key for produce farmers, said Du Toit.

“A fresh, local product is hard to beat,” he said. “There are a lot of restaurants that want to buy local from us. They have people in their kitchen who want to get their hands on fresh produce to cook.”

Some products have the potential of maximum freshness for weeks at a time, Du Toit said.

“I have seen my lettuce stay fresh for three weeks, and that is due to post-harvest handling,” Du Toit said. “We harvest in the greenhouses, leave the roots on and immediately sell it. It is a living plant.”

Potential Producer Advice

1.High Investment

Thaxton said his organization tries to help maximize farmers’ investments — which can be steep — during educational sessions at the AFVGA Annual Conference, held each February.

“Specialty crop farmers have a unique opportunity to grow thousands of plants on small acreage,” Thaxton said. “In those small acres, the investment is high with irrigation, crop protection, ag labor and natural disasters on the line.”

Baker noted the time difference in raising specialty crops.

“Our industry is slightly different than row crops,” Baker said. “We have about five months to grow and make our living, and it is all farmed on about 22 acres.”

Du Toit stressed the idea of starting small and growing into a bigger operation.

“This is accessible,” Du Toit said.

“People think you must have hundreds of acres to get into agriculture, but you do not.”

2. High Reward

With a high investment comes a high reward, said Baker.

“Everything we grow is consumed by people,” said Baker, who noted customers are often willing to pay a premium for Alabama-grown goods. “We have to plant in succession to make it through the months that we can actually farm.”

In addition to financial rewards, it’s fulfilling to see customers and families visit their farm, Baker said.

3.Marketing Matters

Marketing products is one of the most important components of specialty crop farming, said Baker and Du Toit. While Baker’s methods include welcoming people to the farm and working farmers markets, Du Toit sells directly to restaurants and participates in the Farm-to-School program, food-purchase agreements and a local farmers market.

“We, as farmers, care about what we produce,” Du Toit said. “Our goal is for our customers to be happy and satisfied.”

For locally grown products, visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.

Pete Baker serves on the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association board and is a member of Sweet Grown Alabama. He and wife Lavonda farm in Talladega County.

Pete Baker, right, owns Four Mile Farms Produce and enjoys helping customers find the perfect produce.

Legislative Wins Confirm Grassroots Strength

The effectiveness of the Alabama Farmers Federation grassroots policy development process was on display at the Alabama State House this spring as the organization garnered legislative wins for members.

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said bills passed included measures initiated by commodity divisions, policy review and producer meetings.

“Early in the session, the Federation was successful in passing legislation to reduce administrative costs associated with two commodity checkoff programs, as well as a bill to prevent local governments from enacting livestock ordinances more restrictive than state law,” Hardin said. “In February, an Ag Labor Summit sponsored by the Federation identified another need related to short-term driver’s licenses for legal guest workers. We quickly educated lawmakers and secured passage of legislation addressing this issue. These bills demonstrate

the impact Federation members can have on public policy when we work together.”

The Federation and Alfa Insurance also were instrumental in passing legislation preventing the regulation of businesses based on ideological criteria. The law aims to protect Alabama farms, nonprofits and companies from being punished through economic boycotts for not ascribing to certain environmental, social and governance (ESG) philosophies.

“This may be one of the most important things the Legislature has done in recent years,” said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell. “ESG scoring can be used to penalize agriculture, fossil fuels and other industries. It attempts to force businesses to embrace ideas which may not align with their values or be in the best interest of their customers. Giving philosophies developed by global think tanks the weight of regulation is dangerous and undermines basic economic principles.”

Another priority for the Federation

was ensuring continued investment in agriculture and forestry through the state’s budgets. With lawmakers anticipating a $3 billion surplus, there were competing ideas on how to use the windfall. All Federation priorities in the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and General Fund budgets received level or increased funding. Additionally, $15 million was allocated in the ETF for college and career readiness grants.

Meanwhile, legislators agreed to eliminate state income tax on overtime pay for full-time workers; provide income tax rebates of $150 per individual or $300 for joint filers; reduce the state sales tax on food from 4% to 3% effective Sept. 1; create a new state savings account for education; and establish a grant program for kindergarten through 12th grade capital improvements.

“With projected surpluses, legislators had a tremendous challenge in navigating competing priorities but were able to pass budgets which balanced investment, paying off debt, savings and tax cuts,” Hardin said.

This session, Alabama peanut farmers joined Gov. Kay Ivey and sponsors Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, and Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope, for a ceremonial signing of legislation which allows more farmer-funded checkoff money to be used for research, education and promotion. Members of the Lee County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee also attended.

Other legislation of interest to Federation members included renewing the state’s economic incentives laws; a prohibition against foreign adversaries buying agricultural and forestry land or property within 10 miles of a military installation or critical infrastructure; grants for logging workforce development, research and efficiency; and a structure to administer grants to volunteer fire departments.

A special session in March allocated $1 billion in federal COVID-relief money while retiring $60 million in debt to the Alabama Trust Fund. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriations include $400 million for water and sewer

projects; $260 million for broadband; and $340 million for COVID-related expenses incurred by medical facilities.

Hardin praised lawmakers for work throughout special and regular sessions to invest in the future of Alabama.

