Neighbors Magazine, September 2015 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 9

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

SEPTEMBER 2015

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Don Allison, Arley Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Cheryl Lassiter, Silas Garrett Henry, Hope Hull

In This Issue

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.

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation SEPTEMBER 2015

Farmers Wanted

12 Protecting Poultry 15 Quilt Contest Winners

18 Worm Wise 24 Raptor Rhapsody

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

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Honey Please

16 Young Farmers Shine

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

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.

26 Gift Garden 32 Pork Recipes

On The Cover 32

Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family Garrett and Emily Henry and their children Paige and Mason at their farm in Hope Hull. Photo by Debra Davis.

Misconceptions About Agriculture. True or False. Large, corporate farms now produce half of our food.

FALSE! Most of America’s farms are still family farms. Non-

family corporations produce only 6 percent of our food and fiber. Source: American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture 3

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Making A Beeline For Alabama’s Golden Goodness

Limestone County beekeeper Lionel Evans uses smoke to calm bees before checking hives for honey.

By Marlee Moore

ifty-seven years of age and 205 miles separate Eddie Strickland and Lionel Evans, but there’s one tie that binds – love for deliciously smooth, delightfully golden and decidedly “Alabama” honey. “I love honey because you can put it in almost anything,” said Strickland, 17. “It’s obviously delicious and is a great substitute for sugar.” September is National Honey Month, a time to celebrate the one-ingredient wonder and bees, which make honey production possible. While gathering nectar to produce honey, bees pollinate an amazing 80 percent of crops, a task essential to the American food system. “Every third bite in the American diet is pollinated by honeybees,” said Mac w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Higginbotham, Alabama Farmers Federation Bee & Honey Division director. “Alabama is blessed to have a strong network of beekeepers improving honeybee education throughout the state.” Strickland and his father, Bruce, began Eddie BeeS Honey in 2012 after months of research. They have 12 hives, which produce about 50 gallons of honey annually. “I thought beekeeping looked like fun,” said Strickland, a senior at South Montgomery County Academy. “That’s how I get into a lot of stuff.” Strickland is busy as a bee and serves as Student Government Association and class president, plays football, baseball and basketball and wants to make beeswax candles. Limestone County’s Evans joined the Federation in 2005. He said he watched his father 4

tend the family hives 60 years ago while growing up in Lamar County. Two decades later he planted a family garden and picked up where his father left off. “When you’ve got your head in a hive of bees, you can’t think of anything else,” said Evans, 74, a Federation State Bee & Honey Committee member. “I can go off to the hives mad and come back happy.” The queen honeybee was recently named Alabama’s official agricultural insect. Agriculture has a $70.4 annual economic impact in Alabama, with many crops dependent upon bees for pollination. There are 950 beekeepers tending 16,725 hives in Alabama. Evans, a retired pipe fitter, tends 48 hives situated anywhere from cemeteries to the front lawn of Lowe’s Home Improvement in Athens. Like his father, he rarely wears a veil when checking his hives, which annually produce 300-400 gallons of honey between early and late summer harvests. SEPTEMBER 2015

Sweet Facts About Honey The queen honeybee is Alabama’s official agricultural insect. Bees pollinate 80 percent of flowering crops, which constitute one-third of the American diet. Honey is made from the nectar, not pollen, of flowers and plants. Generally, lighter colored honeys are milder in flavor, while darker honeys are more robust. Alabama has 950 beekeepers tending 16,750 hives and harvesting 432,000 pounds of honey annually. *Sources: National Honey Board and National Agricultural Statistics Service

“After I’m stung 10 or 15 times, then I might put on a veil,” said Evans. Strickland is more cautious. “For the most part, they don’t bother us, but when they do, they go straight for the face,” said Strickland, who wears a veil any time he’s disturbing the bees. Evans sold out of honey in January, a month earlier than usual, something he attributes to consumers making a beeline for healthier, more natural food. Both he and Strickland said they don’t have to advertise to attract customers. Word of mouth gets them all the business they can handle. “People are trying to be more health conscious,” said Evans. “Local honey can help with immune resistance problems and allergies.” There’s nothing more natural than raw, unfiltered honey, which has just one ingredient. Evans’ wife Shirley, 72, helps extract honey from the combs and sell Big E. Honey, but that’s as close as she gets. “I don’t particularly like the

taste of honey,” she said with a laugh, noting that she’s also highly allergic to bee stings. In the couple’s 57 years of marriage, she’s been treated three times for anaphylactic shock. For Evans, Strickland and 115,000 American beekeepers, honey has plenty of golden opportunities. But there are problems. Beekeepers and specialty crop farmers who grow fruits, vegetables and nursery crops are battling colony collapse disorder (CCD), where adult honeybees suddenly disappear. “Two of our strongest hives made it through the winter, but when it warmed up in the spring, all the bees disappeared,” Strickland said. USDA and EPA researchers haven’t found the cause of CCD but believe the disappearances result from many factors, including pesticides, mites, loss of pollinator habitats and migration stress. Despite the problem, Alabama beekeepers remain positive about their pollinators’ performance, which totaled 432,000 pounds of honey in 2012. Evans said no two honeys taste alike, with color and taste depending on the flower from which the nectar is gathered. Generally, lighter colored honey from plants

Lionel Evans tastes sweet honey from hives near his home in Athens.

like privet, alfalfa and berries is mild. Darker honey from mimosa trees and buckwheat is more robust. Strickland drizzles honey over Greek yogurt each morning. Evans is more particular. “I take it as medicine,” said Evans, who claims his concoction of one spoonful honey, two tablespoons apple cider vinegar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon cures all ails. Evans and Strickland agree the best honey comes straight from the comb. “This job is finger-licking good,” Evans said. n

Montgomery County’s Eddie Strickland is a 17-year-old beekeeper who lives near Ramer. SEPTEMBER 2015

