August Is National
Catfish Month
August 2021 | Volume 46 | Number 8 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate 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 Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville John Bert East | Leesburg Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Seminole Thomas Adams | Newville Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Brady Peek | Athens 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.
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In This Issue 4 | Timber Values Stagnant As Lumber Prices Soar
7 | Alabama Beef Producers Travel To South Dakota
25 | Farmers Endorse Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff
9 | Teachers Learn About Ag During Summer Institute
12 | Federation Involvement Spans Generations 22 | 4-H Center Dedicates New
Facilities In Columbiana
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On The Cover
August is National Catfish Month! Celebrate by enjoying healthy, delicious U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish grown by farmers like Ashley and Scarlett Kyser of Hale County. Ashley is Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year. Photo By Marlee Moore
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www.AlfaFarmers.org
EDQAM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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Timber Values Stagnant As Lumber Prices Soar By Marlee Moore owering pines line roadways in T Alabama, a state where construction is booming, and lumber prices are
soaring. Meanwhile, timberland owners, whose raw materials are in demand, suffer stagnant timber values. “We supply that wood, and the wood is there, but the price hasn’t gone up for us,” said Elliott Poole, who owns timberland in Sumter and Clarke counties. In the fourth quarter of 2019, Alabama sawtimber averaged $22.84
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a ton. It rose just 69 cents in a year to $23.53. In nearly the same time, low interest rates fueled a building frenzy. From early 2020 to 2021, a thousand board feet of 2-by-4 framing lumber jumped from $370 to $1,155. Oriented strand board (OSB) increased from $255 to $795 per thousand square feet. While headlines in June heralded a 40% plunge in prices, the staggering statistic doesn’t tell the full story, said the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Adam Maggard. “I wouldn’t assume that prices will continue to fall for good as seen
in the recent drop in price,” said the forestry and wildlife sciences specialist. “There is no way to know exactly what will happen, but prices could remain volatile and fluctuate in the months ahead. However, we have seen some homeowners deciding to postpone their renovation or new home activities as lumber prices are currently too high.” Demand over the past year has fueled lumber price increases (and sticker shock) for construction companies and homeowners who undertook DIY-renovation projects during the recent pandemic. The alfafarmers.org
“We supply that wood, and the wood is there, but the price hasn’t gone up for us.” Elliott Poole timberland owner sumter & clarke counties
increase persisted even as mills that slowed down during pandemic-induced labor shortages roared back into production. Builders like Matt McIntyre of McIntyre Home Builders are feeling the effects; customers are, too. McIntyre said plywood was $8 per sheet last fall. Prices jumped to the mid-forties or higher. If he averages 220 sheets of plywood per 2,000-squarefoot house, that’s an extra $8,000 per house in plywood alone. The National Association of Home Builders reports lumber prices have added nearly $36,000 to the price of an average single-family home. Experts say inflation could temper
prices — but it’s not a given. (The April Consumer Price Index was up 4.2% from April 2020, the largest year-overyear jump since September 2008. The increase from March to April was 0.8%.) Rising end-product costs don’t correlate with Alabama’s abundant forestland, said Alabama Farmers Federation Forestry Division Director William Green. More than two-thirds of Alabama is covered in forests. That’s 23 million acres. Alabama landowners also plant more trees annually than are harvested. Building new mills to process more timber sounds like a solution. But it’s not that simple, Green said. “You don’t know what the market
Builders like Matt McIntyre, left, have faced skyrocketing lumber prices over the last year, with plywood reaching prices in the mid-$40s per sheet or higher. He and Alabama Farmers Federation Forestry Division Director William Green discussed the issue at a house site in Enterprise this summer. alfafarmers.org
is going to look like in 18-plus months when the mill is finally built,” said Green, who also leads the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA). “Will that investment pay off? A lot of family-owned sawmills were bought out by larger companies during the last recession. It’s not easy to anticipate how a market will react over time.” Time is essential in the Wood Basket. Lumber is sawn from pine logs, and it takes about 30 years of growth before pines are harvested. A lot can change in three decades, said Poole, an ATFA member. For example, the Conservation Reserve Program started in 1985 to compensate landowners who planted trees on former cropland. The federal program was supposed to control erosion and stabilize commodity prices. Thirty-plus years later, it’s also adding a glut of timber to the market. Mills are choosy, too, said Poole. As mills upgrade technology, smaller, more uniform logs are processed, which means some pines have outgrown higher market values. Poole doesn’t expect an answer immediately. But in a state where forestry has a $21 billion economic impact annually, he and other landowners need a breakthrough — soon. “We’re not looking to take someone else’s profit,” Poole said. “But what is the solution?” August 2021
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Federation Beef Producers Tour South Dakota Farms By Debra Davis he Alabama Farmers Federation Beef T Tour to South Dakota gave attendees a look at cattle ranching on a big scale
Alabama Beef Tour attendees learned about bull evaluation at the South Dakota State University Cow-Calf Unit in Brookings.
Eddie Westbrook from Montgomery County checked out finished steers at the South Dakota State University Feed Lot. alfafarmers.org
Lakin Whatley
for Walt and Peggy Prevatt; their second to South Dakota. The Wilcox County couple said they learned helpful tips on the tour and appreciate the fellowship and friendships made along the way. “This tour had good diversity that included cow-calf, stockers, feed lots, purebred and seed stock operations,” Walt said. “We found ourselves taking photos of things like gates, water troughs and feeding systems to try to find things that we can use to improve
Lakin Whatley
as farmers crisscrossed the state by bus June 6-11. Most ranches on the tour had several thousand head of cattle compared to their home state, where a herd of 300 is considered large. “We learned a lot from visiting operations that are much larger than we have in Alabama,” said Blount County’s Tim Whitley, chairman of the Federation’s State Beef Committee. “Just watching the way those size operations handle cattle with ease and speed was amazing.” Whitley is a Federation state board member who raises Red Angus cattle on his farm in Snead. He said cattlemen can learn a lot on tours, which helps makes them better producers. “This was my first Federation Beef Tour,” Whitley said. “I would highly recommend it to anyone in the beef business.” It was the third Federation Beef Tour
American Farm Bureau Vice President Scott VanderWal of South Dakota explained how grain bins play a role in his custom feeding operation.