“We appreciate Gov. Kay Ivey, legislative leadership, committee chairs and bill sponsors for working with the Federation to address the needs of members and taxpayers,” Hardin said. “The Legislature — which included 31 new members in the House and six in the Senate — hit the ground running and achieved tremendous bipartisan success. From ARPA and debt retirement to passing ‘The Game Plan’ economic

Alfa Farmers Legislative Wins

incentives and record budgets, they worked through differences and found common ground for Alabama voters. We especially appreciate their support for farmers, forest landowners and rural communities.”

Hardin said a special session focused on gambling is possible later this year. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, formed a committee which has met weekly on the topic. Federation policy opposes the legalization of gambling in any form. A special session will also be required soon to draw new Congressional district maps, following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June.

R Streamline Peanut and Sheep & Goat Checkoffs Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope, and Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise

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Hear from our members.

Federation Welcomes Strong Slate of Summer Interns

By Tanner Hood

The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed three summer interns May 15 who are working with and learning from Federation staff as they serve Alabama farmers. Caleb Currie, Alyssa Kirk and Helen Oglesby will work through the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in August.

Currie, 28, is part of the Ag Law Pathway program in the External Affairs Department. He is conducting legal research, analyzing legislation and regulations, and updating Federation legal resources.

“Great things come from small beginnings,” Currie said. “This organization was started from a small group of farmers looking to make a difference, which is what I want from my own career.”

Currie is in his third year at Jones School of Law. Before beginning law courses at the Faulkner University school, Currie served in the U.S. Marines, earning the rank of sergeant. He graduated from American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

During high school, the Florida native was involved in FFA. He and wife

Jillian have a 1-year-old son, Declan. Montgomery native Kirk, 20, is working with the Federation’s Alfa Health subsidiary. Alfa Health helps members navigate the health insurance marketplace.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the Alfa Health team this summer,” Kirk said. “I am excited to gain more knowledge and experience working with this group while helping our members.”

Kirk is helping implement the final phase of Alfa Health’s new electronic record-keeping project. Additionally, she’ll learn about prescriptions, in-patient and out-patient care, copays and coinsurance.

Kirk is a junior at the University of Alabama (UA), where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in addiction and recovery and criminal justice. Kirk is a member of Phi Mu social sorority and volunteers at shelters and daycares while working with community assistance and support groups. She has also worked for the UA Registrar’s Office.

Fellow intern Oglesby, 21, is a senior at Mississippi State University (MSU) and is working with the Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department. This

summer, she is crafting a new playbook for Federation youth livestock shows and helping enhance membership data records. Oglesby is also helping plan the Farm & Land Expo, in addition to vetting annual Rittenour and Duncan awards winners.

Oglesby is pursuing a double major in agriculture education, leadership and communication and animal and dairy sciences. She is a member of MSU’s Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and Livestock Judging Team.

A native of Lowndesboro, Oglesby grew up on her family’s poultry and cattle farm.

“Being here gives me the opportunity to give back to the people of Alabama,” Oglesby said. “The Federation serves others on a daily basis, and I am here to serve.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the organization’s internship program helps teach real-world experience critical to life after graduation.

“These young people are our future, and we believe it’s important to help them develop strong leadership skills and a good work ethic,” Parnell said. “We’re excited to see what they will accomplish.”

Caleb Currie

Alyssa Kirk

Helen Oglesby

Planting seeds. Instilling values.

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Farm Bill Talks Heat Up as September Deadline Nears

working lands conservation programs; and ensuring all conservation programs remain voluntary, market-driven and incentive-based.

“Agriculture is a vital part of our state’s economy, and it only makes sense that we have a seat at the table for important negotiations like the farm bill,” Tuberville said. “Our country not only relies on the current generation of farmers, but we’re depending on the next generation to carry the torch and keep not only the United States, but the world, food secure. That’s why we need to cut burdensome red tape that inhibits production so family farms remain intact for generations to come.”

Like Tuberville, Moore and his staff held listening sessions this spring to fine-tune farm bill priorities.

By Marlee Jackson

A spring filled with listening sessions, farm visits and stakeholder meetings has set the stage for D.C. decision-makers to build a bipartisan farm bill that better serves farmers.

But the tall task has a tight timeline and even tighter party lines, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker. Current farm bill legislation, passed in 2018, expires Sept. 30.

“Following quite a few hearings and listening sessions across the country and in D.C., Senate and House ag committees are hard at work to meet a tight deadline,” said Walker, who manages national affairs for the state’s largest farm organization. “Not only is the timeline tight, funding could be tight as well, but we are pushing hard for an increase of resources to strengthen farmers’ safety net with a focus on raising reference prices.”

The 118th Congress includes 49 Republicans, 48 Democrats and three independents in the Senate. All three independents caucus with Democrats, giving the party a two-vote majority.

Meanwhile, the House has 222 Republicans and 212 Democrats, with one seat vacant. Farm bills are reauthorized every five years, which

means more than half the House has never voted on the comprehensive food and nutrition legislation.

“There will be a narrow window for crafting and passing a bill that is fiscally responsible, while also providing a meaningful level of support for farmers,” Walker said. “That said, Alabama has strong leadership on the Senate and House ag committees in Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Barry Moore. They’re ready to tackle tough topics on Capitol Hill, and we’re grateful for their leadership and support.”

Tuberville and Moore were both backed by Alabama FarmPAC in recent elections and have built close relationships with farmers, Walker said. Federation members visited their Washington, D.C., offices this spring during the Washington Legislative Conference. Those and other honest conversations are paying dividends as Tuberville and Moore fight to preserve and expand programs that benefit farmers and rural Alabama, Walker said.