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Alabama Bloggers Visit Miller Farms In Snead By Mary Johnson

ive Huntsville-area bloggers armed with smartphones and cameras documented their tour of row crops and poultry houses at Miller Farms in Snead in late July. Stephanie Miller, who writes about farming on her blog “The Life of a Farmer’s Wife,” planned and hosted the event with her husband, Lance, to provide an up-close look at Alabama agriculture. “A lot of people who have never been to a farm might easily believe the first thing they read on the internet about farming,” Stephanie said. “That’s why I blog and have a Facebook page, so people can see what agriculture CHECK OUT THESE BLOGS is really like.” Huntsville native AkaJaneRandom.com. . . . . . . . . . . . Paula Claunch Paula Claunch, blogger CosmopolitanCornbread.com . . . . . Constance Smith at AkaJaneRandom.com, said it was refreshing to SouthernPlate.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Jordan meet a young couple who farm for a living. SweetTeaInTheSouth.com. . . . . . . . Jessica Adams “I think people today tend to think of corporate SouthernKissed.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynda Self farms instead of family farms,” Claunch said. “Just hearing like a well-oiled machine,” said Lance’s stories about working from Smith, who blogs at Cosmopolisunup to literally midnight w as tanCornbread.com. “Everything inspiring.” has a purpose. And there’s so much The blogger tour included stops planning and preparation that goes at equipment barns to describe difinto a farm. It’s not just planting ferent uses for machinery; a wagon some seeds and praying for rain. ride through fields of cotton, corn You almost have to have a business and peanuts; and a visit inside poul- degree to be a farmer because they try houses. have to know about taxes and other “Honestly, I thought peanuts rules.” were grown in Georgia; I had no The tour ended in a corn field, idea they were grown in north planted with seed provided by Alabama,” Claunch said. “Farming Monsanto, where the bloggers will surprise you. I was surprised to picked ears to take home. After a find out how much chickens eat, lunch of farm-fresh food, attendees how much water they drink and the played “Corno,” a Bingo-inspired amount of care they need.” game where the board squares have Blogger and Army wife Connames of products that include stance Smith has lived in cities corn. Each blogger took home across the U.S. and the world and goodie bags provided by the Alasaid this tour opened her eyes to bama Farmers Federation. the expertise needed to farm. See more photos from the event “The Millers run their farm on the Federation’s Flickr page. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Top photo: Blount County farmer Lance Miller, right, explains peanut harvesting to a group of visiting bloggers. Above: Constance Smith, who blogs at CosmopolitanCornbread.com, enjoys getting a closer look inside a poultry house at Miller Farms. SEPTEMBER 2015

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WANTED: Farmers For Expanding Business In Brundidge By Debra Davis

he tiny town of Brundidge is a sleeping giant in the eyes of food services entrepreneur Chuck Caraway, who grew up in neighboring Barbour County. Caraway, 57, and his partners at Southern Classic Food Group LLC and Magnolia Vegetable Processors, believe Alabama farmers have the ingredients to wake that giant and help it thrive. “We’re not just making food and generating jobs,” said Caraway, the managing member of the companies. “We’re creating opportunities for farmers and our state.” Local and state officials joined Caraway in June to announce expansion of Southern Classic Foods and creation of Magnolia Vegetable Processors just north of Brundidge. It’s the latest of several expansions for Southern Classic since Caraway opened the business in 2001, following a successful career for other food manufacturers. The business has grown every year since it began. Southern Classic produces a variety of products for retailers and food service and industrial markets. Those include mayonnaise, salad dressings, cocktail and tartar sauces, ice cream toppings, flavored syrups, barbecue sauces and marinades. Its expansion will focus on the addition of juices and other beverages. The steady growth is exciting, Caraway said, but the potential impact of Magnolia Vegetable Processors reaches far beyond the industrial park. “The majority of fruits and vegetables in the U.S. are grown in California, and that state’s been in a severe drought for several years now, so something has to change,” Caraway said. “We have farmers in Alabama and the rest of the Southeast who can grow a lot of the same crops that are grown there, pro-

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WANTED

Produce needed for the plant includes cucumbers, okra, peppers and green beans The plant will be in Brundidge, Alabama and opens May 2016. Interested farmers may contact Caraway at ccaraway@southernclassicfood.com or call (334) 735-3400. For more information about Southern Classic Food Group LLC, visit southernclassicfood.com cessed and hauled across the country. Every time a truckload of fruits and vegetables is shipped here from California it adds $4,000-$5,000 to the cost.” The vegetable processing plant will specialize in pickling, including cucumbers, okra, peppers, green 8

Chuck Caraway of Southern Classic Food Group LLC examines Dale’s Steak Seasoning made at his plant in Brundidge.

beans, pearl onions, baby corn and relish. Other items, such as salsa, are on the drawing board, too. The company can purchase the produce it needs from other states, but Caraway, whose parents Charles and Ella Caraway are active members of the Barbour County Farmers Federation, said he wants to buy from local farmers. “We want to build as many relationships as we can with local farmers who are willing to grow the products we need,” he said. “Other areas have buying centers where large amounts of produce, grown by several farmers, are sold to processing plants. We don’t have a system like that here, yet. Until we do, I want farmers to know they can deal directly with me.” Cucumbers will be a big part of the new business, which is expected to be completed in May 2016. The plant will use fresh cucumbers in season and brine them in large tanks filled with a SEPTEMBER 2015

salt and water solution to preserve until needed. Other produce, such as okra, will be processed within hours of being picked, Caraway said. Southern Classic also purchases agricultural products, albeit refined before arriving there. For example, the plant uses a rail car of soybean oil every two or three days. Soybean oil is a primary ingredient for mayonnaise and salad dressings. It takes a million pounds of soybeans to make a rail car of oil, he said. Magnolia Vegetable Processors’ new plant will cost an estimated $5.5 million and will create 22 jobs initially, with a total of 50-60 to be added within 30 months. The expansion of Southern Classic is a $3.2 million project and will add another 21 jobs when completed in early 2016, bringing the total number of workers there to well over 200. Brundidge was founded in 1854 and has a population of 2,023. The new and expanding food industries have brought the town full circle,

A worker at the Southern Classic Food Group LLC in Brundidge examines a peanut butter and chocolate spread during production. In addition to making a variety of sauces, dressings and spreads, the plant is expanding to include fruit juices and other beverages.

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said Mayor Jimmy Ramage, not to mention an investment of $8.7 million with the two announcements by Caraway. “The food processing industry is part of our town’s heritage,” Ramage said. “In the early 1900s,

Brundidge had two peanut butter mills, and the peanuts for it were grown by local farmers. I see this new plant as an opportunity not just for farmers in our area, but the entire Southeast.” n

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Alabama Farmers Help Hunters Enhance Wildlife By A.J. Watson

hether it’s thinking outside the box, the barrel or the bag, farmers are sowing seeds of innovation that are adding to their to their bottom lines and enhancing wildlife. Washington County farmer Rod Richardson, with his sons David and Walt, markets corn as deer feed to local stores in the area. “A local Ace Hardware store owner called me up one day and asked if he could buy a ton of corn from me in 50-pound bags,” Richardson said. “Later, I asked a local Exxon station store owner if she would be interested, so I took her a ton of corn every week. Soon it went to two tons a week, and sometimes during winter it’s about a ton a day.” This year, the Richardsons estimate half of their 360 acres of corn will be sold to local stores in