our farm. It’s also interesting to see the economy of scale on bigger farms. We have got to find a way to ensure farming is profitable for young people. That’s the key to getting them to choose farming as a career.” For Peggy, the highlight was the people she met — all connected by their love of the cattle industry and farming. “The people on the tour with us and the people on the farms we toured are about the friendliest people you’ll ever meet,” she said. Walt added the tour provides a social aspect he and Peggy enjoy. “It’s nice to talk and get to know other cattlemen from our own state and spend time with them,” he said. “We’ve made some new friends and contacts through this trip. We are very appreciative to the Farmers Federation for organizing and hosting this tour. We need more of these kinds of opportunities. A lot of education takes place outside of a classroom, which is very practical. Most people can identify with something they see and can adopt on their farm.” For photos of the Beef Tour, visit the Federation’s Facebook or Flickr pages. August 2021
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Above: Seventy-eight teachers learned how to incorporate agriculture into their school curriculum during Summer Institute in June. Left: Farmer Jordyn Upchurch of Clay County answered questions regarding beef production and processing at Rockin’ U Farm during a lunch panel.
Teachers Learn Importance Of Agriculture At Summer Institute By Lakin Whatley eachers across Alabama gathered T in Opelika to learn about agriculture and how to implement it in their schools
at the Alabama Ag In The Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute June 16-18. The program allowed 78 teachers to become students while they attended farm field trips and participated in agricultural education activities. “You don’t realize how important agriculture is until you learn all the things the industry provides,” said Sueanne Strickland, a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Conecuh Springs Christian School in Bullock County. “I am excited to take this information back to my students, and I hope they realize the impact agriculture has on our lives.” Workshop speakers included Hollie Terry, director of School Programs at the
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Alabama Nature Center, and Jana Miller with the Dairy Alliance. “I liked how the speakers related agriculture to traditional elementary subjects such as math and science,” said Strickland. “I received some great ideas on how to integrate agriculture into the subjects I teach.” Farm tours included Blue Ribbon Dairy in Tallassee, Whippoorwill Vineyards in Notasulga and Lazenby Farms in Auburn. A panel of four local farmers answered questions from teachers at lunch during the tour. Topics included beef production, the timber industry, precision agriculture and labor issues. Teachers enjoyed interacting with bottle-fed calves at Blue Ribbon Dairy in Tallassee. August 2021
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Theresa Patterson and Shannon Taylor tasted the fruits of Whippoorwill Vineyards’ labor when touring the Notasulga farm.
Kindergarten through third-grade teachers made farm-focused crafts with the help of the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee.
A wealth of knowledge is not all the teachers took back to their classrooms. Each teacher received a kit with numerous books, posters, educator guides and other classroom activities valued at $375 each. Drawings were held for teachers who won classroom supplies, egg incubators, egg scopes
and soybean science kits. LaTonja Henderson, media specialist at Reeltown Elementary School, was excited about the resources and materials she received as a summer institute attendee. “As a librarian in a rural area, I have students with agricultural backgrounds,
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and I felt I needed more resources relating to them,” she said. “I now have a stack of agricultural-based books to take back to the school.” AITC Steering Committee Chair Kim Earwood said teachers were excited to attend after the 2020 AITC summer institute was canceled. “One educator told me, ‘In 26 years of teaching, this is the most informative workshop I have been to, and I actually have some curriculum I can use,’” Earwood said. “That’s why we feel this institute is so important to agriculture as well as teachers and students.” Each year, Alabama AITC provides grants for classroom projects that integrate agriculture into curriculum areas during the school year. The Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries collaborate to provide the institute. The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, primarily funded by the sale of ag tag license plates, also provides support to the program. For more information, visit AlabamaAITC.org.
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ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Roots Run Deep
Faith, Family And Farming Span Generations
By Debra Davis and Marlee Moore many farm families across the state, their roots run in the Alabama Farmers Federation. Fordeep The organization was founded in 1921 as Alabama Farm Bureau. Although the name changed, farmers’ belief in its mission remained. It’s a belief many farmers have passed to the next generation. When flipping through old county directories or issues of Neighbors magazine, names rise from the pages across the years: Corcoran, Ellison and Maples
The Corcoran Family
are among a bevy of others. Once a family sees the impact the Federation has on faith, family and farming, the next generation is all in. Leadership rises from the organization’s grassroots, and many leaders get their start in the Young Farmers Program before progressing to county, commodity, state and national roles. Three families whose involvement spans generations are featured below. Remember: These are just a fraction of the farm families in the Alabama Farmers Federation. And it’s never too late to be the first generation.
onny Corcoran of Barbour County is a legend in Alabama’s S rich farming history and was a leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation. He chaired and founded the Alabama Boll Weevil
A portrait of Sonny and Ann Corcoran of Barbour County is held by family members, front row from left, Kim and Walt Corcoran, Tom and Denise Corcoran; second row, Allie Logan, Gardner Young, Liston Clark and Joe, Shelby and Henry Corcoran; third row; Sterling, Cassie, Cody and Cade Young. 12
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Eradication Program and served in state and national leadership roles in the cotton and peanut industries. His wife Ann, who lives on their farm, served four terms as State Women’s Committee chairman. The Corcorans’ love for the Federation transcends generations. Their children grew up attending Federation events, as have their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Walt and wife Kim have two daughters, Allie Corcoran Logan and Cassie Corcoran Young, who have held positions in the county Young Farmers. Walt served on the State Young Farmers Committee, and Allie is a former state committee chairman. Both help lead state commodity committees. Cassie’s husband, Cody, also farms and is on the Federation’s State Cotton Committee and county Young Farmers committee. Tom and Denise’s family is part of the farm, too. Their son, Joe, is on the county Young Farmers committee, while their son, Liston, is a student at Auburn University. Tom is a board member for the county Federation and Alabama Peanut Producers. Walt and Tom’s nephew, Liston Clark, also works on the farm, is a county board member and serves on the State Beef Committee. alfafarmers.org
The Ellison Family
Baldwin County farmer Burie Ellison, second from left, with his father, F.B. Ellison; son, Brady; and grandson, Tucker.