Tuberville’s 2023 Farm Bill priorities include protecting crop insurance and farm safety nets; increasing reference prices; addressing rising input costs; extending and expanding feral swine eradication programs; supporting broadband investments; prioritizing

Key areas include supporting strong safety nets through farm programs and crop insurance while backing young, beginning and veteran farmers with technical assistance and credit access. Alabama-centric policies are front and center, too, such as supporting forestry stakeholders, eliminating non-tariff trade barriers and exploring opportunities to expand work on feral swine eradication.

“The inflated farm economy we find ourselves in is not sustainable for our producers without help from the House and Senate agriculture committees and the farm bill,” said Moore, who was raised on a farm in Coffee County. “This legislation is incredibly important to the people in Alabama’s Second Congressional District, Alabama, the U.S and international partners, too. And whether people realize it or not, it impacts their daily lives.”

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore held a listening session in Montgomery earlier this year — one of several held in Alabama as the House Ag Committee member crafted priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville serves on the Senate Ag Committee and has spent his term in office building relationships with agriculture leaders — from the Alabama Farmers Federation to 4-H.

Johnson to Lead Peanut Promotion, Research Efforts

A labama’s 900-plus peanut farmers have a new champion in their corner. Libbie Johnson joined the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) as executive director June 5.

Johnson hails from Florida Extension, where she gleaned over 20 years of industry experience and built relationships critical to her new role.

“I’m excited to get to know Alabama’s peanut producers and understand more about agriculture in Alabama,” Johnson said. “I’m thankful to represent such a unique commodity and the hard-working farmers of this state.”

As executive director, Johnson oversees peanut checkoff projects related to research, promotion and education. She will also work with land-grant universities and farmers on

research trials; advocate for the legume with decisionmakers in Washington, D.C.; and expand the peanut industry’s footprint in Alabama, in addition to overseeing staff in APPA’s Dothan office.

“Libbie is energetic, knowledgeable and talented,” said APPA President Carl Sanders of Coffee County. “The board is confident in Libbie’s ability to advocate for Alabama peanut farmers and make an impact on our industry. We are excited to see the direction she takes our organization.”

APPA is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Johnson will work closely with the Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department staff serving farmers.

“There’s no doubt Alabama peanut farmers will benefit from Libbie’s

leadership,” said GAP Department Director Mitt Walker. “Libbie’s strong skill set uniquely positions her to work with the APPA board, research-focused scientists or high-profile officials in our nation’s capital.”

Since 2003, Johnson has served farmers in the Florida Panhandle’s Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. Areas of expertise include row crops, fruits and vegetables, livestock and natural resources.

Johnson is no stranger to leadership. She’s chaired national Extension committees and served on the University of Florida (UF) Peanut Team and the Sunbelt Ag Expo Team. She’s also a member of Florida Farm Bureau, which named her the Extension Professional of the Year in 2018.

Johnson, a Louisiana native, holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and plant science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in addition to a master’s in agroecology from UF.

Johnson

LIABILITY for Loose Livestock

The cows are out.”

That’s a phrase no farmer wants to hear, as any situation involving escaped livestock can be bad for all involved — from the farmer to law enforcement to those who live or are traveling nearby.

For the farmer, loose livestock can present a variety of problems. This includes being potentially liable for damage livestock may cause while trespassing. Loose livestock can also be subject to injury or total loss. Farmers may even face criminal liability for failing to contain their livestock.

Alabama law recognizes a range of mental states that in the civil context can result in liability. In the criminal context, these can result in culpability. Generally, the mental states range from negligent to willing or knowing. Negligent is the lowest standard; willing is the highest.

The Alabama Supreme Court has held that willfulness requires knowledge and consciousness that an injury is likely to result from the action — or lack of action.

In the context of loose livestock,

the court has ruled that in addition to knowing or willing the livestock to be on the road, the owner must have actually put the animal on the road.

Alabama is a “fence-in” state. This means livestock owners are obligated to keep livestock fenced in on their owned or leased property. Alabama has codified this requirement with Ala. Code § 3-5-3. Additionally, owners of trespassing livestock running at large are specifically liable for damage caused to crops, trees, shrubs and flowers.

However, Alabama law also protects farmers. Livestock owners’ liability is limited when the livestock causes a collision on a road. To recover against the owner of livestock, an individual must prove the owner knowingly or willfully placed livestock on the road where the collision occurred.

Following the precedent laid out in 2018 through Brewer v. Atkinson, 262 So.3d 663, a farmer is protected from liability for livestock on the road unless it is proven the farmer knowingly or willfully placed the livestock on the road.

Ala. Code § 3-5-2 states it is unlawful for the owner of livestock to “knowingly, voluntarily, negligently or willfully” permit livestock to run at large or loose in the state, either upon the premise of another or public lands, highways, roads or streets. A livestock owner who knowingly or willfully permits this to happen could be guilty of a misdemeanor.

While Ala. Code § 3-5-2 and § 3-5-3 are statewide in application, municipalities may enact their own criminal ordinances within their jurisdiction and generally are free to prescribe the necessary mental state to be guilty of a crime.

However, a recent amendment to this Alabama law prohibits a municipality from adopting a mental state different from the state statute.

Despite this robust protection, farmers should continue to exercise the utmost caution when dealing with livestock near roadways. It is in the best interest of the livestock owner to ensure all animals are properly contained and accounted for.