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Washington, Clarke and Mobile counties. “It’s good to have more than one market for your corn,” Walt said. “It’s kept us growing corn during years when other commodities were a better price. We wanted to keep our customers, so we kept growing corn.” Walt said the family is committed to growing the business—so much so they bought a new, mechanized bagging system to replace the hand-filling method. Similar to his Washington County counterparts, Lee County farmer Garrett Dixon’s side business started by accident, too. After getting a late start on harvest, Dixon stored his wheat in grain bins after the markets closed and began selling 55-gallon drums of wheat to dove hunters. “I had to look at the profit opportunity,” he said. “I would get more for the grain in Montgomery,

but it would cost me more to haul it there, whereas I had everything I needed on the farm to sell to hunters. I created a higher profit margin by doing that.” In addition to increasing profits, David Richardson said he enjoys interacting with customers by explaining agriculture. ”I like dealing with the people,” he said. “We meet a lot of people and have met a lot of folks just through selling corn. They love to talk farming with us, and I think that shows a lot of people have an interest in agriculture and wildlife.” Alabama Farmers Federation’s Rick Oates said wildlife is often overlooked as a resource. Alabama hunters contributed $1.8 billion to the state’s economy in 2013, according to a state survey, and that didn’t include almost $11 million in hunting license fees. “Whether you’re seeking a trophy buck, an awesome photo of a gobbler or you want to mark off one more rare bird on your Audubon Bird List, Alabama’s 23 million acres of woods offer a great opportunity for adventure,” said Oates, director of the Federation’s wildlife and forestry divisions. Oates said before feeding wildlife, hunters and other nature lovers should check Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regulations. For information, visit OutdoorAlabama.com. n Washington County farmer David Richardson and his father Rod market corn they grow to local hunters.

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Bird Migration Brings Threat Of Avian Influenza To Southern Flocks By Mary Johnson

here have been no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, in Alabama, but farmers and state officials remain vigilant in protecting Alabama’s multi-billion-dollar poultry industry. There are no reports of this HPAI strain affecting humans, and the last case reported in birds by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was in the Midwest in June. But as wild waterfowl migrate south this fall, concerns are likely to escalate. “Our farmers are highly encouraged to follow strict biosecurity measures in an effort to prevent spread of the virus if it returns,” said Guy Hall, Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division director. “The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) and state veterinarian’s office hopefully developed plans for our farmers to avoid HPAI in our state.” Migratory waterfowl can carry the virus with no ill effects; however, HPAI is lethal to domestic poultry. The spring HPAI outbreak affected 48.1 million birds, mostly chickens and turkeys in the Midwest. According to the state veterinarian’s office, biosecurity measures are the best ways a farmer can protect flocks. Those measures include disinfecting poultry houses between flocks; keeping poultry away from water sources used by migratory waterfowl; providing dedicated clothing and footwear for farm employees and visitors; properly cleaning and disinfecting equipment; and permitting only essential workers and vehicles on farms. The USDA will increase HPAI monitoring and samples from wild birds through March 2016 and will hire additional staff, if needed. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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“Early detection of avian influenza remains key to controlling its spread and minimizing its effects,” said Dr. John Clifford, the USDA’s chief veterinary officer, in a statement. The virus caused a decreased supply of eggs, creating higher prices at grocery stores across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, on average, U.S. egg prices jumped 31 percent from $1.96 per dozen in May to $2.57 in June. It will take time for the poultry and egg industry to rebound from such dramatic losses, Hall said. Affected farms undergo a complete cleaning and disinfecting process, followed by tests to show the farm is virus free before poultry returns. “It’s difficult to tell exactly how long it will be before egg and turkey production gets back to it’s previous levels in those regions, but some economists say it will take one to two years,” Hall said. State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier of Alabama said it’s important for farmers to monitor birds and report any unusual sickness or high mortality of poultry to the ADAI. “HPAI has also affected backyard flocks, so hobby farmers need to be watchful and report unusually sick birds as well,” Frazier said. To report suspected cases, contact the state veterinarian’s office at (334) 240-7253. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/USDA-hpai. A recent survey by Auburn University shows Alabama’s poultry industry has an annual economic impact of $15.1 billion, providing more than 86,000 jobs. Alabama ranks third nationally in broiler production behind Arkansas and Georgia, and ranks 13th in total egg production, with more than 9.24 million laying hens. Layer flocks in the state produce more than 2.1 billion eggs annually. n SEPTEMBER 2015

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43RD COMMODITY PRODUCERS CONFERENCE

Farmers Enjoy Learning Experiences During Commodity Producers Conference By Mary Johnson

rom pastures and gardens to high-tech farming equipment and institutions of higher education, tours and seminars at the Alabama Farmers Federation 43rd Commodity Producers Conference featured a wide range of topics. More than 800 farmers attended the event July 30 – Aug. 2 in Montgomery. Tours of central Alabama farms and attractions were a highlight of the conference. “I loved seeing the roses at Petals From The Past and learning the history behind them,” said Shelia Richardson of Cherokee County, who visited Chilton County fruit, vegetable and nursery farms on the red tour. “We are in the greenhouse business, and I love all kinds of plants.” Covington County Farmers Federation President Kenneth Northey saw horse, forage, sheep, goat and beef cattle farms on the yellow tour. “I’ve been to the commodity conference before, but this is my first time on a tour,” Northey said. “When you get the chance to visit other farms, you see some changes that may work in your area.” With the Capital City hosting the conference, a special tour included stops at the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the governor’s mansion, along with a visit to the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance home office. On Aug. 1, farmers attended educational workshops on agricultural issues including feral hog management, the endangered species act, livestock breeding and the irrigation initiative. State Climatologist John Christy, PhD, and WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson addressed farmers during Saturday’s w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Above, Regional Extension Specialist Kent Stanford, left, discusses poultry litter application with commodity tour participants at E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter. Left, Shelia Richardson of Cherokee County discusses heirloom plants with Petals From The Past owner Jason Powell in Jemison.

general session on weather and climate. At the event’s closing banquet, Federation members welcomed Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) President Zippy Duvall. Duvall, who has been endorsed by the Federation board of directors in his race for American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president, told his Southern neighbors he’s committed to the AFBF and its members. “This organization is not driven from the top to the bottom; it’s driven from the bottom up,” Duvall said. “That’s what makes us so strong.” 14

Duvall is a poultry, cattle and hay farmer from Greshamville, Georgia. He rose through the ranks of GFB starting in the Young Farmers program, a track similar to that of Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “He shares the values of our members, and he understands the challenges facing Southern farmers,” Parnell said as he introduced Duvall. “Zippy has shown great vision and leadership, and I’m confident he will use those skills to take the nation’s largest farm organization into the future.” This was the first Farm Bureau group Duvall addressed since announcing his candidacy. Other highlights from the final day of the conference included an address from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Spencer Collier and a screening of the “Farmland” film. n SEPTEMBER 2015

