George Jeffcoat Vice President | Southeast, Gordon
Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden
Steve Dunn Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen
DIRECTORS
Dorman Grace | Jasper Jeff Peek | Athens
David Bailey | Dawson
Steve Lake | Vinemont
Joe Anders Northport
Phillip Hunter | Birmingham
Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka
Tommy Martin | Moundville
Bill Cook Montgomery
Trip Horne | Louisville
Mark Kaiser | Daphne
Jerry Peak | Chancellor
Debbie Dunn Samson Dillon Turk | Semmes
Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A.
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DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
www.AlfaFarmers.org
In This Issue
4 | Farm Families Gather at Summer Conference 12 | Alfa Foundation Awards $100,000 in Scholarships
17 | Ag Law & You: Hiring an Attorney
18 | Farmers Innovate as City Sprawl Spurs Land Loss
20 | Teaching Farm Scores A+ from Students, Community
6
On The Cover
Whit and Amanda Lovelady are Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). The Talladega County farmers have two children, Annagrace and John Luke, and raise cattle and hay. As the OYFF, they net more than $70,000 in prizes.
Photo By Marlee Jackson
28 | Tailgate Treats to Kickoff Football
Federation Conference Centered on Family, Fellowship
By Maggie Edwards
Balloons, string lights, live music and constant chatter brought life to Montgomery’s Union Station Train Shed Aug. 1 during the Alabama Farmers Federation Family Reunion.
The farmers’ fun set the stage for the annual Farm & Land Conference, where over 700 attendees gathered to cultivate knowledge through tours, seminars and contests Aug. 1-3.
“The goal for the Family Reunion was for members to fellowship and reconnect with old friends,” said Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Mitt Walker. “Farming is tough right now. Our team wanted to give folks a chance to relax and enjoy family.”
The mouth-watering menu included U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, Bishop’s Barbecue, Blue Ribbon Dairy ice cream, beef brisket, Allman Farms & Orchards watermelon and Laurie Farms boiled peanuts. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., also attended and mingled with farmers.
Day 2 brought a host of charter buses into the Capital City as participants scattered from Auburn to Uniontown and from Montevallo to Union Springs for farm tours.
Colbert County’s Hart Gargis said he appreciated the practical tips he gained from Dallas County’s Bell Place Farms.
“It’s important to come and see what
other farmers are doing,” said Gargis, a row crop farmer who serves on the Federation State Soybean Committee. “Hearing (farm owners) Wendy and Jamie Yeager discuss their sorghum production and marketing process was encouraging. I’ve been interested in getting back into growing sorghum.”
Randolph County’s Bran Futral noted the camaraderie among producers.
“These tours let me know that I’m not alone,” said Futral, a specialty crop farmer. “There are challenges, but we’re all in it together. We’re proud to be a part of what the Federation is doing.”
Other farm stops included ArborGen, Autauga Farming Co., Blue Ribbon Dairy, Bonnie Plants, Cleveland Land & Cattle, Dobbs Equipment, Green Valley Farms, Harvest Select’s catfish farm, Looney Farms, Parnell Farms, Petals from the Past, SweetCreek Farm Market and Whippoorwill Vineyards.
Commodity-specific educational tracks and guest speakers guided Day 3’s agenda. During a breakfast session, Mark Purdy of Aimpoint Research discussed farmers’ importance to the country.
“You are foundational to national security,” Purdy said. “Food security is national security. We need that to be able to lead and keep our position in the world. We need that to build our economy and other industries in the nation. This isn’t about looking to the
past but the future. It’s about making farmers successful and profitable.”
During the conference, an ag policy discussion centered on proposed Alfa Health Plans, while Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s (ACES) Beau Brodbeck spoke about H-2A labor.
Additionally, two ACES and Auburn University agriculturalists were honored for outstanding research and service. (See pages 8-9.)
The Farm & Land Conference also included contests for the Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers divisions. (See pages 5-6.)
Encouraging words from Caroleene Dobson closed the conference. Dobson, who is endorsed by Alabama FarmPAC, will be on the ballot in November as the Republican candidate for Congressional District 2.
“I grew up on a farm and witnessed firsthand that when you see something that needs action, you pray and then take action,” said Dobson, who received a standing ovation. “I understand the idea of stewardship — taking what God has given us and making things better for the next generation. We must grow the next generation with faith, hard work and trust in God.”
View conference photos!
From left: Farmers gathered at Union Station Train Shed for the Federation Family Reunion; Colbert County’s Hart Gargis, left, spoke with Dallas County’s Jamie Yeager while touring Bell Place Farms; Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, and Southwest Area Vice President Jake Harper, right, visited with Caroleene Dobson, the Republican candidate for Congressional District 2.
Contests Honor Skilled Artists for Creative Needlework, Crafts
a specific commodity.
First-place winners received $150, second-place $100 and third-place $75. The winners for each division were:
Hand-Stitched Quilt
n First — Pat Norred, Randolph County
n Second — Martha Jordan, Monroe County
Machine-Stitched Quilt
n First — Tamara Rashleigh, St. Clair County
n Second — Janet Massey, Geneva
By Mary Wilson
Asteady stream of Alabama Farmers Federation members cycled through displays of quilts, table runners and wreaths hoping to see winning ribbons hanging next to entries created by peers from their home counties.
Across five sewing and wreathmaking contests, 13 talented seamstresses and crafters received top prizes. Winners included Randolph County’s Pat Norred, who earned first place in the hand-stitched quilt division.
“I’m still on cloud nine,” Norred said. “I’ve always said to keep trying. I’ve entered 13 years. I’ve won third place three times, and this is my first time winning first place.”
The annual contests are sponsored
by the Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division and take place during the organization’s Farm & Land Conference held in Montgomery Aug. 1-3.
“These contests are always the heartbeat of our Women’s events,” said Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood. “It’s great to see the creativity of our members, but the best thing is that the display of entries gives our people the chance to gather in the exhibit hall. They are able to swap stories of their crafting successes and failures and celebrate the efforts of talented, like-minded folks.”
To promote Alabama agriculture, fabric entries must be made of cotton. Table runners and wreaths must feature
Third — Roberta McClellan, Cullman County
Commodity Table Runner, Adult Division
n First — Terri Brown, Wilcox County
Second — Dawn East, Cherokee County Third — Twyla Smith, Crenshaw County
Commodity Table Runner, Youth Division
n First — Hannah Grace Aldridge, Fayette County
n Second — Trevor Wicks, St. Clair County
Commodity Wreath
n First — Pat Sexton, Crenshaw County
n Second — Phyllis Johnson, Calhoun County
n Third — Lydia Haynes, Cullman County
Scan to view all winning entries.