Compiled by Caleb Currie, Ag Law Pathway Intern

FFA Equips the Future of Agriculture

By Maggie Edwards

National blue and corn gold spread through downtown Montgomery June 7-9 as over 1,500 students stepped into the Capital City to celebrate the state’s largest career technical organization.

Students also competed in contests held in Auburn June 6 before the start of the 95th annual Alabama FFA State Convention. The Alabama Farmers Federation and partner organizations annually sponsor a handful of Career Development Events (CDE) and Proficiency Awards, which helps students develop skills across commodity specialties.

Those sponsorships include the forestry CDE, especially important since Alabama is home to 23 million acres of timber, said Lamar Dewberry.

“We need to support FFA programs so these students recognize their importance to the Federation and Alabama Treasure Forest Association (ATFA),” said Dewberry of Clay County. “FFA gives students an outlet to feel they are worth something. Everyone has a place to participate, and they are often led to choose a career that aligns with agriculture.”

Dewberry is a former agriscience teacher, current landowner, chairman of the Federation Forestry Committee and an executive committee member of ATFA, a partner of the Federation.

He also led Alabama’s first nationalwinning forestry judging team in the ‘80s.

This year, Morgan County’s Falkville FFA Chapter took home the first-place award for forestry judging. Cedric Beavers, also of Falkville, was the highest individual scorer.

“I have enjoyed forestry judging since I was in seventh grade,” said Beavers, a rising senior at Falkville High School. “My favorite part of this contest is tree identification. We take 20 trees and identify them by the leaves, bark and markings.”

Beavers — alongside teammates Avery Bramlett, Meggie Bramlett, Landen Fields and Talon Payne and adviser Ashley Holmes — said he’s excited to represent Alabama at National FFA Convention in Indiana this November.

“It is a dream come true to compete in forestry at nationals,” Beavers said. “We are thankful for all the contest sponsors.”

Beavers said he loves convention because it gives him the chance to be around other students who are passionate about the industry.

“I come from a row crop farm and forest land background,” he said. “I want to continue my love for ag, major in horticulture and own a landscaping and logging business in the future.”

During convention, the Alabama

FFA Foundation inducted six influential individuals to the FFA Wall of Honor. Honorees included Federation Director of Agricultural Legislation Preston Roberts, Alabama FFA Executive Secretary Jerad Dyess, John Colquitt, the late Scott Crosby, Kim Jordan and Gerald Smitherman.

Additionally, Federation Broadcast Director Kevin Worthington, Creative Technical Director Mike Moody and Graphic Designer Laura Unger received Honorary FFA State Degrees for outstanding contributions to agriculture.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell commended the Alabama FFA Association for its positive influence on the state’s agricultural industry.

“These students are our future,” Parnell said. “It is a privilege for the Alabama Farmers Federation to give back to this association.”

A trade show was held in conjunction with convention. Students from across the state circled through the exhibit hall where Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer taught members about careers and opportunities in agriculture.

“It is important for us to connect with FFA members at a young age,” McBrayer said. “We need them to get involved and stay engaged in programs like Young Farmers. They are a light for our industry, and it’s exciting to see them excited about agriculture.”

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer visited with FFA members like Alex Lee, the Douglas FFA Chapter president, at convention.

The Falkville FFA Chapter was awarded first place in the forestry judging Career Development Event during convention. From left are team members Avery Bramlett, Landen Fields, Meggie Bramlett, Talon Payne and Cedric Beavers.

Conference Inspires Educators to Bring Ag into Classrooms

generations about the importance of the industry.”

Rachel Chastain of Talladega County and Kathy DeFoor of Morgan County kicked off the conference telling their personal farm stories and AITC experiences.

The leaders met during their first AITC Summer Institute in 2012.

“Ag in the Classroom put me in the right place at the right time,” said Chastain, who teaches agriculture at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s Helen Keller School. “My students are working toward different goals and became very engaged in the ag activities I would bring back to the classroom.”

AITC helped kick-start Chastain’s Alabama Farmers Federation involvement, too.

“I went to thank my local Federation for an AITC mini grant I received for my classroom and was led to get involved with the organization,” said Chastain, who serves as the Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee secretary.

For DeFoor, the AITC door opened when her husband saw an advertisement for the conference in the Federation’s Neighbors magazine.

“My husband farms, and

By Maggie Edwards

Seventy-one educators from across the state headed to Huntsville June 14-16 for hands-on learning, farm tours and workshops during the annual Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute.

AITC Committee Chair Kim Earwood said this conference is centered around ways to implement agriculture into teachers’ curricula.

“I am amazed at how many of our educators show up every year excited to learn about agriculture,” Earwood said. “Teachers realize where our food comes from, but their goal is to teach future

Rachel Chastain of Talladega County, left, and Kathy DeFoor of Morgan County led a joint presentation, “Pollinator Partners.” Both educators began their AITC journey in 2012 and have presented at the National AITC Conference.

Fresh-picked produce was a conference favorite during farm tours as attendees savored the sweet taste of strawberries straight off the plant. Over 70 teachers walked the fields at Isom’s Orchard learning firsthand about agriculture.

Educators spent time at Isom’s Orchard in Athens June 15. Teachers enjoyed picking strawberries, inspecting grapes, visiting the peach orchard and tasting fresh watermelon — and gleaned inspiration they’ll take back to their classrooms this fall.