Winners Recognized In Sewing, Quilting And Decorating Contests By Debra Davis

housands of tiny stitches and big smiles circled around winning entries at the Women’s Leadership Luncheon Aug. 1, at the Alabama Farmers Federation 43rd Commodity Producers Conference in Montgomery. County winners competed in two sewing divisions, three quilting divisions and a tablescape design contest featuring Alabama commodities. First-place winners in each division received $150, while secondand third-place won $100 and $75, respectively. “The participants in our state contests always do a good job, and this year was no exception,” said Federa- First-place winners from left are Ruby Nuss of St. Clair County, Table Runners; Sarah Oden of tion Women’s Leadership Division Etowah County, Youth Table Runners; Anne Yancey Barrett of DeKalb County, Hand-Stitched Director Kim Ramsey. “The time and Quilting and Machine-Stitched Quilting; Blanche Lee Mitchell of Blount County, Baby Quilting; skills displayed in these contests are and Cheryl Nelson of Crenshaw County, Tablescapes. amazing. These talented women do a great job of preserving our state’s history of hand crafts and hospitality.” The top three winners in each division were: Table Runners: First Place - Ruby Nuss, St. Clair County; Second Place - Glenda Stewart, Geneva County; and Third Place - Melanie Stokley, Washington County. Youth Table Runners for grades 7-12: First Place Sarah Oden, Etowah County; Second Place - Victoria Balakitsis, Tuscaloosa County; and Third Place - Brittney Shelton, Randolph County. Hand-Stitched Quilting: First Place - Anne Yancey Barrett, DeKalb County; Second Place - Melanie Stokley, Washington County; and Third Place - Blanche Lee Mitchell, Blount County. Machine-Stitched Quilting: First Place - Anne Yancey Barrett, DeKalb County; Second Place - Tippi Helea, Randolph County; and Third Place - Mary Burroughs, Tuscaloosa County. Baby Quilting: First Place - Blanche Lee Mitchell, Blount County; Second Place - Ruby Nuss, St. Clair County; and Third Place Melanie Stokley, Washington County. Tablescapes: First Place - Cheryl Nelson, Crenshaw County; Second Place - Joann Wissinger, Jefferson County; and Third Place - Jennifer Brock, Marshall County. More than 800 farmers from throughout Alabama attended the conference in Montgomery. For photos of the winners and other activities at the Commodity Producers Conference, visit Flickr.com/AlabamaFarmers. n SEPTEMBER 2015

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43RD COMMODITY PRODUCERS CONFERENCE

Talented Young Farmers Shine At Annual Conference By Debra Davis

he future of Alabama agriculture looked bright as young farmers took the spotlight Aug. 1 in statewide contests sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation. Winners in the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture contests were announced at the closing banquet of the organization’s 43rd Commodity Producers Conference in Montgomery. Four finalists were named in the Discussion Meet. A Montgomery County family, Garrett and Emily Henry and their children Paige, 8, and Mason, 4, were named Alabama’s OYFF and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, second from left, congratulates Excellence In will receive a prize package Agriculture first-place winner Abbie Keel of Calhoun County, left, and Outstanding Young Farm Family winners Garrett and Emily Henry of Montgomery County and their children Paige and Mason. worth more than $60,000. The Henrys raise beef cattle and live in Hope Hull. They will Anniston, won the Excellence in Danville in Morgan County, Britreceive a new General Motors Agriculture contest. As the wintany Hill of Pell City in St. Clair pickup truck from Alfa Insurance, ner she will receive a John Deere County, Luke Knight of Wadley in an 825i John Deere Gator from Ala- zero-turn mower sponsored by Dow Randolph County and Jerry Allen bama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm and a computer package courtesy of Newby of Athens in Limestone Credit and use of a John Deere trac- Valcom/CCS Wireless. County. tor from local John Deere dealers The Excellence in Agriculture Discussion Meet finalists will and John Deere. The contest honors first runners-up were Landon and compete in December at the Fedfarmers 18-35 years old who stand Lauren Marks of Leesburg in Chero- eration’s annual meeting for the top out as agricultural leaders in their kee County and second runners-up prize of a Polaris 4-wheeler sponfarms and communities. were Daniel and Kim Mullenix of sored by First South Farm Credit. The OYFF runners-up were Opelika in Lee County. The Federation also gave YETI Stewart and Kasey McGill of The contest is open to young coolers to Discussion Meet finalists Madison County and their daughpeople involved in agriculture and the Excellence in Ag first and ters Allie, 3, and Reece, 1; along who earn no more than half their second runners-up. All contestants with Lance and Stephanie Miller of income from production agriculreceived a YETI tumbler for particiBlount County, and their son, Reed, ture. The competition includes an pating. 3, and infant daughter, Jade. Each application, 15-minute presentation Young Farmers’ contest winrunner up received $500 courtesy and a 10-minute question-andners will represent Alabama at the of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama answer session. American Farm Bureau Federation Farm Credit. All three finalists Four finalists were chosen in the annual meeting and contests in received a YETI cooler from the Federation’s Discussion Meet conJanuary in Orlando, Florida. Federation. test, which simulates a committee See photos from the conference Abbie Keel of Calhoun County, meeting where contestants discuss on the Federation’s Facebook page a kindergarten teacher at White pre-selected topics. or at Flickr.com/ Plains Elementary School in Finalists are Hunter Garnett of AlabamaFarmers. n

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Bobby Reeder digs worms at Four R Farms near Slocomb in Geneva County.

Worm Farm Wiggles Its Way Across The Southeast By A.J. Watson

itting in an office with shipping orders, distribution routes and old notes taped to the wall, Bobby Reeder takes a sip from his Diet Coke before telling the story of the Geneva County earthworm farm his late grandfather started. “He started domesticating a local worm called the wiggler—or Alabama jumper—in the early ‘40s,” Reeder said. “It was a big, active worm that released an odor when punctured, and the fish

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seemed to like it. He started making beds and raising wigglers in conditions conducive to growing.” That was the foundation for Four R Farms in Slocomb, which developed a process Reeder and his family still use. Starting with a shaded area of sandy, loose soil, a mulch of peanut hulls or hay is worked into disked dirt. An irrigation system is added, followed by another layer of mulch before Reeder or his two brothers, Tony and Eugene, add young worms that are the foundation of the new worm crop. 18

“Then we start feeding and watering,” Reeder said, smiling. “You have to water every day it doesn’t rain. We’ll feed once, maybe twice a week or until you can’t see the feed mix on top of the soil anymore.” The worms are fed a protein mix and occasionally some old produce. Worms are harvested four to six times a year and sold throughout the south—from Texas to North Carolina. “We started by selling to fishermen, and then over time we branched out to bait shops,” Reeder said. “Then bait shops started making what we call jobber routes, where a truck loads bait and goes from bait shop to bait shop. Normally we’re about two steps removed from the fishermen.” For many fishermen, a worm and cane pole introduced them to the sport. In Alabama, freshwater fishing had an economic impact of $780 million in 2011, according to a survey by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The survey showed 683,000 anglers fish in Alabama (69 percent were residents, 31 percent were non-residents). Reeder credits the bait business with helping the farm’s initial success, but after earning a doctorate in plant physiology at Texas A&M, he diversified the farm to make it stronger. Previously, the 32-acre farm pumped out 250 million to 500 million worms, but that number dropped as the farm expanded its variety of products. “Initially we were farmers and fish bait people,” he said. “I put in a nursery in 1980, and now that makes up about 30 percent of our business—and it’s growing.” Even the worms pitched in to help the nursery grow. Castings (or casts) are the excrement of earthworms. Castings help aerate the soil and improve its overall Con’t on page 20. SEPTEMBER 2015