From left are Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood and first-place winners Pat Norred of Randolph County, hand-stitched quilt; Tamara Rashleigh of St. Clair County, machine-stitched quilt; Terri Brown of Wilcox County, table runner, adult division; Hannah Grace Aldridge of Fayette County, table runner, youth division; and Pat Sexton of Crenshaw County, wreath.
Young Farmers Capture Contest Victories in Capital City
By Tanner Hood
Atop crop of young farmers walked away victorious following contests at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 3 in Montgomery.
Competitors from Talladega and Colbert counties were awarded Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture wins, respectively, while four Discussion Meet finalists were announced.
Whit and Amanda Lovelady from Talladega County were named Alabama’s OYFF. The Loveladys raise cattle and hay with their children, Annagrace and John Luke.
As the OYFF, they will receive over $70,000 in prizes including $40,000 toward a new Ford truck compliments of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 835M Gator sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor courtesy of John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen.
Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were named first runner-up. They raise row crops with their children, Chandler Jane and Cash, and will receive use of a Kubota M series tractor courtesy of Kubota.
Drew and Lauren Wendland of
County were named second runner-up and earned a custom product package from Corteva Agriscience. The Wendlands raise row crops, hay and cattle and have three children — Mills, Smith and Rhett.
Additionally, the Dixons and Wendlands will receive $500 from perennial sponsors Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit.
Interviews in February were followed by judges’ visits to each family farm in June to select the OYFF. Families were scored on farm growth and diversity, along with community involvement and Federation and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) leadership. OYFF competitors must receive over half their income from farming.
Excellence in Agriculture contest winners Will and Ali Gotcher of Colbert County competed against 11 other participants and will receive a zero-turn Grasshopper lawn mower from Corteva. This event allows contestants to showcase agriculture’s role in their lives and present solutions to major industry hurdles. Will works at Spruell Farms, while Ali is a regional Extension agent.
First runner-up was Caleb Beason of Franklin County, with Josh and Bailey Williams of Tallapoosa County as second runner-up.
Twenty-three young farmers competed in the Discussion Meet, which simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions
to agricultural issues. The four finalists are Will Meadows of Houston County; Erin Tolleson of Marshall County; Levi Noles of Randolph County; and Chase Hammock of Talladega County.
The Final Four will compete during the Federation’s annual meeting in December. The winner will receive a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit.
All finalists received a custom Young Farmers of Alabama Yeti cooler compliments of the Federation. Winners will represent Alabama during AFBF national competitions in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025.
Scan for photos of all Young Farmers competitors.
Autauga
Discussion Meet Final Four
Excellence in Ag winners are Ali and Will Gotcher.
Chase Hammock Levi Noles
Erin Tolleson
Will Meadows
From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Outstanding Young Farm Family contest winners Amanda and Whit Lovelady of Talladega County with children John Luke and Annagrace; and Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer.
"With Alabama Farm Credit, you’re dealing with local people with boots on the ground, and that gives us the ability to have a partner who understands what we are doing all the time.”
-Stewart Mcgill AFC Director & Partner at Tate Farms
Farmers Honor da Silva for Vegetable Variety Trial Research
By Maggie Edwards
Dr. Andre da Silva is paving the way for Alabama specialty crop production through farm trials which help growers gain top vegetable varieties for their operations.
Da Silva’s expertise scored him the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research, presented Aug. 3 during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery.
“I always wanted to help the vegetable industry,” said da Silva, an Auburn University associate professor and Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) vegetable specialist. “I’m surprised but happy to see my work and drive to help was recognized.”
His impact on Alabama began in
2021 when he and wife Dr. Camila Rodrigues moved to Auburn. She’s an associate professor and ACES food safety specialist.
Da Silva and Rodrigues hail from Maringá, Brazil, where they each earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After moving to the U.S., they received doctorates at the University of Florida.
“I like working with people,” said da Silva. “That’s why I enjoy working for Extension. When a grower has a problem, you help them, and then they succeed. It’s rewarding for me to see their harvest of vegetables and high-quality production.”
Da Silva has been instrumental in developing best management practices for high-yielding, high-quality crops. He helps farmers focus on irrigation and pest management, fertilizer applications
and cultivar selections. That work has paid dividends for many members of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), said Mike Reeves.
“Andre is a huge supporter of AFVGA,” said Reeves, who raises specialty crops in Morgan County. “His strongest quality is his desire to help growers at the farm level.”
Recently, da Silva helped Reeves select a different variety of sweet corn, a move both men call a success.
“Mike was having problems with corn, and he gave me a call to see what I recommended,” da Silva said. “He was experiencing issues with weather and weeds. Because of past trials, I was able to suggest one of the newest varieties released by Syngenta. It led to his best harvest of sweet corn.”
Stories like that make da Silva special to AFVGA members, said the organization’s Executive Director Blake Thaxton.
“We are fortunate to have Andre working with us,” said Thaxton, who is also a Federation commodity director. “His Variety Trial Showcase is a farmer favorite each year at the AFVGA annual conference. He’s taking our industry to the next level.”
Most of those trials begin thanks to one-on-one conversations with farmers, da Silva said.
“I choose research based off what farmers think is important,” da Silva said. “It’s weighed on geographic impact and need, too.”
Sweet corn isn’t da Silva’s only success. He’s worked with a host of farmers on broccoli, carrot, tomato and other produce trials.
His area of focus continues to diversify. As the sixth annual Rittenour Award winner, he received $10,000 toward programming costs courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
“I will continue the trials and begin exploring precision ag and drone use in vegetable production,” da Silva said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue collaborating with farmers.”
Dr. Andre da Silva earned the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research. His vegetable variety research trials help specialty crop farmers across the state grow high-quality, high-yielding crops.
Inset: Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented da Silva the award Aug. 3.
2024 Farm & Land Conference | Duncan Award
Brothers Rewarded for Practical Poultry Extension Efforts
By Tanner Hood
Dennis Brothers’ steady tone and deliberate demeanor guided poultry professionals during a project update meeting at Auburn University (AU) in early July.
The depth of Brothers’ knowledge was on display as he presented a new production cost calculator tool — one example of the practical programming that earned him the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension.
Brothers received the sixth annual award at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery Aug. 3.