The Maples Family
From left are Ben, Tommy and Billy Maples of Limestone County — three generations of leaders in the Alabama Farmers Federation. alfafarmers.org
he Alabama Farmers Federation is an important ingredient T to successful farming for the Ellison family in Baldwin County. Being part of an organization that represents their political
interests, offers educational opportunities and provides social networking is what kept them involved for three generations. Patriarch F.B. Ellison is a former Federation state board member and county president. His son, Burie, serves on the Baldwin County board. Burie’s son, Brady, is a member of the county Young Farmers. “When I was in high school, I can remember my dad leaving home to attend Federation meetings in Montgomery or going on other Federation trips,” Burie said. “His friends would sometimes tease him about leaving the farm, but he knew the importance of being part of what was going on. Being a part of the Farmers Federation helps us get to know people from all over the state. We learn things from each other that make us better farmers, and we have people to help us when we need it.” The kind of help the Federation can bring was evident in November 2020 when Baldwin County voters overwhelmingly passed two local amendments to protect rural areas against unwanted annexation.
hree generations of Maples men have carried the mantle of T State Young Farmers Committee chair — Billy from 1965-66, Tommy in 1995 and Ben in 2018 — a unique feat within the
Alabama Farmers Federation. When Billy was a child, he helped his father recruit Limestone County Farm Bureau members. Later, Billy hit the road enlisting county Young Farmers, attending board meetings and traveling to national events, including a leadership conference in California. Generations of Maples children grew up around the Federation, routinely playing in the back of meeting rooms. When Tommy and Ben were chairmen, the family adapted — caring for poultry and Maples Stock Farm Angus in their absence. “Since Dad went through the program, he understood its importance and was very supportive when I had a meeting,” said Tommy, who won the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest in 1997 with wife Melanie. The Mapleses called the Young Farmers Program a worthwhile investment – personally and for the Federation. It laid the groundwork for greater involvement. Billy served on the state board; Tommy was State Beef Committee chair; and Ben and wife Heather won the Excellence in Agriculture contest in 2016. “Young Farmers broadens your outlook on life,” Billy said. August 2021
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Alabama Auctioneer Wins World Championship
Chuck Bradley of Rockford is the 2021 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. He won the title at the Livestock Marketing Association’s contest June 7 in Nashville.
By Lakin Whatley hat started as a challenge from a friend in high school WBradley parlayed into a successful career for Chuck Bradley. began auctioneering when he was 17 after a
classmate encouraged him to develop his skills for a high school talent show. With no auctioneering experience, Bradley relied on the internet to teach him how to sell. Fast forward 11 years. Bradley, now 28, owns the title of World Livestock Auctioneer Champion after winning the 2021 Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) contest June 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. “It was a surreal moment when I received this title,” Bradley said. “I knew what I had to do to win the contest, and I gave it my all.” A native of Rockford, Bradley is a full-time auctioneer, selling cattle each Monday at Montgomery Stockyards and Tuesdays at Cullman Stockyard. He sells automobiles at auctions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and, in his spare time, auctioneers equipment sales along with registered cattle sales in surrounding states. Montgomery Stockyards owner and past LMA President Jerry Etheridge knows a good auctioneer is invaluable to his business. “Chuck has a great chant and pace that keeps the auction flowing smoothly,” he said. “He does an excellent job in representing the stockyard and the sellers that we work for.” Bradley takes his responsibility as the seller’s agent seriously. “When I auctioneer somebody’s product, it is their livelihood on my shoulders,” Bradley said. “I sell every calf like it is my own, and I want producers to be able to trust me.” Bradley competed in a pre-qualifying event before reaching the finals. At the LMA World Auctioneer Championship, contestants must also go through an interview worth 25% of their final score. Questions covered what holding the title would mean to the winner as well as current
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events within the industry. As winner, he received $6,000; use of a Ford truck for one year; commemorative gun; championship belt buckles; and other prizes. Bradley qualified for the Auctioneer Championship three consecutive years before bringing the award back to Alabama. He was reserve champion in 2019. Staying humble, working hard and never giving up were the keys to his success, said Bradley, a graduate of the North Georgia School of Auctioneering. “I enjoy what I do, and I am so glad I get to wake up every morning knowing I am going to do something I used to only dream about,” he said. Southside, Alabama’s Brandon Neely won the LMA contest in 2015. In over 55 years, Bradley and Neely are the only Alabama auctioneers to win the coveted title. The men are friends, and Bradley said Neely was a mentor throughout the contest.
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Family Farm Fun Day Featured At Federation Conference
series of free, family friendly events A in downtown Montgomery will help celebrate the centennial of the state’s largest farm organization Aug. 7 at the Family Farm Fun Day. Hundreds of Alabama Farmers Federation members will attend the organization’s annual Farm & Land Expo Aug. 5-8, which offers tours and workshops for farmers. But, the special family day events Aug. 7 are designed to encourage everyone to join the festivities. “We want this conference to be something different for our members, and we also want to provide an opportunity to bring others downtown to celebrate with us,” said the Federation’s Brian Hardin. “Our state’s history is deeply rooted in agriculture, and it’s still our state’s largest industry. This event is a celebration of our past and helps remind us that agriculture remains important to Alabama today.” Hardin, director of the Federation’s Governmental and Agricultural
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Family Farm Fun Day Downtown Montgomery at the Train Station August 7 • 10am-2pm
FarmAndLandExpo.org Sponsored by
Programs Department, said outdoor fun can be found in and around the historic Union Station Train Shed from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Activities include an antique tractor show and a grain bin farm safety demonstration under the shed. A nearby grassy area will feature a petting zoo, face painting and tractordrawn hayride. A farmers market with fresh, Alabama-grown fruits and vegetables for sale will be in the Commerce Street parking lot adjacent to the train shed, as will an artisan market with handmade crafts and food items from throughout
the state. Rounding out the festivities will be live music by River Dan. Food trucks featuring a variety of cuisines for sale will be located near tents that will provide seating and shade. The Farm & Land Expo Trade Show is open from 1-5 p.m. in the Montgomery Convention Center (Hall C) and will feature farm equipment, trucks, ag lenders and other exhibits of interest to farmers, landowners and rural residents. Pre-registration for attending the Family Farm Fun Day and Farm & Land Expo Trade Show is not required.
