Neighbors Magazine, October, 2013 by Alabama Farmers Federation

A tradition worth passing down. From one generation to the next, Alfa Insurance® protects families with great rates and service from hometown agents. Just ask the Haynes family. Before their quadruplets were born, Bruce and Tammy chose Alfa® for their home, cars and life insurance. Now that the quads are grown and their older daughter has a family of Meet the Haynes family at AlfaInsurance.com

her own, Bruce and Tammy are glad to know Alfa is a company their kids and grandkids can trust.

Alfa Insurance® Find a local agent: 1-800-964-2532 • AlfaInsurance.com

Ask about Alfa’s homeowners legacy discount for children of longtime customers.

VOLUME 38, NUMBER 10

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

OCTOBER 2013

_____________________________________

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 Ted Grantland, Somerville Waymon Buttram, Geraldine Don Allison, Arley John E. Walker III, Berry Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dickie Odom, Boligee Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta S. Steve Dunn, Samson Faye Dial, Lineville Jon Hegeman, Anniston

In This Issue

Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published 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 OCTOBER 2013

A-Mazing Fun

Proud Popper

Football Fever

Country Kitchen

Polly McClure of Jefferson County won first place for her Cajun Cornbread recipe in the Heritage Cooking Contest. Find the story and recipes on page 28.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: McFarland AdVantage, (334) 652-9080, McFarlandAdvantage@gmail.com.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Ag In Action

On The Cover

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.

Photo by Mike Moody

When you see these icons on a page, visit the appropriate website for more content.

youtube.com/alabamafarmersfed

twitter.com/alfafarmers

facebook.com/alabamafarmers

flickr.com/84380492@N03

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Driver’s Seat Organizations join forces to create mobile ag education unit By Jeff Helms

Agricultural groups partnered with the Cherokee County Career and Technical Center to build Ag In Action. From left are Electronics Instructor Keith Tolbert, Cherokee County Farm Service Agency Executive Director Beth Farmer and Sarah Butterworth, who was hired part-time by the Etowah County Farmers Federation as education coordinator for the trailer. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

arm organizations in seven north Alabama counties are putting students in the driver’s seat to agricultural education with a mobile learning lab called “Ag In Action.” The centerpiece of the 24-foot trailer is a Case cotton picker cab equipped with a flat-screen television and motion-effect seat. Students can feel what it’s like to harvest row crops, work on a cattle or poultry farm, and cut timber. “The ultimate goal is to plant a seed in the minds of children and instill a love of agriculture in them,” said Beth Farmer, 48, county executive director of the Farm Service Agency in Cherokee County. Etowah County Farmers Federation Secretary Sharron Gross and Cherokee County Farm-City Co-Chair Dewandee Neyman developed the idea for a portable classroom after seeing similar projects at national conferences. Their project took off when the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council awarded Ag In Action almost $20,000 in grants. Farmer, along with former Etowah County Soil and Water Conservation District Education Coordinator Sarah Butterworth, 35, are part of a coalition created to build and operate the trailer.

OCTOBER 2013

“It’s vital kids know where food and fiber comes from,” said Butterworth, who was recently hired parttime by the Etowah County Farmers Federation to coordinate use of the mobile classroom. “They need to know the fields they drive by and the food they eat every day are connected.” Ag In Action will serve kindergarten through fifthgrade students in Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall and St. Clair counties. Its first event is the Etowah County Farm-City Outdoor Classroom Oct. 2-3, but Farmer hopes it will be scheduled at least three days a week. “A lot of schools have been forced to cut down on field trips,” Farmer said. “This really helps because we can take the trailer to the schools and teach multiple grades about agriculture.” In addition to the harvest simulator, Ag In Action has a station for four computers where students can play the My American Farm game from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture; an outside television where children can watch videos; a portable cotton gin; a cow milking activity and a water quality station. “We wanted to make sure we don’t have a line of kids waiting to get in that cab,” Butterworth said. “We want something for them to touch, feel and experience at all times.” Although the mobile classroom wasn’t completed until September, it began teaching students lessons months earlier. When workers scheduled to install the cotton picker cab dropped the project at the last minute, Farmer called on friends at the Cherokee County Career and Technology Center for help.