“I’m always looking for ways to benefit the guy out there with chicken manure on his boots,” Brothers said. “The people are what make any job rewarding for me.”
Whether standing in a chicken house or working behind a desk, Brothers’ goal is to make farmers profitable.
“My job has always been focused on economics — trying to take knowledge and information and boil it down where a grower can benefit from it,” said Brothers, an associate Extension professor in AU’s Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department.
The Federation presents the Duncan Award to AU and Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) professionals who have helped Alabama farmers. Brothers will receive $5,000 for programming costs from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
“I was blown away when I found out I received the award,” Brothers said. “It’s humbling knowing it comes from the people I’ve been trying to help.”
Brothers joined ACES in 2011 as an assistant Extension professor after 12 years in the poultry industry private sector. He moved into his current role in 2018.
“I’ve spent lots of time outside academia, so I feel I have an opportunity to bring a different view into this arena,” Brothers said. “I ask myself how I can help farmers make better decisions in
running their businesses.”
That perspective has led to projects like the poultry production cost calculator tool, a “New Farmer’s Guide to the Commercial Broiler Industry” manual and co-authoring the 2022 Alabama Ag & Forestry Economic Contribution Study.
Federation State Poultry Committee Chairman Joe Murphy said Brothers’ commitment and contributions to Alabama farmers make him deserving of this recognition.
“We’re extremely blessed to have Dennis working on behalf of Alabama’s poultry farmers and Extension,” said Murphy, who raises poultry in Pike County and nominated Brothers for the Duncan Award. “One of the most impactful resources Dennis has
developed is his poultry budgeting tool. He has revolutionized the way we approach budgeting and business management.”
Federation Poultry Division Director Colton Christjohn agreed.
“Dennis understands poultry growers and their need for efficiency,” Christjohn said. “His efforts are paying dividends one flock at a time.”
Building relationships and seeing positive outcomes on Alabama farms propels Brothers’ poultry purpose.
“Ultimately, getting the opportunity to make someone’s life a little easier makes it worth it,” Brothers said. “A lot of times there is someone out there who you’re helping, and you don’t even know it. That’s what makes me get up every day and do it again.”
Clockwise from top: Since 2011, Dennis Brothers has served poultry producers through Auburn University and Alabama Extension; Brothers is known for practical programs that serve farmers like Joe Murphy of Pike County; Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented the Duncan Award to Brothers Aug. 3.
Prompt arrival Experienced inspections
Detailed planning
Claims Service Saves Alfa Customers from Deep Water
By Brooke Foster
When it rains, it pours. Just ask Elmore County residents Carol and Lamar “Bubba” Woodham.
Returning home from Bubba’s coronary angioplasty procedure May 22, the Woodhams walked into their once-tranquil Eclectic lake home to discover a significant amount of damage. The culprit? An undetected water leak downstairs.
“When we got home from the hospital and got Bubba settled in, I walked down to the basement,” Carol recalled. “It wasn’t long before I noticed a puddle of water in the corner near the garage. It was odd, but I didn’t think much of it until I opened the door and found water running through the garage and through the walls of the room next door. It lapped over my shoes!”
As the water continued to leak from the ceiling into the walls, Carol scurried upstairs to inform a recovering Bubba of the situation. He’s quick to say the leak wasn’t part of his doctor’s post-op instructions, but exceptional service from Alfa Insurance® made what could’ve been a stressful situation a smooth process.
“It was overwhelming to have this happen after coming home from the hospital,” Bubba said. “Thankfully, Carol found the leak when she did. It could have been a lot worse.”
Bubba reached out to Alfa Agent Felicia Brown to let her know what happened. Within a few hours, Adjuster Oaklee Williams was on the phone reassuring the Woodhams they’d be taken care of.
“Except for hail damage, I’d never filed a claim before,” Bubba said, recalling his 40-plus years as an Alfa customer. “In every step of the process,
Oaklee and (Large Loss Adjuster) Terry McKelvey were courteous, knowledgeable and professional in their areas of expertise. I truly could not have asked for a better team.”
From the ceiling to baseboards and custom woodwork, everything damaged in the Woodhams’ home was repaired or replaced within four weeks.
Looking back, Bubba said what most impressed him with the process was consistent communication.
“At no time was I wondering what to do or the next step Alfa was going to take,” he said.
Williams said while he appreciates the Woodhams’ kind words about Alfa’s claims response, he was simply doing his job.
“Keeping our customers up to date on the status of claims eases anxiety around the situation,” Williams said. “Even if I don’t have any updates, I still want to communicate with my customers to ensure they know where
Scan for more on Alfa’s claims process.
we stand in the process. I’m glad I was able to assist the Woodhams and provide them with a positive claims experience. It always feels good to deliver on the Alfa promise.”
Carol praised that personal service.
“My parents, as well as Bubba’s, were insured with Alfa back when it was called Alabama Farm Bureau,” Carol said. “We’ve always known that Alfa was a trusted insurance company. This truth was only further validated during our claims experience.”
Sharing a smile, McKelvey assured Bubba and Carol they could rely on Alfa to get things back to normal quickly and efficiently.
“As a company, we do our very best to take care of our customers,” McKelvey said. “That’s what I’ve loved about working for Alfa for 34 years. We want to ensure our customers they can confidently put their trust in us to handle their claims with ease. That’s the Alfa difference.”
Alfa Adjusters Terry McKelvey, left, and Oaklee Williams, right, visited with customers Bubba and Carol Woodham while checking on completed water leak repairs at the Woodhams’ Elmore County lake house.
You can find soybeans grown in Alabama just about everywhere — your food, your food’s food, your fuel, asphalt, adhesives, motor oil, tires, paints, crayons and more. In fact, even this ad — and the whole magazine — is printed with soy ink. And as your Alabama Soybean Checkoff, we’re always on the job, researching and finding markets for your soybeans to keep this impressive list going on and on. Learn more about the story of soy at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
Alfa Foundation Awards $100,000 in College Scholarships
By Melissa Martin
The Alfa Foundation recently awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 100 students attending colleges and universities across Alabama. Recipients, who hail from 43 counties and will attend 29 different academic institutions, each received $1,000 from the Foundation to use on tuition, fees, books or supplies in the 2024-25 academic year.
Since 2014, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $1,050,000 to students through its scholarship program, which is administered by Kaleidoscope.
“We are proud to support this outstanding group of students as they further their education within the state of Alabama,” said Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance® President Jimmy Parnell. “It’s important to us as an organization to invest in our young people, and we are happy to do so through the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program.”