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Alabama Farmers Concerned Over EPA Water Rule Reversal
U P D AT E labama farmers joined businesses, A local governments and landowners across the country in expressing concern over a recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reverse the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR). Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said the June 10 announcement sets in motion another drawn-out debate over EPA’s enforcement authority and application of the Clean Water Act. “It is terribly disappointing that the Biden Administration is taking action to withdraw and replace the Trump-era rule that finally brought some clarity to
the regulatory process,” Walker said. “It appears the agencies have chosen to totally discount the benefits of state-level regulations and voluntary conservation programs embraced by farmers.” Walker said the NWPR will remain the law of the land while EPA drafts a new rule. Any new interpretation will likely face court challenges, and it could be years before the issue is resolved. The NWPR replaced EPA’s controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Under the Obama-era rule, EPA could have extended its authority beyond navigable waters to include “waters” as small as wet-weather ditches and springs. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said reversing the NWPR will create uncertainty and confusion for farmers and ranchers. Meanwhile, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the agency determined the current rule is leading to “significant environmental degradation.”
“We are committed to establishing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ based on Supreme Court precedent and drawing from the lessons learned from the current and previous regulations, as well as input from a wide array of stakeholders, so we can better protect our nation’s waters, foster economic growth, and support thriving communities,” he said. Duvall said EPA failed to engage farmers and landowners before announcing plans to repeal the rule. He also challenged Regan and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to study the impact on farmers before implementing burdensome rules. “We call on EPA to respect the statute, recognize the burden that overreaching regulation places on farmers and ranchers, and not write the term ‘navigable’ out of the Clean Water Act,” Duvall said. “Clean water and clarity are paramount, and that is why farmers shouldn’t need a team of lawyers and consultants to farm.”
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KyserNamed Catfish Farmer Of The Year
Ashley and Scarlett Kyser are raising kids and catfish on their family’s farm in Hale County. Ashley was named Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year earlier in 2021 and was nominated by his fellow growers. Farmers like the Kysers grow healthy, delicious, consistent fish in ponds across Alabama’s Black Belt Region.
By Marlee Moore il crackles as Ashley Kyser drops O freshly dredged U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish in a fryer basket.
“When it starts to float and looks golden brown, it’s ready,” said Kyser, a Hale County farmer. Fellow producers chose Kyser, 40, as Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year in early 2021. He’s also the Alabama Farmers Federation State Catfish Committee chairman. “I feel privileged to be included in this group,” Kyser said of the annual
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award for top catfish producer. “A lot of great farmers came before me.” Kyser grew up learning the ropes from his father, Bill, and with his brother, Townsend. The family has raised high-quality catfish for over 50 years. “I always wanted to come back to the farm,” said Kyser, who studied diesel mechanics. “I knew it would be a tough living, but I like to use my hands.” Catfish farming banks on a fine balance of technology and hands-on help. Metal paddlewheels create a current in the ponds, where catfish swim in oxygenated water. Buoys read pond
oxygen levels, and when levels are low, aerators kick into action. Workers monitor ponds nightly to ensure oxygen is abundant and paddlewheels are turning. The Kysers build their own paddlewheels, which are easier to fix. Repairs are inevitable on a farm growing 5 million pounds of catfish annually. Kyser’s wife, Scarlett, was familiar with catfish farming when they married 15 years ago. The Greensboro native grew up in the Catfish Capital of Alabama, just miles from the Kyser farm. Her father worked in the catfish industry, a common theme in the Black Belt Region, where ponds dot the fertile countryside. Fish peppers menus, too, in Catfish Country. That’s especially true on Fridays when plates piled with fried mild, flaky fish are a common sight, even at the nursing home where Scarlett works. “It’s one of the most popular meals,” she said. “It’s good that our residents are getting healthy, fresh fish in their diets.” The Kysers enjoy cultivating the freedom and joys of farm life for their children, Mary Elizabeth, 12; Taylor, 11; and Martha, 9. The family attends First United Methodist Church of Greensboro, just down the road from their farm. “I like that our kids are growing up on the farm,” Scarlett said. “They’re exposed to a lot that is good.” The family sticks close to the ponds during busy summer months. High temperatures lower oxygen levels, so all hands are on deck for monitoring. Dry weather allows for draining, cleaning and rebuilding ponds — essential to ensuring quality, consistent, even-flavored U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. “Our fish are grown better,” Kyser said. “The feed, the quality of the fish, alfafarmers.org
Left: Ashley Kyser repairs a paddlewheel on his family’s Hale County farm, an integral part of fish farming that helps circulate oxygen in the ponds. Below: Coming back to the family farm was always the goal for Ashley Kyser, Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year.
the water quality, it’s all better than fish from overseas. If you put in good ingredients, you’ll get a good product.” When temperatures cool and cheering fans fill the football stadium
at Southern Academy in Greensboro, Kyser and a group of fellow farmers are still in catfish mode, fulfilling a local tradition — fried catfish at the concessions stand.
Their secret to success is a trick catfish farmers have known for years: dry the fillet before dredging. Golden, crispy, moist fish is a near-guarantee. “Everyone says it, but it’s true; I love raising something other people enjoy,” Kyser said. “It’s the best catfish they can get.”
Catfish Farming Facts n Alabama ranks second in U.S. catfish production, behind Mississippi
n Alabama farmers harvested 94 million pounds of catfish in 2020 n It takes 18 months to two years to grow a 1-pound fish
n Catfish is low in saturated fat and is a moderate source of polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids n August is National Catfish Month
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and The Catfish Institute
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SOYBEAN MEAL VALUE
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SURFACE WATER GROUND WATER
Water Law In Alabama By Kloe Burris Legal Intern
armers and ranchers should know Fstate.” their rights to use “waters of the
In relation to surface water, Alabama follows the “riparian” doctrine. Riparian means “land that touches water.” This doctrine allows a landowner to use any quantity of water from the source
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if the use is reasonable. Diverted water may only be used on land touching the water source. If otherwise diverted, the landowner may obtain a right to divert the water by getting a court order in special circumstances. When taking water for “natural” use, a landowner may use all the water in a stream without consideration of other landowners also using the water source. In contrast, an “artificial” use must be
reasonable in relation to others who use the same water source. Any use that is not drinking, bathing or subsistence farming is considered artificial, including irrigation, watering herds or generating power. For ground water, Alabama follows the American “reasonable use” rule. When water is used non-wastefully on property overlying an aquifer, there are no limits on the amount a landowner may use. A landowner may also pump water to a tract of land that is not overlying the aquifer, but the pumping may be stopped if the use harms a different overlying landowner. Remember: This article only provides an overarching summary of Alabama water law regimes. Water use is also subject to other state and federal regulations, in addition to Constitutional protections. The material presented above is meant for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice. If readers require specific advice or services, a legal or other professional should be consulted.