How a Chicago Doctor Shook Up the Hearing Aid Industry with his Newest Invention New nearly invisible digital hearing aid breaks price barrier in affordability Reported by J. Page Chicago: Board-certified Ear, Nose, & Throat physician Dr. S. Cherukuri has done it once again with his newest invention of a medical-grade, all-digital AFFORDABLE hearing aid. This new digital hearing aid is packed with all the features of $3,000 competitors at a mere fraction of the cost. Now, most people with hearing loss are able to enjoy crystal clear, natural sound—in a crowd, on the phone, in the wind—without suffering through “whistling” and annoying background noise.

New Digital Hearing Aid Outperforms Expensive Competitors This sleek, lightweight, fully programmed hearing aid is the outgrowth of the digital revolution that is changing our world. While demand for “all things digital” caused most prices to plunge (consider DVD players and computers, which originally sold for thousands of dollars and today can be purchased for less), yet the cost of a digital medical hearing aid remains out of reach. Dr. Cherukuri knew that many of his patients would beneﬁt but couldn’t afford the expense of these new digital hearing aids. Generally they are not covered by Medicare and most private health insurance. The doctor evaluated all the high priced digital hearing aids on the market, broke them down to their base components, and then created his own affordable version— called the MDHearingAid AIR for its virtually invisible, lightweight appearance.

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structure while providing beneficial nutrients to plants. The worm farm is a popular tour spot, including a recent visit by a group from Litchfield, Minnesota, involved in the Sister City Exchange Program with Hartford, Alabama.

Grower Direct

With Hartford a short ride from Four R Farms, the worm farm has been part of the exchange tour for almost 20 years, said William Birdsong. “The tours expose our northern guests to different aspects of the

agricultural economy in south Alabama,” said Birdsong, an Extension specialist and Hartford-Litchfield Sister City Committee member. “Tour attendees are very interested in what’s involved in an earthworm farm. They find it intriguing.” n

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In Alabama, freshwater fishing had an economic impact of $780 million. Many fishermen started their hobby using worms for bait.

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President, Montgomery County Farmers Federation Whether it’s a sunny disposition, a heifer calf or hay, Stacey Nestor is always growing something. Together with her husband of 24 years, Tim, and daughters Emily, 22, and Melissa, 18, Nestor grows hay and raises Boer meat goat and beef cattle. A fifth-generation farmer, Nestor said she couldn’t imagine life any other way. “Production agriculture is the most satisfying job and makes me proud to go from farm to plate with a product we have put hard work and effort in to,” she said. “Looking out the front of my tractor is the best desk view I could ever have.” Nestor is Montgomery County Farmers Federation president. She graduated from Troy University and attends Snowdoun United Methodist Church. She is the current State Meat Goat & Sheep Committee vice chair and Montgomery County Meat Goat & Sheep chair. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Annual Auburn University Ag Roundup Set For Homecoming, Oct. 3 By Jamie Creamer

uburn University alumni, students and football fans will enjoy the 36th Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture during this year’s homecoming festivities Saturday, Oct. 3. The event will take place at Ag Heritage Park, starting four hours before kickoff of the Auburn–San Jose State game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Game time will be announced in September. Ag Roundup, co-sponsored by Auburn’s College of Agriculture and the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Association, is a supersized tailgate party. Attendees may sample a wide variety of Alabamagrown or processed foods. Typical fare runs the gamut from fried chicken, fried catfish and corn dogs to edamame, satsumas, collard greens and sweet potato fries. In addition, Ag Roundup fea-

tures children’s activities, informative exhibits and live and silent auctions for College of Agriculture scholarships. “Last year’s Roundup drew a record crowd of over 3,000, and gate receipts and auction proceeds

generated more than $21,000 for student scholarships in the College of Agriculture,” said Amanda Martin, student recruitment and alumni relations coordinator in the college. “Our hope is 2015 will be even bigger.” This year, musical entertainment will be provided by Jessie Lynn Nichols, an agricultural communications major from Prattville. The main entrance will be located between Ham Wilson Livestock Arena and the Alabama Farmers Pavilion. Cost is $5 a person at the gate with children 6 and under admitted free. The event will close an hour prior to kickoff. Ag Roundup increases public awareness of agriculture and the major impact it has on Alabama’s economy. Through the years, the event evolved as a favorite homecoming tradition for Tiger fans. Visit agriculture.auburn.edu/ agroundup for more info. n

4th Annual Ag Discovery Adventure some attractions • • • • • • • •

Dig Sweet Potatoes Make Apple Cider Encounter Aquaponics Learn About High-Tech Farming Corn Maze Pick & Paint A Pumpkin Watch Baby Chicks Hatch Watch Cotton, Soybeans And Corn Being Harvested. • Plus Livestock, Fish, Forestry And Wildlife Activities.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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By Marlee Moore

“We train 12 months out of the year to make those eight flights possible,” said Hudson, 39. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns SRC’s raptors and transferred the eagles from the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega to SRC in 2000 for use in education programs. The eagle flight is uniquely Auburn University (AU), and in the 15 football seasons since its inception, the upper deck flight and subsequent landing at the 50-yard line to cries of “War Eagle” became legendary. Raptor Specialist Andrew Hopkins said the eagles, each fitted with a GPS tracker in case they fly out of the stadium, individually practice the flight three times daily from July to December, totaling thousands of flights annually. “Seeing our hard work pay off when 87,000 people cheer, you know you did something right,” said Hopkins, 26. SRC began in the mid-1970s as the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center, located behind the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). For 30 years, the

symbol of American freedom became the spirit of Auburn University football through the Southeastern Raptor Center’s (SRC) 40-plus years of dedicated raptor rehabilitation. SRC’s mission is twofold – rehabilitate injured birds of prey and educate the public through raptor programs for schools, churches and civic groups across Alabama and neighboring states. “The birds are the great equalizer,” said Marianne Hudson, raptor training and education assistant director. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a bookworm, athlete or what your academic achievements are. Everyone is awed and interested when they see the raptors up close.” September marks Hudson’s 12th football season with SRC, measured so because the center’s most famous guests – Nova, a golden eagle, and Spirit, a bald eagle – circle Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium in pregame flights each season.