Scholarships were awarded based on grade point average, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals. To qualify, students must be enrolled — or planning to enroll — in a full-time accredited program at a two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school located in Alabama.
The 2024-25 recipients and their schools, listed by county, are:
Autauga County
Bo Moore, Auburn University (AU)
Emily Pope, The University of Alabama (UA)
Baldwin County
Adam Dawson, Reid State Technical College
Joshua Park, Coastal Alabama Comm. College (CACC)
Barbour County
Chloe Helms, Faulkner University
Myles Tyler, Southern Union State Comm. College (SUSCC)
Blount County
Lilly Graves, Wallace State Comm. College (WSCC)
Butler County
Kate Turner, AU
Calhoun County
Miani Burton, Talladega College
Houston Mann, AU
Chambers County
Jack McKay, AU
Cherokee County
Bethany Davis, WSCC
Gabi West, Gadsden State Comm. College
Chilton County
Mattie Cleckler, University of Montevallo
Choctaw County
Olivia Jimerson, UA
Clay Perry, CACC
Cameron Robinson, University of South Alabama
Clarke County
Kasen Davis, UA
Coffee County
Jackson Adcock, Wallace Comm. College (WCC)
Addie Lavender, AU
Conecuh County
Taylor Campbell, Troy University
Mallory Simmons, AU
Covington County
Elijah Bradley, SUSCC
Cullman County
Annalee Allen, WSCC
Juliana Brannon, UA
Drew Conway, AU
Dale County
Audrey McDonald, AU
Ramsey Griggs, UA
Emily Powell, WCC
Braden Simmons, Alabama Aviation College
Ty Torbert, AU
David Weeks, University of Montevallo
Dallas County
Anna Grace Ingram, AU
Hannah McHugh, SUSCC
DeKalb County
Callie Ashley, AU
Shawn Guffey, Northeast Alabama Comm. College
Escambia County
Wyn Brittain, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Catherine Jackson, AU
Etowah County
Piper Beck, Samford University
Sara Beck, UA
Cade Garcia, University of North Alabama (UNA)
Franklin County
Kaitlin Speck, Northwest Shoals Comm. College
Geneva County
Emma Claire Hinson, AU
Henry County
Mallory Deal, AU
Hudson Shelley, WCC
Houston County
Ally Davis, AU
Kaitlyn Herrington, Alabama Aviation College
Landon Hodge, WCC
Lilly Rice, Beverly Beauty Institute
Jackson County
Eli Sparks, UNA
Jefferson County
Aaron Gaines, UA
Mia Gerson, UAB
Davida Gunn, Lawson State Comm. College
Reagan Hanson, UA
Maddy Love, Samford University
Kolin Simpson, Huntingdon College
Garrett Yokeley, AU
Limestone County
Charity Bowers, Faulkner University
Micheal Clark, Jefferson State Comm. College
Bryson Looney, UNA
Madison County
Griffin Emerson, UA
Marengo County
Anna Rene Lewis, UA
Marshall County
Hunter Matthews, WSCC
Ryleigh Shadinger, Snead State Comm. College
Noah Sumners, Marion Military Institute
Avery Thomas, UA
Mobile County
Bayleigh Griffin, Troy University
Victoria Johnson, AU
Katie Sanders, AU
Connor Walsh, CACC
Morgan County
Bentley Black, UAB
Kason Jeffreys, Highlands College
Hunter Nichols, CCC
Abbey Grace Tomlin, WSCC
Reagan Watkins, UNA
Pike County
Lainey Hattaway, Troy University
Randolph County
Carlin Parrish, SUSCC
St. Clair County
Joseph Coker, Samford University
Meah Goodell, Samford University
Brady Laminack, Bevill State Comm. College
Shelby County
Drew Beatty, UAB
Talladega County
Lauren Luker, AU
Tuscaloosa County
Madelyn Clary, UA
Kaylea Fussell, UA
Graceson Pugh, Shelton State Comm. College
Caelyn Taylor, UA
Walker County
Libby Allred, University of Montevallo
It’s never a dull day on the farm. Since 1916, Alabama Ag Credit has helped farmers like you finance improvements and upgrades for everything from supplies to tractors to tools that get the job done. Whether you’re starting or expanding your agricultural operation, we o er long-term or short-term credit options. Call us today to learn about our competitive rates and how our relationship lending can help your farm thrive.
Apiary Lab Finds Sweet Home at Enterprise State
By Tanner Hood
F
armers and pollinators go together like bees and honey — one relying on the other to survive. Students and professors are learning this firsthand at Enterprise State Community College (ESCC), the new home of the State Apiary Unit Diagnostic Lab.
ESCC Biology Instructor Ashley Snellgrove is the de facto lab adviser. She said the partnership between the school and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is beneficial for student growth.
“We partnered with ADAI to establish a diagnostic lab last fall, and we had to get really creative,” Snellgrove said. “We started a biology course to allow students to learn the basics of honeybees and run diagnostic tests while earning college credit.”
Snellgrove said it’s a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience.
“They’ve been working in a lab using microscopes, taking specimens and reporting test results to an inspector,” Snellgrove said. “We had three students, and I told them to take this as a life lesson and say ‘yes’ to opportunities like this. They jumped in without really knowing what to expect.”
An ADAI inspector trained Snellgrove and the students on bee anatomy and testing protocols.
that lead to disease,” Snellgrove said. “Students test for Nosema spores and tracheal mites. They also log samples of Varroa mites that the inspector tests for in the field then brings to the lab.”
In addition to the lab, a school apiary was built this year with bees and boxes provided by Auburn University’s (AU) Bee Lab. Several new boxes have been added with plans for an outdoor classroom and on-site diagnostic lab.
“They’re pollinators of the world,” she said. “I think it’s our duty to help them so we can continue living and eating healthy.”
Snellgrove said she hopes to keep educating and introducing students to the importance of agriculture through ESCC’s new Division of Agricultural Sciences.
ESCC Math Instructor and Division Chairman Ed Howard will lead the new department. He said they’ll soon establish a transfer pathway with AU to provide students the chance for further study.
ESCC graduate and apiary attendant Carolina Rodriguez Quinones said her time in the lab has been a journey of progress.
“I’m still learning about agriculture,” Rodriguez said. “I didn’t realize honeybees were a part of it, but I learn more and more every day.”
“The inspection of apiaries is critical because of the presence of parasites
Rodriguez said she has a deeper appreciation for bees’ essential role.