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Extension Dedicates $8.4 Million Expansion At 4-H Center
he Alabama Cooperative Extension T System and Alabama 4-H Foundation dedicated an $8.4 million addition to the Alabama 4-H Center June 9. The project includes a youth dining area renovation sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation. The Alabama 4-H Center is the state’s premiere environmental education program. Located on more than 260 acres in Columbiana on Lay Lake, the 4-H Center includes forests, riparian areas and a raptor center. Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan helped lead expansion efforts as Alabama 4-H Foundation chair. Pinyan, a former Alabama 4-H Ambassador president, thanked donors and partners who were crucial in making the addition a reality. “With the help of good people like you, we will continue to succeed,” Pinyan said during the dedication
From left are Mike Phillips, Alabama Extension director; Molly Gregg, Alabama Extension assistant director over 4-H programming; Eddie Tullis, campaign chair and Alabama 4-H Foundation board member; Marion Bell, Alabama 4-H state ambassador president; Paul Pinyan, Alabama Farmers Federation executive director and Alabama 4-H Foundation chair; and Wesley Laird, 1980 Alabama 4-H president and 4-H alumnus.
ceremony. “Thank you for making 4-H one of the best youth leadership programs in the state of Alabama.”
Expands 4-H Center’s Ability To Serve Others
Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said the expansion will dramatically increase the center’s ability to serve more young people and adults. “We have added a world-class dining and culinary facility to an already outstanding facility,” Phillips said. “Alabama Extension hopes the center will be used by many organizations for activities including youth development, professional development or simply a place to relax and re-energize.” The growing facility features a hotel, environmental conference center, science school, dining facilities, residential dorms and cabins. It is ranked among the top meeting and convention facilities in the Birmingham Metro area. The 4-H Center offers single-day learning programs, overnight environmental education experiences and 4-H camps. The science school offers 28 distinct programs, including forest ecosystems, aquatic environments, reptiles and amphibians, the world of insects and the story of birds.
Expanded Dining And Meeting Spaces
The Alabama 4-H Center expansion increases its availability to host overnight summer camps and serve corporate events. 22
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New food preparation areas and dining facilities will enhance young people’s experiences, said Molly Gregg,
Alabama Extension’s assistant director for 4-H. “The expanded kitchen is double the size of our old one,” Gregg said. “It will maximize efficiency allowing the facility to feed a full house of young people and host other patrons in a newly constructed dining area at the same time.” Thanks to the Federation’s gift, the renovated youth dining area allows everyone to eat together. “We are thrilled that multiple seating sessions for meals are a thing of the past,” she said. A new dining hall, funded by a gift from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, provides additional meal and meeting space. A new conference room, supported by Shelby County, is adjacent to the new dining hall.
Improves Long-Term Sustainability
4-H Center Interim Director Kristy Abrams said these facilities increase the center’s long-term sustainability. The center opened in 1980. “The center is better positioned to host conferences for businesses and organizations with our new conference room and adult dining room,” Abrams said. “These new spaces offer state-ofthe-art technology where guests can meet face to face as well as bring participants in virtually.” The 4-H Foundation launched its strategic plan in 2016, followed by a capital campaign in 2018. alfafarmers.org
Applications To Recognize Historic Farms Due Aug. 27
he Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) T is accepting applications for two
annual programs which recognize and celebrate family farms that have impacted Alabama history and agriculture. Century & Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm program applications are due Aug. 27. A Century Farm has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must
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include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee. A Heritage Farm has been operated continuously as a family farm for at least 100 years and must possess significant historical and agricultural aspects, including at least one structure more than 40 years old. The farm must also include at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama. The Bicentennial Farm program recognizes farms that have been owned
and operated by the same family for 200-plus years. The farm must be at least 40 acres, owned by an Alabama resident and have current agricultural activities. ADAI Commissioner Rick Pate applauded the program and its role celebrating Alabama farmers. Nearly 700 farms have received Century & Heritage Farm designations, while just 12 are Bicentennial Farms. “Agriculture is the foundation that helped build Alabama’s history, economy and livelihood,” Pate said. “Such service to our great state should be respected and celebrated.” Historical evidence from the applications, such as photos, deeds or records, will be preserved at the state archives. Access the applications at agi.alabama.gov under the “Forms” tab. Questions? Contact ADAI’s Amy Belcher at amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov or call (334) 240-7126.
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Scott Saucer • Monroe County “I encourage farmers to vote yes on the upcoming referendum. The checkoff offers more than research. It also provides promotion and education to the public, as well as the next generation of farmers, through events such as the Alabama Ag Expedition for agriculture students. We must provide a sustainable future for the next generation.”
Shep Morris • Macon County “Farmers should vote yes for the Wheat and Feed Grain Checkoff Aug. 10. The dollars generated from the checkoff are leveraged for promotion, education and research. Research on topics such as fertility and promoting Alabama-grown corn to livestock producers will greatly help farmers be more profitable.”
Richard Parrish • Randolph County “To provide further education, research and promotion for our feed grain crops, farmers should mark yes on their referendum ballot. Checkoff dollars have helped my crops generate higher yields through extensive research. Without these funds, we would have limited research about and promotion of our crops.”
Stanley Walters • Perry County “The checkoff is a great investment for wheat and feed grain farmers. There are countless innovations that have been discovered through research funded by the checkoff. This referendum is truly what is best for farmers.”