I teach,” said DeFoor, a sixth-grade educator at Eva School. “After attending my first conference, I came back to the classroom with renewed energy and felt this information was good to share with my students.”

For first-timer John Wilson, AITC Summer Institute was eye-opening.

“I was raised on a small farm, so I understand agricultural life,” said Wilson, a former agriscience teacher and now director of Limestone County Career Tech. “But I realize I take agriculture for granted, because not everyone has the chance to live the ag life. This conference helps get people’s boots dirty and learn a little bit.”

Wilson said he attended the conference to take back ideas to his county elementary agriculture programs.

“We modeled Limestone County elementary ag classes after the success of programs in Georgia,” he said. “I am here to bring fresh ideas back to this program, which is one of the first elementary ag programs in Alabama.”

During their presentation, Chastain and DeFoor discussed ag-centered lessons they use in their classrooms.

“At AIDB, we started a beekeeping program,” Chastain said. “I was able to share the resources, lesson plans and activities my students did to learn about pollinators.”

At Eva School, DeFoor put her efforts in teaching pollination.

“My students made items using beeswax and honey,” she said. “We did in-depth studies using charts and graphs, which circles back to math and science curriculum.”

Attendees crisscrossed north Alabama on Day 2 of the conference for farm tours that included stops at Isom’s Orchard in Athens, Tate Farms in Meridianville and the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur.

“It was very neat to spend one-onone time with farmers,” Wilson said. “The farm panel at lunch discussed the disconnect between people and agriculture. I think this program is geared toward combating that issue.”

The farmer panel included four Madison County farmers — Seth and Kaylee Hubert of Hubert Family Farms, Federation North Area Vice President Rex Vaughn and Mike Tate of Tate Farms — plus Lydia Haynes of Haynes Farms in Cullman County.

“One of the most important parts of this conference is providing teachers the chance to visit farms and meet farmers firsthand,” Earwood said.

Attendees left Huntsville with a box of accurate ag books, posters and other educational materials worth almost $400.

“I want to thank these partner

organizations for seeing the importance teachers have in a child’s life,” DeFoor said. “This conference impacts thousands of lives.”

Chastain echoed DeFoor, adding AITC takes a burden off teachers.

“I have benefited from the AITC program and am a better educator for it,” Chastain said.

The deadline to apply for the 2024 AITC Summer Institute is April 15. Learn more about Summer Institute or access AITC materials at AlabamaAITC.org.

Jefferson County’s 12-teacher-strong delegation, including the teachers above, said they enjoyed learning from farmers during tours. The educators also networked with other teachers from across the state and took home nearly $400 each in educational materials to implement in their classrooms.

During Day 1, Roberta McClellan of Cullman County and fellow attendees learned about the many roles farmers play as they produce a variety of crops.

Limestone County Career Tech Director John Wilson attended his first AITC Summer Institute this year. He was encouraged to take materials back to his county elementary agricultural education programs.

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Opportunity for New Alabama Cash Crop on the Horizon

By Maggie Edwards

Amber fields of barley blanketed the Tennessee Valley Regional Research and Extension Center in Limestone County days before harvest in June.

The crop holds promise for farmers, thanks to barley research by top scientists and specialists at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

“Barley is very relatable to any of our other small grains,” said David Harkins, an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station regional director who helped manage HudsonAlpha’s local trials. “We treat this like all of our other small grain variety trials.”

Planting and harvesting barley is similar to caring for wheat, said HudsonAlpha project coordinator Kaitlyn Williams.

“The biggest difference between this crop and other established cash crops is the newness of it for our local farmers,” Williams said. “Our research is helping bridge the information gap for agronomic management recommendations in our region. This barley will primarily be used for craft beer, which is a relatively new industry for this area.”

Traditionally, Alabama farmers have grown corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and wheat. The state’s agricultural economy relies on these crops, said Dr. Josh Clevenger, who is a facility investigator and plant breeding specialist at HudsonAlpha.

“We want to do a better job at giving farmers more growing options,” Clevenger said. “Being at this institution gives us that opportunity. With the Southeast malting industry as it is, our first idea was a value-added crop, which led us to researching and growing barley.”

HudsonAlpha is celebrating 15 years of discovery, innovation and progress. The institute in Huntsville is a global leader in genetic research and strives to help farmers increase yields, improve plant genetics and diversify available crops.

“The main goal for barley research trials was to see if farmers could grow this as a cover crop, sell it for a premium and then put it back into a local economy,” Clevenger said.

Researchers planted 12 varieties of barley this year at the Tennessee Valley station, in addition to trials on other north Alabama farms. Testing occurred throughout the growing season, when growth and frost damage ratings were

taken to determine the crop’s success. Once harvested, the grain was tested for protein and toxicity levels.

For further trials, HudsonAlpha partnered with Bevel Farms in Albertville, Crazy 0 Farms in Henegar and Martin Farms in Courtland.

“Our farmers have been growing wheat at high yields for years,” Harkins said. “Barley should have the same yield as their wheat fields. The only difference is where you market it.”

HudsonAlpha created a pipeline for farmers to connect with regional malters, Williams added.

After harvest, the Tennessee Valley barley was sold to Riverbend Malt House in Asheville, North Carolina, and Old South Malt House in Cullman. After the journey from field to malt house, the grain will be transformed into a high-quality malt used by local breweries.