Alabama Farmers Federation Bee & Honey Division Director Blake Thaxton said ESCC’s work is important and exciting for the state’s honeybee industry.
“Having the diagnostic lab at the school is a good way to introduce young people to the industry while providing a fundamental service for producers,” Thaxton said. “The collaboration between AU and ESCC, especially between the bee labs, is beneficial for all Alabama farmers.”
For Rodriguez, the bee lab has opened doors to a future even sweeter than honey.
“The lab was the initial introduction to me realizing that I could do what I wanted to do,” she said. “The amount of people I’ve gotten to meet and the work they’ve done has made it clear I could do this and be successful. I would say it’s one of the smartest decisions I ever made.”
From left are State Apiary Unit Diagnostic Lab team members Ed Howard, Grace Jones, Carolina Rodriguez Quinones, Esmeralda Hernandez and Ashley Snellgrove.
A new, on-site apiary diagnostic lab is allowing Enterprise State Community College students the chance to learn about the symbiotic relationship between farmers and honeybees.
Perseverance
Lawyer Up: Hiring an Attorney
Few people want to think about attorneys — until they need one. Choosing an attorney can seem daunting, especially when juggling day-to-day work, plus farm, family, church and other obligations. A few small considerations can make a big difference when it’s time to select legal representation.
The most important element is to remember you’re engaging someone to work for you. This is a hiring decision. Evaluate the attorney’s ability to do what you ask efficiently and proficiently. Consider the first time you talk with an attorney an interview. You are getting to know them, their background and experience just like they are familiarizing themselves with you and your farm or situation.
The following factors can help guide you through the selection process.
R Specialty
First, evaluate why you need an attorney. Do you need help preparing estate planning documents? Are you forming a corporate entity like an LLC, or do you need to take legal action against someone? Alternatively, you may need someone to defend you against legal action.
Attorneys tend to specialize in certain areas, so it’s important you know what services you will generally require. Then, as you begin the search in earnest, you can promptly convey the assistance you need.
R Experience
Next, inquire if the attorney has experience related to your needs. Farmers or landowners may be more comfortable with attorneys who have handled farm-related matters. Most farms operate as small businesses and may include LLCs or other corporate structures. Is the attorney you’re seeking well versed in those areas?
Since less than 2% of the U.S. population farms, it’s important to evaluate an attorney’s background and familiarity with agriculture. A lack of agricultural knowledge doesn’t put them out of the race, however, if the attorney is willing to learn about the industry and adequately serve your needs.
R Reputation
Utilize your network. The agricultural community is small and close-knit. Lean on friends, colleagues and other trusted individuals for input. Take into
consideration their experiences with attorneys. This can be one of the best ways to find a reputable attorney. If you need help beyond your network and community, the Alabama Bar Association has launched an initiative to connect Alabama citizens with legal resources, including a database to find local attorneys. Learn more at justice4al.com.
R Communication
Ask early for a clear explanation of the attorney’s fee structure, which can differ depending on how the firm operates and your individual needs.
Evaluate the way an attorney communicates with you. Do they explain things clearly and lay out options? Do they promptly respond to your inquiries? As the client, you should feel empowered to ask questions and expect a reasonably prompt response.
Closing Statements
Although selecting an attorney can seem daunting, the right attorney can benefit you and your farm. Sound legal advice can provide stability and peace of mind. Remember, you are in the driver’s seat, and your attorney works for you.
Making Moves: Farmers Fight to Stay Productive Amid Urban Squeeze
By Marlee Jackson
F or two years, Ben Looney has farmed his dream acreage — wide-open, irrigated row crop land nestled in a river bottom.
It’s a surprising reality since the Lowndes County land is hours south
of the farm his grandfather founded decades ago.
“I could have probably stayed in Tanner (in Limestone County) and finished out my farming career, but my kids would not have had any opportunity to farm,” said Looney, 46. “If Looney Farms wanted to stay a farm,
The Looneys lost hundreds of rented acres in the last few years. It’s a common anecdote for farmers whose rural communities are near urban centers with booming populations. Take Limestone County. It’s in Alabama’s fastest-growing region and averages 10 new residents each day, per the U.S. Census. Neighboring Madison County averages 25, an uptick largely due to aerospace giant Huntsville. The boom goes beyond the
Ben Looney’s family has lost hundreds of rented acres in north Alabama over the last few years as formerly productive crop land was sold for development. To secure their farming future, the Looneys are now farmercommuters who alternately work longtime family land in Limestone County while managing new acreage hours south in Lowndes County.
Tennessee Valley. Baldwin County on Alabama’s Gulf Coast grows by 19 residents a day, with Cullman and Lee counties making sizable gains, too.
“It just got a lot more competitive for the land because there was less of it,” said Looney, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee. “When you hear what they got for their land, it’s life-changing money. I don’t blame them.”
rates on remaining rentable farm land. It’s a pricey pill to swallow as net farm income is predicted to plunge 40% from 2022’s record high, per the U.S. Department
preserve their legacy. For
U-pick operations.
meant moving south.
faith-filled farm family includes his wife Miranda,
Fourteen years ago, David Lee moved the bulk of Trinity Farms to Lowndes County, hours south of where he grew up in Madison County. Land loss thanks to urban sprawl spurred the move — which Lee said has been a blessing for him, wife Julie and their four children.
owners didn’t prioritize the land like past generations,” said Lee, the Federation State Beef Committee chair. “We realized we needed to do something to stay profitable, so we started looking outside (north Alabama).”
and Donnis. As north Alabama acres dwindled, the Looneys pondered and
from a friend, they checked out a farm in Lowndes County, 200 miles from home.
exploring life in central Alabama while farming owned and rented land farther north.
David Lee gets it.
The cattle farmer grew up in Madison County and knew Looney from early days in the Federation, often passing Looney’s row crop fields while checking cows. Little of that land is still in production, Lee said.
“We rented a lot of land, and we were seeing that the next generation of
In 2010, he and wife Julie moved their family and the bulk of Trinity Farms to Letohatchee — just 30 minutes from where the Looneys now farm. That location in central Alabama has been a blessing, Lee said. Extended family lives nearby, and Lee frequents nearby Interstate 65 delivering freezer beef and pork to customers in Alabama and neighboring states.
Fourteen years after their move, the Lees said access to acreage is again tight, with non-farmers seeking peace from the hubbub of town.