Livestock Judging Coach Joins Auburn Staff By Lakin Whatley uburn University (AU) hired Jonah A Biensch to coach its livestock judging team, a move years in the
making to revitalize the university’s livestock judging program. The Saskatchewan, Canada, native brings a wealth of successes to Auburn from Texas Tech University (TTU). As TTU assistant coach, his team placed first at the National Western Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show and the National Swine Judging Contest in 2020. “My experiences going through a program so recently, as well as coaching on a collegiate level at one of the greatest livestock judging programs, enable me with the tools for developing a successful program,” Biensch said. While at TTU, Biensch completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science, where he researched beef cattle nutrition. Biensch began June 1 and embraces
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“learning by doing,” said Dr. Wayne Alabama legislators, including Sen. Greene, head of AU’s Department of Randy Price, R-Opelika, have worked Animal Sciences. to allocate funds for the program. “This merges very well The Alabama Farmers with the department’s Federation is among initiative to get students partners who supported out of the classroom and reviving AU’s livestock into real-world learning judging program, a worthy activities,” he said. goal, said the organization’s “Livestock judging will Russ Durrance. provide students with “Getting our youth experiential learning involved in agriculture through the development is important to the of decision-making skills development of the next that will launch them into generation,” said Durrance, successful careers as our a commodity director Biensch future agriculture leaders.” who helps coordinate the Program goals include student Federation’s youth livestock shows. development, community engagement “Bringing back the livestock judging and successful university representation. team will provide great opportunities “The community backing of this for the youth in our state. I’m excited program is outstanding,” Biensch to welcome Jonah to Alabama and said. “I look forward to giving back look forward to working with him as and engaging our supporters in this we continue to develop youth livestock program through various events.” programs.”
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Bradford Pear
Japanese Climbing Fern
By Lois Chaplin
Alabama Chinese
Wisteria
Tallow
hat we plant in our yards W really matters,” noted Dr. Nancy Loewenstein, an invasive plants
“
specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University. Where unsuspecting folks might admire an arbor of purple wisteria or a lane of Bradford pear, Loewenstein sees trouble. These invasive landscape plants have escaped the garden, choking out natural flora such as dogwood, sourwood, redbud, sumac, yellow jessamine, crossvine and countless other species in the wild. Along with them go butterflies, wildlife and anything in the ecology that depends on those plants. Invasives such as kudzu, Japanese honeysuckle, wisteria and Chinese privet are entrenched and seem
hopeless to eradicate. But gardeners can at least eliminate them at home, thereby preventing spread. Techniques include relentless mowing, herbicide spray and cutting-and-painting stumps. Stump painting helps ensure plants with a trunk, such as privet, Bradford pear, mimosa and Elaeagnus, die. It involves immediately painting the wet cut with an herbicide. Cutting back without painting is only temporary because the plant sprouts back to create problems unless the roots die, too. How do plants spread? One way is via seeds carried by wind, water and birds. Two landscape trees prone to reseeding are Chinese tallow and Bradford pear. “Cut them down,” Loewenstein advised. Technically,
Bradford pear is a sterile plant that should not reseed, but once in the landscape, it cross pollinates with other Callery pear cultivars to create viable seeds that form thickets of thorny offspring. “Its spread is right up there with tallow tree,” said Loewenstein, “but people may not realize it is present until it flowers. We are now seeing Bradford pear in the understory of pine stands. It’s starting to impact production areas. I like to joke that the only people who like Bradford in pastures would be those selling tractor tires.” For those who live in town, Bradford can be just as bad by spreading to unmown areas and soil disturbed by construction. Another potentially serious invader is Japanese climbing fern. Spores may be transferred in pine straw mulch, especially in south Alabama, where the infestation is worse. Keep an eye out for Japanese climbing fern wherever you use baled pine straw. It entangles and covers whatever it can. Experts are also finding certain landscape plants of the late ‘70s and ‘80s growing in the woods. A short list to be aware of includes Elaeagnus, nandina, Chinese holly, Japanese blood grass, Japanese stilt grass, leatherleaf mahonia, bamboo and elephant’s ear. Also, if using English ivy, prevent it from climbing trees; that way, it won’t produce seeds. Invasive plants inflict economic and ecological costs only touched upon here. Homework is critical to identify and combat invasive plants causing agricultural damage and destroying parts of Alabama’s beautiful flora and landscape.
Extra Invasive Information n Alabama Extension Invasive Plant Page on Facebook n Invasive Species tab at aces.edu n Invasive.org Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Hot Deals Happening All Summer E ALAFARM.COM alfafarmers.org
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I
SOUTHERNGLISH
received a letter from a reader named Patrick in New Jersey. Patrick is 23 and married to Amy, who is from Dothan. Patrick writes: “I cannot understand my wife when she talks! She actually uses the word ‘yonder.’ “But the weirdest thing for me is that whenever my wife leaves a store or something, she says farewell to the clerk by saying: ‘Ight now, be good.’ “WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THAT MEAN? Help me learn Southern English, Sean.” Patrick, you’ve come to the right person. The first thing to know about Southern English is it is all about syllables. In this part of the world, single-syllable words can become 15, sometimes 16-syllable words. You might have heard the word “chair” pronounced as a one-syllable word in New Jersey. It’s alright, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Your wife, however, likely pronounces this word as “CHAYyurr.” Southerners add extra syllables to words because this is America and you can’t tell me what to do. Other words: “Floor” (FLO-wurr), “tail” (TAY-yull), “God” (GAH-wud), and the name “Bill” (Willie). Also: “Bed” (BAY-yud), “fan” (FAY-unn), “him” (HEE-yulm), “sand” (SAY-yend), “Todd” (TAHwud), “it” (EE-yit), “leg” (LAY-yig), and “Fred” (FRAY-yed).