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Photo courtesy of Auburn University Photographic Services

Southeastern Raptor Center Soars To New Heights

SEPTEMBER 2015

center grew in size and reputation, eventually coming home to nest at its current location off Shug Jordan Parkway. Over 500 raptors are rehabilitated annually at SRC’s Elmore Bellingrath Bartlett Raptor Center Hospital near AU’s vet school. Although the hospital specializes in raptors, staff treats non-raptors if space is available, Hudson said. Healed birds are released into the wild near their point of origin or in a suitable habitat. Raptors top the food chain and help farmers by keeping crops and buildings rodent-free, Hudson said. The Carol Clark Laster/W.E. Clark Jr. Raptor Training Facility uses 25 non-releasable raptors, including falcons, owls, hawks, vultures and eagles, for educational presentations. Non-releasable birds are born in captivity or badly injured and unable to survive in the wild. “Exposure of our eagles to the public through stadium flights and educational programs has led to increased awareness of wildlife conservation and education and natural history of birds,” Hudson said. Hopkins and Hudson’s programs have lasting effects on some participants, results they never guessed possible. Rhett LaPorte’s decision to attend Auburn stemmed from a presentation Hudson gave his sixth-grade-class in 2005. One of the first items on LaPorte’s agenda for his freshman year was volunteering at the raptor center. Four years later, he’s still hard at work. “The best experience is actually releasing the eagles for the football games,” said LaPorte, a wildlife ecology management senior at AU. “To be at the top of the stadium and hear the fans cheer (as the eagle flies down) is awesome.”

Hopkins and Hudson have traveled as far as California for presentations, an admittedly rare occurrence, Hopkins said. In January 2014, they loaded the SRC van with raptors and enough frozen rodents to keep the birds happy and journeyed 2,000 miles to the BCS National Championship game in Pasadena. But the duo take birds to even holier ground than football fields during area church presentations. “The pastor talks about birds in scripture, and we talk about the natural history of the birds,” Hudson said. “We always make sure to brush up on our scripture before we go.” Demand for SRC presentations continues to soar. In 2014, the facility made 223 presentations, with this year’s number approaching 200 to date. No matter the audience, each experience is special. “There’s always a difference in the birds’ behavior and in the audience,” Hudson said. “It helps keeps things interesting.” Each Friday before football games, SRC holds Football, Fans and Feathers, which includes a raptor show, flight demonstration and educational program. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is $5. n

Above, Raptor Specialist Andrew Hopkins works with Ophelia, a great horned owl. Despite its name, the great horned owl doesn’t actually have horns. Instead, it has tufts of feathers on either side of its head that resemble horns or ears. Left, Marianne Hudson, Auburn’s raptor training and education assistant director, handles Rhea, an American Kestrel, which is a small falcon commonly known as a sparrow hawk.

SEPTEMBER 2015

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Citizens Give Back In A Healthy Way By A.J. Watson

ike a ladle stirring a bowl of community pride, Elba’s Giving Garden creates a tasty recipe that combines volunteers, gardeners and students to help feed local families in need. Volunteer and Elba native Chelsea Cooper is Giving Garden project manager. She said vegetables from the garden feed about 150 local families each month. “My college friends always called me ‘Elba’ because I was Elba’s biggest cheerleader,” said Cooper, a University of South Alabama graduate. “I wanted to come back and make a difference. These are the people who have molded me and given me so much—it’s the least I can do.” Cooper said the garden falls under

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the umbrella of Restoration 154, a non-profit group in Elba. “We’re named for the 154 miles of the Pea River, and our goal is to have 154 projects that will help grow the community,” she said. The garden, near the Pea River levee in downtown Elba, was started October 2014. It includes a tunnel house donated by the Wiregrass Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, through the local Chamber of Commerce, plus raised-bed gardens. Cooper said Elba High School vocational agriculture students helped build the raised beds, which produced tomatoes, okra, peppers, squash and a variety of other vegetables. Coffee County Master Gardeners furnished funds for the first seven of these beds. Each bed sub26

Giving Garden Project Manager Chelsea Cooper, left, sits on a raised bed planted near the levee in Elba. Above, Tuskegee University’s Victor Khan prepares the tunnel house for planting.

sequently had volunteer financial sponsors for annual seeding and fertilizer. Other project volunteers include 13 area churches, local civic organizations and interested citizens from across the U.S. Volunteers from the Elba Food Bank come to the garden each Thursday to collect the healthy, fresh food. “This is the kind of thing that really benefits a community more so than throwing money at a situation,” said Elba Food Bank volunteer Tommy Grimes. “A lot of sweat, work and effort goes into this.” Victor Khan, a Tuskegee University plant science professor, created the tunnel house concept to grow crops year-round on less land. He continues his hands-on involvement with the successful operation of the tunnel house in Elba. “The concept of a tunnel house is it looks like a greenhouse, but it’s not a greenhouse,” Khan said. “Light is trapped as it penetrates the clear plastic, and the protons bounce around to help heat the inside.” James Currington, executive director of Wiregrass RC&D, said tunnel houses can be used for production agriculture. However, working with communities like SEPTEMBER 2015

FREE Hearing Assessment for members and their families Discount on Hearing Aids Statewide Network of Hearing Professionals 60 Day Trial Period 2 Year Minimum Manufacturer Warranty and Accidental Loss & Damage FREE Batteries (1 box per aid, with purchase) Wiregrass Research, Conservation and Development Council Executive Director James Currington, right, helps Chelsea Cooper update Giving Garden raised beds for fall planting.

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Elba to provide fresh, healthy food is just as important, he said. “I think this tunnel house has been a blessing, and we’re just getting started,” he added. Plans are underway to expand the Giving Garden next year to include a fruit orchard, thanks to a

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SEPTEMBER 2015

$1,000 grant from Alabama Power Co. Cooper said she’d also like to see row crops added. “You can see the tangible fruit— in this case vegetables—of our labor,” she said. “You can see the good you’re doing for the community, and that’s pretty cool.” n