“It’s gotten more challenging, and it’s going to continue to get more challenging,” Lee said. “It’s just something we’re going to have to figure out. Being more productive and making our commodities worth more are the
only ways we can do that.”
The Looneys are maximizing productivity in Lowndesboro. Their farm’s continuous field means they can cover up to 200 acres a day, a stark contrast to stop-and-go work fighting traffic and moving equipment to spotty, small fields around Tanner. Meanwhile, irrigation, a luxury for the historically dryland farmers, is helping increase yields.
While Looney isn’t sure what the future holds back north, he said he’s thankful to farm another day — albeit away from home.
“I think it’s going to be well worth it as the years go on,” Looney said. “I don’t see the progress in north Alabama slowing down. If anything, it’s ramping up.”
Watch this story on Simply Southern TV!
By Maggie Edwards
Tuscaloosa County School System (TCSS) is cultivating the future of agriculture with its new Agriscience Teaching Farm in Northport.
When plans to build a new elementary school changed, land purchased for that project needed a new purpose. TCSS Northport Career Tech Annex (NCTA) Administrator Hannah Costanzo saw its future as a 105-acre farm for hands-on learning.
“When we first started, the land was completely grown up,” Costanzo said. “The students and NCTA agriscience teacher Greer Williams have worked hard to get it to where we are now.”
The farm covers a multitude of
Tuscaloosa Teaching Farm Cultivates Future of Ag
commodities. From crops and cattle to timber and honeybees, students experience agriculture’s diversity, Williams said.
“This is like ag teacher heaven,” said Williams, who teaches students from across the county. “I bus in about 125 high schoolers during the week. They learn to build fences, feed animals and pick produce.”
Student Cade Holcomb said being involved with daily operations since its beginning in fall 2023 has been rewarding.
“I was one of the first to come here and cut fences,” said Holcomb, a summer co-op worker. “I’ve been around gardens and tractors my whole life, but I’d never dove deep into it. Now, I want to have my own farm.”
Holcomb and his classmates agree practical lessons make the teaching farm worthwhile.
“I’m a hands-on learner,” Holcomb said. “I’m not a good PowerPoint learner, but I bet I’ve had a 100 in every class taken on this farm.”
Support from the Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation (TCFF) and Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) helps ensure students develop a passion for the state’s No. 1 industry.
“We have to back the future of agriculture,” said TCFF board member Joe Anders, who also serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation state board. “We must get young people involved because someone has to produce food. Everyone wants to dig in the dirt and learn; this just gives them that opportunity.”
TCFF donated a tractor to the farm, while ACES’ Neal Hargle helped provide plasticulture equipment.
“A lot of our vegetables start at the NCTA greenhouse and then get transplanted,” Williams said. “The produce gets used in our districts’ summer feeding program.”
Hargle and the ACES team emphasized the strong impact of workforce development.
“We don’t want students to look at ag through tunnel vision,” said Hargle, the county Extension agent. “It’s not a hoe and a plow anymore. Technology plays a big role in farming.”
The goal is to change the concept of what the future looks like for all students, Costanzo said. TCSS plans to use the farm for elementary school field trips and build an on-farm classroom to incorporate more STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.
“It’s important to educate children at an early age,” Costanzo said. “Everything we do here is standards-based. They are learning, and there is proof of that. We want to plant fulfillment and joy in their lives through agriculture.”
TCFF President Jim Lavender said he’s in awe of the teaching farm’s progress in just one year.
“It gives me hope,” Lavender said. “Kids are generations removed from the farm. This is educating them where food comes from. Hopefully they’ll go on to become farmers or foresters.”
Scan to learn more.
The Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation and Tuscaloosa County Extension have been instrumental in the teaching farm’s success. Students, faculty and community members partner to bring hands-on learning to life through livestock, specialty crops, forestry, wildlife, honeybees and equipment.
Students Jackson Wilson, left, and Cade Holcomb work with livestock at the Tuscaloosa County School System’s Agriscience Teaching Farm.
Forestry Commission Celebrates Century Serving Landowners
By Marlee Jackson
Protect. Sustain. Educate. For a century, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has been flush with humble heroes who demonstrate those directives — from fighting wildfires and finessing land management plans to
fielding questions from community members curious about Alabama’s abundant natural resources.
It’s the living legacy state leaders envisioned when they founded the AFC in January 1924, said State Forester Rick Oates.
“We’re here to ensure generations
now and generations in the future have sustainable forests and can use those resources to make peoples’ lives better,” Oates said. “I hope our centennial celebrations have helped the public better understand what we do, why we do what we do and how we benefit the state of Alabama.”
AFC’s centennial celebration kicked off in early 2024. A mural depicting AFC staff’s commitment to protect, sustain and educate was unveiled and added to the Alabama Mural Trail. Majestic turkeys and tortoises anchor the largerthan-life wall of art at state headquarters facing Bainbridge Street in downtown Montgomery. Other elements include a wildland firefighter, forest education amid towering timber and the AFC’s arched logo.
The mural and other centennial events were made possible thanks to sponsors such as the Alabama Farmers Federation and its affiliated Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. The Federation has long supported the AFC in its mission to protect forests and assist landowners, said Federation
Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) leaders attended a mural unveiling in January to celebrate the AFC’s centennial. From left are AFC Chairman Chris Langley; State Forester Rick Oates; Commissioner Caroleene Dobson; Smokey Bear; and Commissioners Jane Russell, Joe Twardy and Bob Sharp.
President Jimmy Parnell. Alabama has 23 million acres of forest land, 93% of which is privately owned.
“Our landowners rely on the Alabama Forestry Commission for advice and protection,” said Parnell, whose family is in the timber and cattle businesses in Chilton County. “We are proud to support this state agency that truly works for the people of Alabama.”
AFC personnel cover all 67 counties. They’ve spent this centennial year coordinating field days, educating youth through Classroom in the Forest and donning Smokey Bear regalia at community events. That’s in addition to identifying Southern pine beetle damage, issuing burn permits, clearing roads after storms, manning heavy equipment to create fire breaks and, in some cases, battling blazes out West.
Those foresters, rangers, dispatchers, fire specialists and more have been key fixtures at cookouts organized to celebrate the agency’s 100th anniversary. An agency-wide event took place at Lanark in Millbrook, while regional cookouts built camaraderie among smaller groups.
In April, AFC hosted a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Montgomery. Among attendees were the seven commissioners who oversee the AFC’s work, including Chairman Chris Langley of Chambers County.