Keep in mind, these are not strict rules. Pronunciations vary by region. Residents in Lower Alabama, for instance, pronounce “tire” with two syllabes (TIE-yurr). Whereas if you were to visit the Sand Mountain region, they would pronounce it as “tar” then throw a rattlesnake at you. A common word is “yoost-a-cud," often used by elderly men. Example: “I can’t touch my toes no more ‘cause I ett too many tater logs, but I yoost-a-cud.” A church phrase would be: “‘MON NOW!” Long ago, this used to be yelled at a preacher when he was on a roll during a sermon. Today, it’s mostly shouted at Little League games by enthusiastic, mildly psychotic parents. “‘MON NOW, Jimmy! Hit a grand slam, Jimmy! Show some hustle! ‘MON NOW!” It is always followed with slow clapping. When you get down to it, none of the above matters. The important thing is that you relax, and be yourself. Your wife loves you. So do we. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how you talk. If you ask me, the most important thing is you treat people nicely; remove your hat indoors; hold the door open for females; don’t interrupt; smile often; shake hands with every man you meet; and do not play with your phone at the table. Ight now. Be good. ■
It’s time to reserve strawberry plugs for October delivery! • 50 plugs per tray • Plugs have an intact root ball • Plugs establish quickly
Best of all Plant plugs in October and harvest sweet strawberries in the Spring!
FREE CATALOG
Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org
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2021 ANNUAL MEETING DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS COUNTY Autauga Baldwin Barbour Bibb Blount Bullock Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clay Cleburne Colbert Conecuh Coosa Covington Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dallas DeKalb Escambia Etowah Fayette Franklin Geneva Greene Hale Henry Houston Jackson Jefferson Lamar Lauderdale Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Marengo Marion Marshall Mobile Monroe Montgomery Morgan Perry Randolph Russell Shelby St. Clair Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Walker Washington Winston 30
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DATE Wed., Aug. 18 Thur., Aug. 12 Thur., Aug. 12 Tues., Aug. 24 Thur., Aug. 19 Thur., Aug. 19 Thur., Aug. 12 Mon., Aug. 23 Thur., Aug. 26 Tues., Aug. 17 Mon., Aug. 16 Thur., Aug. 26 Thur., Aug. 26 Tues., Aug. 10 Mon., Aug. 30 Mon., Aug. 16 Thur., Aug. 12 Thur., Aug. 26 Thur. Sept. 9 Tues., Aug. 3 Mon., Aug. 9 Tues., Sept. 14 Mon., Aug. 23 Tues., Aug. 10 Mon., Aug. 30 Thur., Aug. 12 Tues., Aug. 17 Tues., Aug. 17 Thur., Aug. 19 Thur., Sept. 2 Tues., Aug. 3 Thur., Aug. 19 Tues., Aug. 3 Fri., Aug. 27 Mon., Aug. 16 Tues., Aug. 31 Thur., Aug. 19 Thur. Sept. 9 Mon., Aug. 2 Mon., Aug. 2 Tues., Sept. 14 Fri., Aug. 13 Tues., Aug. 24 Thur., Aug. 19 Mon., Sept. 13 Tues., Aug. 10 Fri., Aug. 13 Tues., Sept. 7 Sat., Aug. 21 Mon., Aug. 16 Mon., Aug. 16 Mon., Aug. 16 Thur., Aug. 19 Tues., Aug. 24 Tues., Aug. 17 Tues., Aug. 31 Mon., Aug. 9 Thur., Sept. 9 |
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TIME 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. EST 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
BUILDING Autauga County Ag Center Baldwin County Farmers Federation Building Texasville Community Center Alfa Service Center The Hitchin Post at Bullard Farm Greenway Sportsman’s Lodge Calhoun County Farmers Federation Building Chambers County Farmers Federation Building Dean Buttram Senior Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Clay County Farmers Market Building Cleburne County Mountain Center Hospitality House (NW Shoals Community College) Alfa Service Center Poplar Point Camp Oakwood Lodge Alfa Service Center Cullman County Farmers Federation Building Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Office Alfa Service Center Camp 31 Restaurant Etowah County Farmers Federation Building Fayette Civic Center Best Western Hotel Geneva County Farm Center Alfa Service Center The Catfish Center Wiregrass Research & Extension Center Alfa Service Center Jackson County Farmers Federation Building Gardendale Civic Center Vernon City Complex Lauderdale County Extension Building- Ag Center Willow Oak Farm Southern Sportsman Lodge Beck’s Turf Farm Burritt on the Mountain Alfa Service Center Tombigbee Electric Co-Op Marshall County Farmers Federation Building Greater Gulf State Fair Grounds Monroe Co. Ag Center Alfa Home Office Hartselle Civic Center Alfa Service Center Randolph County Tractor Club Seale Courthouse Alabama 4-H Center Pell City Municipal Building Talladega County Farmers Federation Building Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Building Alabama Extension Office Walker County Farmers Federation Building Alfa Service Center American Legion Garrison-Bonds Post 184
ADDRESS 2224 Hwy. 14 W 21332 Hwy. 59 2429 County Rd. 53 1101 Walnut St. 3019 County Hwy. 14 2621 Hwy. 223 1535 Pelham Rd. S 1006 Ave. A SE 229 Dean Buttram Ave. 301 1st St. N 229 S. Mulberry Ave. 148 S. Jackson St. 86838 AL-9 6751 Hwy. 78 800 George Wallace Blvd. 534 West Front St. 191 Poplar Point Camp Rd. 13725 Brooklyn Rd. 357 S. Forest Ave. 307 Main Ave. NW 217 S. Union Ave. 403 Broad St. 346 McCurdy Ave. S 222 St. Joseph Ave. 125 Broad St. 530 Temple Ave. N. 13770 Hwy. 43 2765 E. State Hwy. 52 101 Boligee St. 529 S. Centreville St. 167 E. State Hwy. 134 1038 Ross Clark Circle NE 23625 John T. Reid Pkwy. 857 Main St. 44425 AL 17 802 Veterans Dr. 17434 Morris Rd. 9022 US Hwy. 80 W 2858 County Rd. 53 3101 Burritt Dr. SE 206 Shiloh St. 3196 Co. Rd. 55 1333 Blount Ave. 1035 Cody Rd. N. 334 Agriculture Dr. 2108 E. South Blvd. 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW 406 Pickens St. 751 Main St. S 91 Longview St. 892 Four H Rd. 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy. 314 East Battle St. 111 N Tallassee St. 2513 7th St. 903 Airport Rd. S 54 Court St. 60 New Legion Rd.