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Checkoff Helps Develop New Soybean-Based Products By Debra Davis

carpet backing, paint and concrete-release forms use smaller hat does foam that keeps amounts of soy but floors from squeaking have in common with NASCAR are higher value,” said racing tires? Both contain soybean Hornady, Soybean, oil. Both are on the list of 33 new Cotton and Wheat products commercialized in 2014 & Feed Grains Diviwith soy checkoff support. And sion director. “The both are driving demand for U.S. industrial market for soybeans. products range from More than 800 soy-based prodautomotive to furniture manufacturers and ucts have been developed with keeps increasing and checkoff support since 1990, that keeps the demand including money from Alabama for U.S. soy growing at farmers. Alabama Farmers Fedhome and abroad.” eration’s Carla Hornady said she Alabama farmers expects more soy-based product planted nearly a half development in the future. million acres of soy“Some products, like biodiesel, beans this year, includare high-volume, but products like ing almost 400 Soybeans Are Used for What? acres planted Some of the new soy-based products and by Lawrence ingredients introduced in 2014 as a result County farmer of checkoff support include: Dwight Landsdell of Town Creek. Lawrence County soybean farmer Dwight Landsdell said he’s PLASTICS - A foam underlayer and carpet Landsdell, a seen firsthand how soybean checkoff dollars are put to good use. cushion; a sound-deadening plastic for car first-year memflooring; and automotive seats for GM cars ber of the Federation’s State Checkoff-funded research conSoybean Committee, started tinues to pay dividends as manuRUBBER - NASCAR racing tires farming six years ago. His facturers look for ways to displace first crop was 34 acres of industry standards like petroleum, soybeans. He’s expanded latex, mineral oil and other materiCOATINGS /PRINTING INKS - Architectural to corn, grain sorghum and als in their products. Raw materilatex paints and traffic line paint wheat, but he said his favor- als from sustainable soy provide ite crop is soybeans. environmental benefits and are ADHESIVES - Wood adhesive for flakeboard, “It’s surprising to me proven to perform as well as the plywood and particleboard what all products are made ingredients they replace in a wide from soybeans,” Landsdell range of products, at a comparable PAPER - Soy wax emulsions for paper and said. “When I attended the cost. In fact, some perform even packaging applications; and binders for Federation’s Commodity better, according to a report from paper and paperboard Organization meeting last the United Soybean Board (USB). February, we voted to fund a The 70 farmer directors of USB SOLVENTS - A metal degreaser and oilcouple of research projects. oversee investments of the soy storage-tank cleaners I had always known checkcheckoff to maximize profit opporoff money was deducted tunities for all U.S. soybean farmLUBRICANTS - Oil-well-drilling lubricants from the soybeans I sold, ers. Those volunteers, including but that meeting was when Alabama’s Annie Dee of Pickens it all made sense to me. County, invest and leverage checkThe research we fund helps off funds to increase the value of WAX - A variety of new soy-based candles farmers grow more soybeans U.S. soy meal and oil. and helps find more uses for For information on the USB, soybeans.” visit UnitedSoybean.org. n

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Gregory Rolin

State Bee & Honey Committee Member If you’re looking for Gregory Rolin, chances are he’s buzzing around checking his Limestone County apiaries. Although tending bees comes with challenges and the occasional sticky situation, the Elkmont beekeeper said he never has a bad day as long as he’s on the farm. “I take great pleasure in what I do,” he said. “It’s one of Mother Nature’s creations, and I learn something every day; it’s very relaxing.” Rolin, 50, said he is dedicated to being a good husband to his wife of 27 years, Linda, and a good father to his two daughters, Rachel Lee, 21, and Savannah Joe, 18. Rolin is a 20-year member of Community Baptist Church in Ardmore. When faced with a difficult situation, Rolin’s answer is simple. “It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile,” he said. “It’s all how you look at it.”

Survey Seeks Feral Swine Damage Info

he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will soon survey 10,000 farmers from 11 states, including Alabama, about feral swine damage on their farms. “We thank producers in advance for their attention to this survey,” said Barbara Rater, NASS Census and Survey Division director. “The responses, which are always anonymous, can help inform policy and management actions about feral swine.” The survey will ask if farmers have seen feral swine on their properties, if any crop or livestock damage can be attributed to feral swine and what control methods are currently being used. Farmers in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, SEPTEMBER 2015

South Carolina and Texas will also be surveyed. This marks the first time USDA will survey farmers to determine the extent of feral swine damage. Barbour County Farmers Federation President Kenny Childree helped coordinate an event earlier this year to help farmers combat feral swine damage. “In everyday conversation with farmers, wild hogs always come up,” Childree said. “It’s becoming not only a problem with row crops, but cattle, forestry and all other commodities.” According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), annual agricultural damage and control costs related to feral swine in the U.S. amount to $800 million. Wild hogs are found in 41 states and most counties in Alabama. n 29

Visit the Alabama Farmers Federation booth during the

September 15 Von Braun Center Huntsville, AL Free Expo 12 – 6 p.m.

VIP Happy Hr. 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Cooking School 6 – 8 p.m.

_____________ Tickets and information at TasteOfHomehsv.com

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By Lois Chaplin

his time of year big garden surprises may pop up from the ground in the way of magical, mysterious spider lilies. Seemingly from nowhere, spider lilies (Lycoris radiata) generally appear in late summer after a good rain, their red blossoms held up like a Popsicle on foot-tall, straight stems that seem to appear overnight. Some years they are showy, other years not as much. Sometimes in dry years, they don’t appear at all. But when they do, they’re always worth the wait. Along the coast, spider lilies are sometimes called hurricane lilies, because the rain after a hurricane brings them out. Many spider lilies are old country garden plants, having put on a show for decades where folks relied on them not just for beauty but also durability. Spider lilies are often the last remnants of an old home site in the country. This is a bulb that can be planted and forgotten. In a good spot, spider lilies multiply and take hold, doing things underground until the leaves come up in the fall. That’s the time that makes or breaks these lilies because the long, strap-like leaves present through winter are the engines that

FALL

supply the energy for the bulbs to multiply and grow. The foliage stays all winter, then gradually yellows and dies back in spring. It’s important to leave the foliage alone (no mowing) while it’s green, so bulbs can get needed sunshine to store energy that fuels their growth. Wait to trim spider lilies after the leaves begin to yellow and die back. During spring and summer, there is no sign of the bulbs anywhere. They are hidden under the lawn or grasses in a field until they bloom. So how do you start some of these in your own garden? Perhaps the best way to dig bulbs is from the garden of a friend. These are definitely pass-along plants. They can be dug anytime, but the best time is spring, as their foliage is going dormant. However, these tough plants also tolerate digging right after they bloom. That way the bulbs can be in a new location when it’s time to grow new leaves. Be sure to plant the dug bulbs right away because the roots don’t like drying out. When planting bulbs,either those dug from another garden or purchased from a nursery or mail

BARGAINS.