“I believe our biggest impact comes when we use our resources wisely to help with wildfires and timber management or any part of a landowner’s forestry needs,” said Langley, a landowner and logger.
In minutes from AFC’s first commission meeting Jan. 15, 1924, commissioners proved they understood those needs by allocating $35,000 for fire protection work. While today’s budget is substantially larger and methods have evolved, AFC’s faithful public servants remain committed to the “protect, sustain and educate” refrain, Oates said.
“We have over 200 employees who really love what they do,” Oates said. “They care about this state and the people who are in it. I’m thankful for their commitment and the work they do for the people of Alabama each and every day.”
Special celebrations during the Alabama Forestry Commission’s centennial year have included a reception at the Governor’s Mansion, an agency-wide event at Lanark in Millbrook, four regional cookouts and a mural at state headquarters in Montgomery.
Tackle Foodborne Illness at Fall Tailgates
By Justin Miller
No sports tailgate is complete without an assortment of delectable food offerings. However, something could disrupt a tailgate with unsportsmanlike conduct: foodborne illness. Without proper food safety measures in place, foodborne illnesses can quickly take tailgate guests out of the game.
Rebecca Catalena, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food safety and quality regional agent, said proper food safety starts ahead of arriving at the party.
“Before heading to a tailgate, you must plan ahead to ensure your food items are properly handled, prepared and stored,” Catalena said.
Avoid Cross Contamination
Catalena said to keep raw items separate from other foods. Cross contamination will encourage growth of harmful bacteria.
“Avoiding cross contamination starts when buying your food at the grocery store,” Catalena said. “Keep your raw food items, especially meat, away from other items in your shopping cart and when bagging the groceries.”
Once at the tailgate, use clean containers and cooking utensils. Never use a container that once held raw meat for foods that are ready to eat.
Dodge the Danger Zone
When tailgating away from home, hauling and keeping food at the right
temperatures can be tricky. Known as the danger zone, refrigerated or heated food should never be between 41 F and 135 F, respectively. One great way to transport food items to the tailgate is to have separate coolers for hot and cold foods.
“For cold items, pack them directly from the refrigerator to the cooler,” Catalena said. “Keep cold foods — such as potato salad and dips — on ice until ready to use.”
To keep cold food items below 41 F, add ice to the cooler as needed. To keep hot food above 135 F, an electric device may be helpful. When serving, Catalena said to avoid leaving food out for more than two hours.
A Clean Tailgate
Keep the tailgate free of harmful bacteria by washing hands properly. Lather with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly rinse hands and dry them with a single-use paper towel.
“You can create your own hand-washing station by using a cooler with a spout,” Catalena said. “Fill the cooler with clean water and bring soap, paper towels, a bucket for wastewater and a trash can or bag.”
Consider Food Allergies
In addition to foodborne illnesses, consider food allergies when planning a tailgate.
“Food allergens can really turn your tailgating fun into a tailgating fumble,” Catalena said. “Depending on the person, reactions can be mild or severe. Have a playbook that includes informing guests of food ingredients.”
Label homemade dishes that contain common allergens. Keep store-bought items in original containers so people can read the ingredients. Catalena also recommends planners ask guests to notify them of known food allergies ahead of time.
For more information on food safety, visit aces.edu.
SEPTEMBER 2024 ANNUAL MEETING DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS
Crenshaw County | Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Alfa Service Center
357 S. Forest Ave., Luverne
Dallas County | Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m.
Alfa Service Center
403 Broad St., Selma
Lowndes County | Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Southern Sportsman Lodge
9022 U.S. Hwy. 80 W, Tyler
Monroe County | Monday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Monroe County Ag Center
334 Agriculture Dr., Monroeville
Marengo County | Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Alfa Service Center
206 Shiloh St., Linden
Winston County | Thursday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.
American Legion Garrison-Bonds Post 184
60 New Legion Rd., Double Springs
TROAD TRIP
raffic is heavy. There is a blind dog in the passenger seat of my vehicle.
Her name is Marigold. We call her Marigold the Magnificent. Or Marigold the Marvelous. Or if she’s chewing another pair of my reading glasses, Marigold the Maniac.
We have traveled a few hundred miles. I have to make a speech at a private get-together. The audience will include a famous politician. I am more than a little nervous.
Also, I haven’t told anyone I’m bringing a canine. This gig was booked long before I rashly adopted a blind animal who needs me 24/7. I’m hoping they allow coondogs at the venue.
I arrive at my hotel. It’s a nice joint. Art Deco interior. The clerk looks at me funny when I waltz to the front desk with a purebred hound.
The clerk is aghast.
“Excuse me, sir? Is that a dog?”
“Is this a trick question?”
“We don’t allow pets.”
“She’s not a pet.”
“What is she?”
“Episcopalian.”
No response.
We finally get things straightened out. The manager is called. He says it’s no big deal. I pay a pet deposit. Bada bing, bada boom.
Our room is fancy. It comes with all the trimmings. Huge beds. Fat pillows. Soft towels. Robes so thick and plush you can hardly get your suitcase closed.
I work on my speech. I get dressed in my formal duds, a fine suit, handcrafted by the world-class artisans at Sears. Marigold wears a turquoise collar.
We drive across town to the venue. It is swanky. Seated dinner. Podium. Chandelier. Circular tables in a
ballroom. Prime rib.
It bears mentioning Marigold has an overdeveloped sense of smell. Marigold is a scenthound. Her sense of smell is already superior to 99 percent of the animal kingdom. But now that she’s blind, her nose is on steroids.
And prime rib smells good.
Marigold’s handler ends up being a sophomore in high school, daughter of one of the guests. She likes to play on her phone a lot, not a great quality for the babysitter of a canine with a nuclear-powered nose.
The event begins. The band plays. The emcee introduces me. Midway through my speech, I notice people in the crowd are snickering. A commotion is moving through, akin to people doing the wave at a sporting event.
That’s when I see a dog wandering through the ballroom. Unsupervised.
Marigold the Malnourished has escaped. She is standing before a nicely dressed woman in a sequined evening gown. Marigold is politely asking for prime rib. The woman shoos the animal away. But Marigold is a big believer in persistence. So she says please.
Repeatedly. People laugh wildly.
The handler rushes in and removes Marigold. There's no saving my speech. I might as well swan dive off stage.
When my performance is finished, I shake hands in the lobby. People are sort of avoiding eye contact with me. The event organizer has taken me off her Christmas card list. The catering staff wishes I was never born.