“The idea is for us to slowly back off this project and let the local economy boom, new businesses be formed and farmers find a new crop,” Williams said.

A field day May 19 brought growers and buyers together at the Tennessee Valley station as a networking opportunity to encourage farmers to step into this new area of agriculture.

The Alabama Farmers Federation supports HudsonAlpha and its drive to help Alabama farmers. The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation contributed $200,000 to other HudsonAlpha agriculture project facilities this year.

“At HudsonAlpha, we dedicate our resources to help farmers in Alabama,” said Williams, who is involved in Marshall County Young Farmers. “Our work is creating real change, new farming methods and impacting farmers’ bottom lines.”

Farmers interested in participating in barley trials should contact HudsonAlpha for more information.

HudsonAlpha hosted a barley field day at the Tennessee Valley Regional Research and Extension Center May 19 for buyers and growers to come together and network before harvest.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By Alabama Pork Checkoff and National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2024 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place July 12, 2023, at 6:30 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

Top Teacher Will Traverse State in New Chevy Courtesy of Alfa

his selection as Alabama’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.

“As a math teacher, you would think I’d spend most of my day teaching math, but really, I spend the majority of my time helping students believe they can really do math,” Norris said. “Knowing they can tackle tough math problems helps them become more resilient in other parts of their lives. At the start of a new day, I know that’s the only time I get to live that day, so I try to make the most of it.”

Norris’ new ride received spirited approval from more than 100 students as they took turns testing the seats’ comfort level, exploring the spacious interior and investigating touchscreen navigation tools in the vehicle.

like getting to visit with people in the communities we serve through Alfa and the Federation.”

Alfa covers one year’s use of the vehicle, while the Federation pays for auto insurance coverage from the Alabama-based insurance company.

The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) administers the Teacher of the Year program. As this year’s winner, Norris will travel the state as a spokesperson for ALSDE. He’ll also serve as the state’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year contest.

By Mary Wilson

Oak Mountain Middle School students and staff added one more activity to their busy May schedules — celebrating teacher Jeffrey Norris as he received the year’s use of a car from Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

A sixth grade math teacher, Norris received a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse May 19 after a school assembly honoring

This marks the 27th year Alfa has provided a car for Alabama’s Teacher of the Year.

“We always enjoy recognizing our state’s top educator, and we appreciate everyone at Oak Mountain Middle School for helping make this happen during a busy time of year,” said Jimmy Parnell, president of Alfa and the Federation. “It’s great to see how excited these young people are about their teacher receiving this car, and we

“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we have with Alfa and the generous contributions made to the Teacher of the Year program,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “Through their continued support over the years, not only has Alfa made the role of the Alabama Teacher of the Year more convenient, but they have shown diligent commitment to excellence in teaching. Providing the Alabama Teacher of the Year with a comfortable and safe automobile to travel around the state is just one of the many ways in which Alfa exhibits its dedication to quality education.”

From left are Oak Mountain Middle School Principal Dr. Larry Haynes; Shelby County Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks; Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey; Alabama Teacher of the Year Jeffrey Norris; Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell; Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan; Alfa Executive Vice President of Marketing Mark Evans; Alfa Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Facilities Stephanie Palmore; and Federation District 6 Director Phillip Hunter.

Scores of sixth graders surrounded Alabama Teacher of the Year Jeffrey Norris May 19 when he received his prize package for being named the state’s top educator. He received a year’s use of a Traverse from Alfa Insurance, with insurance paid for by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Hood Joins Federation Communications Team

The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed Tanner Hood as its multimedia communications specialist May 15. Hood previously served farmers as a Communications Department intern in 2022.

In his new role, Hood is dividing time between production support and content creation. He is also providing department support, assisting in broadcast and podcast production, contributing articles to Neighbors magazine, providing support for the Farm-City program and leading efforts in website communication.

Hood said joining the Federation full time feels like coming home.

“It is an honor to work for an organization that has supported me and other farmers,” said Hood, 22. “I am excited to give back to my state and our hard-working members.”

This May, Hood graduated from Auburn University (AU) with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. At AU, he was involved in Collegiate Young Farmers and Auburn Christian Student Center. He was also a student writer for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Hood grew up on a beef cattle farm in Lawrence County; earned the Lawrence County Farmers Federation and Alabama Farmers Agriculture

Foundation scholarship; and represented Alabama this past March in the American Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet, making the Sweet 16.

Federation Communications Department Director Jeff Helms said Hood’s rural upbringing and joy for service made him a great fit for the state’s largest farm organization.

“During his time as an intern, Tanner impressed both coworkers and members with his passion for agriculture and work ethic,” Helms said. “He embodies the Alfa Companies’ core values of faith, family, community and integrity. We are excited to see him serve Alabama farmers.”

Hood will marry fiancée Lauren Hopper this August. They plan to live in Montgomery.

Hood

SUMMER CAMP

Iwish I had a few million bucks. You know what I’d do? I’d buy a piece of land way out in the middle of the country and build bunkhouses for kids who are having rough childhoods. Kids without parents or kids who are neglected or orphaned. I would call it Camp Okie Dokie.

Camp Okie Dokie would also be a shelter to many, many stray dogs and rescue animals. We would have the largest collection of cats, dogs, horses, pigs, zebras and giraffes this side of the Mississippi.

And the library. Our library would be ridiculously big.

Children would have access to more than just books. They would be allowed to rent baseball gloves, Louisville sluggers, bicycles, guitars, water guns, camping gear and fishing rods.