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order source, be sure the top of the bulb is about 3 inches deep. Bulbs need at least a half day of sun to do best. No special soil prep is needed, other than choosing a well-drained spot, but they don’t like fertilizer. Too much nitrogen and you’ll only get leaves, not blossoms. Red spider lilies are great lawn plants because the foliage dies down in late April and May, so it disappears about the time that you need to start mowing the grass. In winter, it provides little green clumps of foliage throughout the lawn. For more on garden history, and bulbs in particular, visit thebulbhunter.com, a blog by Chris Wiesenger of South Texas who specializes in Southern bulbs. According to Wiesenger, spider lilies were first brought to the U.S. from Japan in 1854 by a navy captain whose hobby was collecting plants during his travels. n _______________________________

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

WWW.ALAFARM.COM 30

SEPTEMBER 2015

SOYBEAN QUALITY MATTERS MORE DEMAND. BETTER PRICE. QUALITY BEANS REEL IN PROFITS. Aquaculture and animal ag are your No. 1 customers – eating 97 percent of your soybean meal. Better quality means more demand. More demand means better prices. AND THAT’S A LOT OF TARTAR SAUCE. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN IMPACT YOUR QUALITY AT

Alabama_catfish_8.75x11.25.indd 1

2/26/14 12:03 PM

By Jill Clair Gentry

First Place

PORK TENDERLOIN SLIDERS Courtesy of Gail Oden Etowah County Start-to-finish: 1 hour, 15 minutes Serves 6-8 2½-pound pork tenderloin, fat trimmed 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary 20 slider buns or dinner rolls, split apart For bacon and sweet onion jam 4 uncooked bacon slices 1 tablespoon butter 2 medium-sized sweet onions, chopped 4 large shallots, chopped 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 2½ teaspoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Heat oven to 400 F. Rub tenderloin with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir together brown sugar, mustard, thyme and rosemary and rub w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

over tenderloin. Cook pork in remaining 2 tablespoons hot oil in skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Place a wire rack in a jelly roll pan and set tenderloin on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until thermometer registers 155 F. Remove and let stand for 10 minutes. Thinly slice and serve on buns with bacon and sweet onion jam. While the tenderloin is cooking, cook bacon in a medium skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Reserve drippings in skillet. Add butter to drippings and stir until butter melts. Increase heat to medium and add onions. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add shallots, vinegar, salt and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until onions are tender and brown. Remove from heat and stir in chives, thyme and bacon. 32

ork is the most commonly consumed meat in the world. While chops, loins, ribs, butts, sausage, bacon and ham may be what come immediately to mind when we think about pork, it has many other culinary applications. Cured meats like pepperoni and salami, pork rinds, pork belly and even pig feet are in high demand all over the globe. The South is no exception when it comes to pork’s popularity. We love our pork, and we’ve developed tried and true methods of preparing it. Pork is celebrated at barbecue cook-offs, sausage festivals, tailgate parties and, of course, the dinner table with family and friends who gather to enjoy crispy pork chops or a juicy tenderloin. Cooks from every part of Alabama submit their favorite pork recipes each year for the Alabama Pork Producers’ Pork Cooking Contest, and this year’s contest yielded some delicious dishes. Winner Gail Oden of Attalla raised prize-winning purebred hogs with her husband and four children for more than 20 years, and she knows firsthand how meticulous pork producers are about the health of their animals and the quality of their products. “They say pork is ‘the other white meat,’ and that is really true,” Oden said. “The way they are raised now, they are as clean and healthy as any other meat. Pork producers are very particular about how they raise their pigs.” Oden also loves cooking with pork and says her winning recipe is just one of many favorites she’s perfected throughout the years. She loves that it is affordable and easy to cook. n SEPTEMBER 2015

Second Place

BROWN SUGAR BACON PORK CHOPS Kelly Hogeland, Cullman County Start-to-finish: 45 minutes Serves 4 4 pork chops 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1/3 cup brown sugar 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese 7 strips of bacon, cooked Salt and pepper to taste Oranges for garnish, optional

Heat oven to 350 F. Rub both sides of pork chops with garlic and brown sugar. Place in baking dish and drizzle butter over top. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and salt and pepper on top of chops. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until internal temperature is 155 degrees. Remove from oven; sprinkle with cheeses and add crumbled bacon. Bake another 5 minutes. Garnish with oranges if desired.

Perfectly Poignant Pork Principles What’s the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin? Although pork loin and pork tenderloin may sound similar, they’re two different cuts of meat. The pork loin comes from the pig’s back and is a thick, large piece of meat. It can be sold bone-in or boneless. It is a lean cut of meat with a

Third Place

HAWAIIAN-STYLE PORK Cassandra Lindsey Cherokee County Start-to-finish: 4 hours, 30 minutes (30 minutes active) Serves 6-8 For the marinade: 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 inches ginger root, peeled and minced 2/3 cup soy sauce 2/3 cup brown sugar 2/3 cup pineapple juice 4 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 4 tablespoons sesame oil Dash black pepper Dash chili powder 3 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into cubes

thick layer of fat on top. Pork tenderloin is the muscle that runs alongside the backbone. Each tenderloin averages about one pound, so when a recipe calls for a 2.5-pound tenderloin, be aware that you will probably buy a package that comes with two tenderloins. Tenderloin is always boneless and is the most tender and delicate cut of pork, so make sure not to overcook it. For serving: 3 bell peppers, cut into one-inch cubes 1 pineapple, cut into one-inch cubes 2 cups rice, cooked Finely chopped green onions for garnish

Mix all marinade ingredients, reserving 1½ cups of marinade to use later. Place cubed pork into a zip-top bag and pour marinade over it. Mix well and allow pork to marinate for four hours or longer. Cook pork in a large wok or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove meat from pan and cook peppers and pineapple in same skillet for 10 minutes, until peppers are soft.

Did you know?

Pork steaks, chops, loins and roasts are safe to eat when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F, followed by a three-minute rest. However, the USDA recommends cooking ground pork to 160 F.

In a small saucepan, boil remaining marinade to create a glaze. Spoon over meat and vegetables. Serve on top of rice and garnish with green onions.

Editor’s note: This recipe can also be enhanced with sweet-and-sour sauce. In a 2-cup measuring cup, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ¼ cup water and stir. Add 1 cup sweet-and-sour sauce. Pour into saucepan and heat until thickened. Pour over meat and vegetables. SEPTEMBER 2015

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County Annual Meetings BUTLER

Tuesday, September 15th @ 6 PM Pioneer Electric Building 300 Herbert St., Greenville

CONECUH

Tuesday, September 8th @ 6 PM David Burt Building 102 Liberty St., Evergreen

CRENSHAW

Thursday, September 10th @ 6:30 PM E.L. Turner Park 93 Ball Park Rd., Luverne

DALLAS

Tuesday, September 8th @ 6 PM Alfa Service Center 403 Broad St., Selma

ESCAMBIA

Tuesday, September 1st @ 6 PM Ag Center 175 Ag Science Drive, Brewton

GREENE

Thursday, September 3rd @ 6 PM Alfa Service Center 101 Boligee St., Eutaw

HALE

Thursday, September 3rd @ 1 PM Alabama Fish Farming Center 529 South Centreville St., Greensboro

LOWNDES

Tuesday, September 1st @ 6:30 PM Southern Sportsman Lodge 9022 US Hwy. 80 West, Tyler

MACON

Tuesday, September 1st @ 6 PM Beckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Turf Farm 2858 County Rd. 53, Tuskegee

MARENGO

Tuesday, September 15th @ 6:30 PM Alfa Service Center 206 Shiloh St., Linden

PERRY

Tuesday, September 1st @ 11 AM Alfa Service Center 406 Pickens St., Marion

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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