I see the aforementioned politician making his way toward me.
The man pumps my hand sincerely and says, “You did okay tonight, son. But if I were you, I’d keep the dog in your act.” ■
Fall Gardening Checklist
By Brian Brown
After the heat of summer, many of us are finished with gardening for the year and are not thinking about the following season. Even so, there are several important things to consider doing this fall to help have a better garden next year.
One of the most important is cleaning up dead plant material, especially if you had insect or disease problems during the growing season. Many disease and insect issues can be reduced or avoided completely because dead plant material can provide a place for insects and disease to overwinter. This could cause problems in next year’s garden. Avoid putting diseased materials in a compost bin, as it may not get hot enough to kill the disease and could contaminate the compost pile. To dispose of diseased plants properly, place them in the trash or burn them where it’s legal and safe to do so. You can also till under disease-free plants.
Don’t discount planting a fall vegetable crop. Alabama’s warm climate is ideal for growing almost year-round, and now is a great time to plant cool-season vegetables. Lettuce, collards, turnip greens, onions, mustards, kale and carrots are all examples of things you can plant now to
have delicious fresh vegetables this fall.
Another good practice as part of your fall checklist is to keep a record or draw out a sketch of where you planted each vegetable in your garden. Then, when next planting season comes around, plant those vegetables in a different part of the garden. Many diseases can be eliminated by rotating crops to another area of the garden. Your garden is not the only thing that may need attention in the fall. Pay special attention to your landscape. Fall is a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, as well as perennials and biennials. If you have perennials that are crowded, now is the time to divide them. If you had problems with weeds last winter, applying a preemergent herbicide to your lawn will greatly reduce the number of weeds, especially for one of the most notorious winter weeds: lawn burweed, also known as stickers.
I also recommend performing yearly maintenance on gardening tools. Cleaning, sharpening and lubricating tools will help prevent rust from forming over the winter and keep them in good working order.
Following these tips will have you ready to go when spring gardening season comes back around.
CHECK LIST
o Rake dead plant material.
o Plant a fall crop.
o Sketch last year’s garden layout.
o Plant spring-flowering bulbs, plus biennials and perennials.
o Apply lawn preemergent herbicide.
o Perform tool maintenance.
Welcome back, folks! Looking toward fall means it’s time for grab-and-go dishes we can serve without anyone having to go to a lot of fuss. Whether you’re tailgating, hosting a family reunion, sitting around a campfire or just catching some TV with a group of friends, these hand-held foods are sure to be a welcome addition.
I’m leading with a recipe from Alabama Farmers Federation family member Delle Bean. Delle and her husband, Ray, are farmers from Calhoun County, and she’s sharing her recipe for Fire Crackers. I cannot stay away from these anytime I see them. They are so easy to make, and the recipe itself is simple to tweak to your own taste. I encourage you to try Delle’s way first (because it is wonderful), but don’t hesitate to add some seasonings you love and make it your own. I typically make these about 24 hours before I need them to allow all the oil to absorb into the crackers.
Are deviled eggs a finger food? Of course they are! My Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs are another great crowd pleaser and pretty much a requirement at every gathering in the South. My recipe amps up the flavor a bit for pickle lovers but
Fire Crackers
By Delle Bean, Calhoun County
Ingredients
Recipe Note: These crackers stay fresh for an extended period of time with no refrigeration.
maintains the integrity of the classic.
For more filling fare, I can have these Easy Sloppy Joe Pizza Sliders ready to serve in minutes thanks to how well the meat filling freezes. I like to take a little time to make several batches and freeze them in recipe-size portions. From there, it’s simply a matter of picking up some dinner rolls, warming the filling, assembling the sandwiches and popping them in the oven for 10 minutes. This takes less time than ordering a pizza.
I so enjoy hearing from you and knowing that recipes you’ve found here have become family favorites. It means the world to know we share the same heart on so many things.
I know that, like me, you’ve noticed how quickly the days seem to pass as we grow older. In the blink of an eye, our lives move from, “Where did the day go?” to, “Where did the year go?”
Sometimes it feels like we are just doing the same thing over and over again, and in many jobs, we are. But it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that in all of our interactions, we are finding opportunities to show kindness to a neighbor and nurturing all those relationships that give us a reason to
1 (1-pound) box premium saltine crackers
1 1/2 cups canola oil
1 (1-ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix
2 tablespoons crushed red pepper
Instructions
Place crackers in airtight container. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients and pour over crackers. Seal container carefully. Flip container several times over period of about 15 minutes to distribute the seasoning. Serve by themselves or with your favorite dip.
wake up each day.
I say this because I also know there are times where we all wonder if what we do makes a difference. I want to assure you that whether you’re planting a crop, checking out a customer or loading the dishwasher, these small acts chained together set the table for life, allowing us to come together, care for one another and experience joy, laughter and hope.
There is no such thing as an insignificant task. If no one else has told you lately, let me be the one to thank you for the difference you make and encourage you to keep doing what you do, because the world just wouldn’t be the same without you.
Until next month,
Stacey
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.
Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs
Prep Time Cook Time Makes 20 mins 15 mins 12 halves
Ingredients
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried dill, plus more for garnish
1/3 cup finely diced dill pickles, plus more for garnish
Salt
Pepper
Instructions
For easy-to-peel eggs, steam the eggs. To do so, add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of a medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add a steamer basket if you have one. (The basket is not mandatory.) Over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Turn heat off. Carefully add eggs to the basket or to the bottom of the pan. Cover and return to a boil. Steam 12 to 15 minutes. To confirm doneness, you could add an extra egg and check it at 12 minutes to judge the cook time. Once cooked, place eggs in an ice bath until they are completely cool.
Peel eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the yolks and place in a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash up the yolks. Add mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder and dried dill. Mix until smooth. Add diced pickles and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon mixture equally back into the whites. Garnish with more dried dill and diced pickles, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.
Easy Pizza Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) package ground Italian sausage
1 (13- to 14-ounce) jar pizza sauce
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
1 (12- to 18-ounce) package dinner rolls
1 (8-ounce) package sliced mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a small, rimmed baking sheet or 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown sausage until cooked through. Drain excess grease. Mix in pizza sauce and pepperoni. Set aside.
Use a large knife to split rolls in half horizontally, making sure not to separate each individual roll. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. Spread sausage mixture evenly on across the rolls. Top with mozzarella cheese slices, then cover with the top half of the rolls.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Add salt if necessary. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