CITY Autaugaville Robertsdale Clayton Centreville Altoona Union Springs Jacksonville LaFayette Centre Clanton Butler Grove Hill Lineville Heflin Muscle Shoals Evergreen Rockford Andalusia Luverne Cullman Ozark Selma Rainsville Brewton Gadsden Fayette Russellville Hartford Eutaw Greensboro Headland Dothan Scottsboro Gardendale Vernon Florence Elkmont Tyler Tuskegee Huntsville Linden Hamilton Guntersville Mobile Monroeville Montgomery Hartselle Marion Wedowee Seale Columbiana Pell City Talladega Dadeville Tuscaloosa Jasper Chatom Double Springs alfafarmers.org
Alabama 4-H: Here We Grow
through 4-H to reduce these health issues is a huge economic and lifestyle benefit for the state,” Phillips said. In addition to impressive statistics in STEM and health participation, 4-H members are dedicated to serving their communities — four times more so than nonmembers.
4-H For Everyone
Alabama 4-H is building a better future through young people. From left are Abigail Taylor, Henry County; Warren Williams, Barbour County; and 4-H State Ambassador President Marion Bell, Shelby County.
By Mary Leigh Oliver labama 4-H continues to grow the A state’s future through intentional activities and opportunities for youth.
By guiding young people through constructive use of creativity, learning, optimism and purposeful exploration, 4-H had a successful year. “We are proud of the hard work of those who make Alabama 4-H happen even in the most trying circumstances,” said Molly Gregg, Alabama Extension’s assistant director over 4-H programming. “As the numbers illustrate, Alabama 4-H is for everyone.”
By The Numbers
Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said he was impressed by the involvement of 4-H members in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering
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and Mathematics) activities. The state’s 125,721 members of 4-H are two times more likely to participate in STEM than uninvolved students. “Through these program activities, the youth of tomorrow are preparing to be the next generation of physicians, engineers, software developers and other science-based workers,” Phillips said. 4-H members are also two times more likely to make healthier choices. Phillips said Alabama’s population ranks first in the U.S. in prevalence of stroke, third in diabetes and kidney disease, and is consistently high in obesity and heart disease. “The educational programming
With members located in every community in Alabama, 4-H members remain dedicated to learning, advancing and serving others. The opportunities for involvement are limitless. Gregg said employees and volunteers who make up the Alabama 4-H team look forward to the future. 4-H is for young people in both homeschool and in-person school learning environments, as well as those who are virtual students. Gregg said there is a place for everyone in Alabama 4-H programming. Joy Scott, Alabama 4-H leadership and citizenship specialist, works with state 4-H ambassadors and other 4-H youth. Through this role, Scott is able to see firsthand the impact 4-H has on youth and the leaders they become. “4-H state ambassadors are the voice of all 4-H members in the state,” Scott said. “Being an ambassador gives 4-H members an opportunity to further develop leadership, communication and organizational skills, which they take back to their fellow 4-H members in their county and region.” Becoming a state ambassador is another opportunity for 4-H members to continue to serve each other. To learn more about Alabama 4-H, visit Alabama4H.com.
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Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce Prep Time 10 mins
Servings 6
Ingredients 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles, well drained 2 tablespoons grated onion 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions In a medium bowl, stir ingredients together until well combined. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Keeps for about 1 week.
e are coming into prime fish fry W season, and I couldn’t be happier! Being a lifelong Alabamian, I’ve always enjoyed the abundance of fresh catfish in our markets. Did you know that 97% of all U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish comes from fish farms in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi? This farm-raised catfish is known for its delicious flavor, which is consistently mild and slightly sweet. Of course, catfish is lean and an excellent source of protein, registering low in saturated fat with moderate amounts of those omega-3s so many people are trying to get more of. My friend, Mike Owens, who has raised catfish in Hale County for over four decades, says, “It’s homegrown 32
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right here in the U.S. We put a lot of time and effort into what we do. As a catfish farmer, you’re always growing or taking care of something; you’ve got to feed and nourish the catfish. The pride we put into it should make it a great product.” Now that I’ve got you craving fried fish (admit it, you were just thinking about it), I’m sharing some great recipes to compliment your fish fry. This is a win/ win because we can support our local farmers and partake of this amazingly delicious fish with our families! We start off with the star of the show, Lemon-Pepper Fried Catfish. This recipe takes your classic fish breading up just notch. I keep it traditional with a buttermilk coating and dredge
of cornmeal, but the lemon pepper seasoning adds a little something special to that wonderful crispy cornmeal coating we’ve all come to love. What would fish be without tartar sauce? Fortunately, it’s so simple to make. With just another couple of ingredients, you can serve my Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce for a great pop of flavor that goes perfectly with those crispy fillets. Last but not least, we need a good homemade coleslaw. Everyone tends to have a special recipe. While I’ve never met a coleslaw I didn’t like, I’ve learned that whenever I make this one, it’s best to print off a few copies of the recipe. It never fails that I’m asked for it. My favorite part of these recipes is the tartar sauce and coleslaw can be made a day ahead of time. Make your favorite dessert the day before, as well, and you can have a fish fry for a crowd with very little work — and lots of time to enjoy the pleasures of good company and a delicious meal. Y’all enjoy! 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. alfafarmers.org
Lemon-Pepper Fried Catfish
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Servings 4
Ingredients 4 to 6 catfish fillets (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup plain cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons garlic powder 3 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Re c
Instructions
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Rinse catfish fillets under cool water and lightly pat dry. Add buttermilk to a shallow dish and coat fillets in the buttermilk; set aside. In a shallow bowl, stir together cornmeal, flour, garlic powder and lemon-pepper seasoning. Allow excess buttermilk to drip off each fillet, then coat in Stacey’s the breading mixture, pressing Recipe Note lightly to ensure a thick crust. To keep warm, place on Allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes. a wire rack on a large Pour oil into a deep cast-iron baking sheet and keep skillet to a little less than halfway in a warm oven. full. Heat oil over medium-high heat until oil reaches about 350 F. Fry in batches for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce.
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Dill Pickle Coleslaw
Prep Time 15 mins
Servings 6
Ingredients 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons pickle juice 1 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste) 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
Instructions In a large bowl, make the dressing by combining the onion, pickles, mayo, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder and salt. Add coleslaw mix and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to combine. When ready to serve, taste and add additional salt, if necessary, then serve. alfafarmers.org
August 2021
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