Fishing will be a big deal.

There will be 42 ponds, which will all be stocked with so much bream, bass and crappie that all you have to do is sneeze and fish start jumping into your boat. Kids will be encouraged to catch as many as they can since there will be a fish fry every Friday with hushpuppies and 4 metric tons of cheese grits.

Nightly, there will be an old movie played on the massive theater screen near the waterslides and roller coasters. No modern movies will be shown, only Herbie movies, old Disney cartoons, “The Apple Dumpling Gang,” “The Ghost and Mister Chicken” and reruns of the “Andy Griffith Show.”

There will be free ice cream every weekday from 6 a.m. to midnight. See Marge at the front desk about complimentary insulin pumps.

Game night will consist of all the classics: Battleship, Twister, Monopoly, Scrabble and all games under the

Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers labels, except Operation, which is dumb. I never liked Operation. I grew up with an Operation game that had a broken buzzer, so we had to use the honor system.

There will be free therapy for all kids, so kids won’t grow up to be afraid of mental-health therapists like I was. Therapy will be fun and exciting and normalized. All our therapists will be dressed like comic superheroes because that’s what many of them are.

Camp Okie Dokie will also employ adult men who will act as surrogate fathers to fatherless kids, just like I was. These staff members will be trained to teach boys that not every male conversation or activity has to be reduced to a contest of one-upmanship.

The camp will also have a full staff of women who serve as surrogate mothers, teaching all children that a positive body-image has nothing to do with adipose tissue.

Camp Okie Dokie will have a squadron of old women and men whose sole task will be to go around acting like grandparents to kids who have never known the privilege of the elderly. Old women will wear aprons stained in grease and flour. Old men will wear trousers up to their armpits. These people will tell wounded children they are perfect and that just because bad things happen in life, it doesn’t mean life itself is bad.

They will tell kids that just because you don’t feel loved, it doesn’t mean you aren’t. They will remind kids that, when you’re older, just because you don’t have a few million bucks in the bank doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to a hurting child and change their life.

Because you can. ■

It’s Up to You! Fireflies or Lightning Bugs?

By Chip East and Xing Ping Hu

Fireworks aren’t the only things lighting up the sky in July. Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, you must admit: Light-producing insects are fascinating.

These light-producing insects are not a true fly or bug. They are beetles in the family Lampyridae. Fireflies are found worldwide in temperate and tropical areas and on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive around standing water and marshes in wooded areas.

Life Cycle

Like all beetles, fireflies have a complete life cycle consisting of four stages — egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Adult females lay eggs around midsummer in moist places near the ground. The eggs will hatch into firefly larvae in two or three weeks. The firefly will spend most of its life as a larva in the soil or under tree bark. This can last well over a year, while the adult stage will only last a few weeks.

Fireflies are considered a beneficial insect, with the larval stage being most beneficial. The firefly larvae are predators of snails, slugs and other soft-bodied insects. However, firefly adults are not carnivorous. Some species eat the nectar or pollen of flowers, others eat smaller fireflies, and some eat nothing.

The Light

The larvae of all firefly species are bioluminescent, but not all adults can

produce light.

Larvae use light, which is a chemical reaction, as warning displays to ward off predators, and the adult uses the light to signal to each other and attract mates. Scientists also use the flashing pattern and color to distinguish between different species.

Based on adult courtship behavior, fireflies are categorized into three groups — flashing fireflies, daytime dark fireflies and glowworms. The eggs can glow, too, but the intensity is low. The light serves another purpose for the firefly; these insects taste bitter to predators. The glowing identifies them, so predators avoid eating the fireflies.

Protecting Fireflies

In 2021, researchers completed a risk assessment and found 14% of firefly species are threatened by extinction. Several factors contribute to the decline

of firefly populations, including habitat loss due to urban development, light pollution, drought, incorrect use of pesticides and lawn fertilizer.

There are several things you can do in the landscape to help firefly populations. Decrease light pollution by turning off exterior lights during the firefly mating season, and allow low-hanging branches to remain on trees and shrubs. If possible, allow some natural areas to remain with leaf litter and tall grasses. Adding a water garden to the landscape may encourage fireflies because the firefly larva likes damp soil. Reduce lawn fertilizer and pesticide when possible. Try to avoid using broad spectrum pesticides and broadcasting them over large areas.

Understanding and managing the desired habitat for fireflies is important as people help encourage these beneficial insects.

Firefly Facts

l There are approximately 2,200 species of fireflies found worldwide and about 171 species in North America.

l Eighteen of those species in North America are endangered.

l There are about 75 species in the Southeastern United States.

l About 50 different species are found in Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Seafood: Grilling a Taste of the Coast

By Justin Miller

Alabama is home to some of the best seafood in the country. For many, it wouldn’t be summer without getting a taste of fresh Alabama seafood. While taking a trip to the coast is always fun, you can bring the taste of the coast to your backyard grill.

What’s on the Menu?

Alice Moore, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food safety and quality regional agent, said many of Alabama’s fish, crustaceans and mollusks are perfect for grilling.

“There are many kinds of seafood that are prime candidates for grilling because of their nutritional

composition, physical attributes and flavor,” Moore said. “Compared to red meats and poultry, seafood has smaller percentages of skeletal and connective tissues, making it a fast and easy grilling option.”

Some common types of seafood used for grilling include flounder, grouper, redfish, oysters and shrimp. A more in-depth list of grillable seafood is in the Alabama Extension publication Grilling Alabama Seafood, available at aces.edu.

How to Choose Fresh Seafood

When purchasing seafood, several qualities signal freshness. Moore said using scent is one of the best ways to determine if seafood is fresh.

Tips to Grill Great Seafood

n Avoid strong lighter fluids or self-lighting charcoal. Their scents can affect flavors.

n A hot fire (375 to 425 F) is best for cooking seafood.

n Oil the grate and seafood with vegetable oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

n Use direct heat to cook small, whole or butterflied fish, fish steaks and fillets, kabobs, crustaceans and mollusks. Use indirect heat for large whole or stuffed fish.

n Turn most seafood halfway through cooking time.

“Fresh seafood should not smell fishy, sour or ammonia-like,” Moore said. “You will want to choose seafood that has a faint sea smell.”

In addition to scent, there are several visual elements to look for. Fresh seafood should look moist and never slimy or dry around the edges. Fish eyes should be clear and well-rounded, and their gills should be bright red or pink. For mollusks, only buy ones that are alive. Live mollusks will have tightly closed shells. Do not buy ones that have open shells.

Moore said crustaceans — such as crabs, prawns and shrimp — also have several elements that denote freshness.

“The tail meat from prawns and shrimp should be uniformly light colored with no signs of discoloration around the tail joints,” Moore said. “Do not purchase tail meat that is slimy or smelly. Also, fresh soft-shell crabs should have a mild, pleasant scent and a bright color.”

Grilling Techniques

There are several grilling techniques used for seafood. For starters, Moore said seafood should ideally be purchased the day one plans to grill it.

“Fish, crustaceans and mollusks are among the most perishable muscle proteins,” Moore said. “It is best to grill seafood the day it is purchased. However, when buying seafood ahead of time, be sure to store it adequately and appropriately until it is prepared and cooked.”

Welcome back, family! We’ve had such a glorious summer already here in Alabama, and grilling season is in full swing at my house. Most weekday evenings consist of the three of us on the back porch, cooking and eating supper while we catch up on the day with one another.

This month, I wanted to share a new baked bean recipe that is sure to be a great addition to your collection. I have been making a big batch of some classic heat-and-eat sides at the start of each week to keep in the fridge. I like to rotate these dishes throughout the week with a variety of entrees to keep things fresh but still save time and effort in the kitchen. This gives me more time outdoors and more time with my family, which is a double win in my book. These baked beans are thick, rich and bacon-y — all things a great baked bean recipe should be!

Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake

By Christy Jordan, Madison County

Prep Time Servings

30 mins 8 to 10

Ingredients

1 angel food cake

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups milk

1 (8-ounce) carton whipped topping

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced

Instructions

Now, call me simple, but I love a good hot dog. Nothing takes hot dogs over the top like an out-of-this-world chili sauce, just like the one I’m sharing with you. I often make a double — or even triple — batch and freeze the extra portions. I love that I can toss it in a slow cooker to reheat and easily take the chili to cookouts or family get-togethers. It’s important to note this recipe calls for a 90/10 ground beef blend. That ratio simply means roughly 90% lean and 10% fat; you’ll find that information right on the package label. Opting for lower fat meat means no draining, making it even easier.

Last, but certainly not least, is a recipe from Alabama Farmers Federation family member and dear friend of mine Christy Jordan. Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake is the dessert Christy’s husband requests each year for his birthday. It is a

Trim brown edges from cake and discard. Tear remaining cake into small pieces. In a medium bowl, prepare pudding as directed with milk. Fold in whipped topping. Place a third of the torn cake pieces in a serving bowl. Top with a third of the pudding mixture and half the strawberries. Repeat and top with remaining cake and pudding. Garnish with additional strawberries. Refrigerate before serving.

time-honored favorite at every summer gathering her family has and strikes the perfect balance when you want a little something sweet — but not too sweet. I know you’ll love it as much as we do.

Whether it’s taking a trip you’ve always dreamed of, catching a sunset or just visiting with friends over a simple supper of hot dogs and baked beans, I hope you’re able to take a little time to enjoy the best parts of this season. I look forward to seeing you back here next month!

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.

Stacey’s Recipe Note

Bacon Baked Beans

Prep Time Cook Time Servings

20 mins 45 mins 8

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, coarsely chopped

1 small, sweet onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 (28-ounce) cans pork and beans in tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

Instructions

Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Prep Time Cook Time Servings

5 mins 50 mins 8 to 10

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small, sweet onion, finely diced

1 pound lean ground beef or ground sirloin (90/10 lean-to-fat ratio or leaner)

2 cups beef broth

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon MSG (I use Accent)

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

Over medium heat in a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef and beef broth. Use a spoon to break meat up. Brown the meat, uncovered, until cooked through. Do not drain.

Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, cumin, MSG and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, about 30 minutes or until liquid has reduced to your liking.

For added flavor, make a day in advance, cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to serve, add chili sauce to a skillet or Dutch oven, cover, and bring to a simmer. Add additional broth or water if desired. Serve warm over your favorite frank.

Heat oven to 350 F. In a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot, discarding the rest. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add pork and beans with sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Sprinkle bacon over the top and place in the oven uncovered. Bake about 45 minutes or until bubbly. Serve warm.

MSG is not required but sure does make the sauce taste great.