“The teachers and students here stepped up, came to our rescue and took (the trailer) to the next level,” Farmer said. Gaylesville High School junior Trevor Webb, 16, was among the students who wired the cab’s television monitor. “It’s fun to do, and it’s a great opportunity to use what we’ve learned,” Webb said. “I think it’s a great idea because the kids will be able to see how to grow the cotton for the clothes we wear.” Electronics instructor Keith Tolbert said working on Ag In Action is preparing students for the workplace. “The experience they can get from this one project is more than I can teach them in an entire semester,” he said. Farmer and Butterworth said the Ag In Action mobile classroom cost about $30,000 to build. Supporters include the Farmers Federations and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the seven-county area; Coosa Valley and Alabama’s Mountains Rivers and Valleys RC&D Councils; Snead Ag; First South Farm Credit; Cherokee Gin and Cotton Co.; Alabama Cooperative Extension System; USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service; Tile Liquidators in Gadsden; Alabama Farm Credit; and the Cherokee County Career and Technology Center. For more information about Ag In Action or to schedule an event, visit the Ag In Action Facebook page. n

Above, career tech students install a television screen in the cab of a cotton picker where children will experience what it’s like to pick cotton, cut hay and do other farm tasks. Right, students prepare to mount a video screen to the outside of the Ag In Action trailer. OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Q: Why do your #1 customers act like a bunch of animals? ☐ It’s the only way to get some service around here. ☐ They specifically asked for the mayo on the side. ☐ Because your soybeans’ most important customers are animals. Your soybeans travel a lot farther than just the local grain elevator. Go to www.BeyondTheElevator.com to learn more about your number one customers AND your operation’s profitability.

There’s Gold in Those Fields Alabama on Track For Record Corn Crop By Debra Davis

Division Director Buddy Adamson. “Along with more planted acres, the projected increase is due to good yields thanks to timely rains and favorable temperatures when corn needed it most,” Adamson said. Walters, who farms with his son, Clay, planted only 700 acres of corn this year instead of the 2,000 he intended. An unusually wet spring changed their planting intentions; instead, they planted more soybeans – 3,200 acres of them. “Grains are the only crops we grow on our farm,” said Walters, who rotates wheat, soybeans and corn on his land. “The good news is, even though we didn’t get all the corn planted we wanted, our soybean crop looks excellent.” Walters expects his corn to average 160 bushels per acre. This follows an excellent wheat harvest, and with soybeans looking good, there’s plenty of reasons to smile. “The crops aren’t all in yet, and a lot can happen,” he said. “But so far, it’s been a good year on Walters Farm.” n

hen Stanley Walters’ combine rolled to a stop in his cornfield, a smile spread across his face. The Marengo County farmer, like many across the state, is on track to have one of his best corn crops ever. “Years like this make farming fun,” said Walters, chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Wheat & Feed Grains Committee. “Not that it didn’t have challenges, but we had enough of the right kind of weather to make a good crop.” Corn harvest is winding down in Alabama, and farmers are predicted to see record yields statewide, according to UDSA’s Crop Production Report. The report predicts state farmers will average a record 145 bushels an acre with an overall production increase of 40 percent over 2012. Alabama farmers planted an estimated 300,000 acres of corn this year. High spring corn prices and regular crop rotations led lots of farmers to plant corn instead of other crops, according to Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat & Feed Grains

Stanley Walters expects this year’s corn crop to be among his best. OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

t Ag Expo A

New Federation Blog Tracks National Farm Policy

labama farmers can better track policies and decisions made by national leaders through a new blog by Alabama Farmers Federation National Legislative Programs Director ® Mitt Premier Farm Show Walker. Readers can subscribe to AlfaFarmersDC.com for free and will receive email notification when Walker or a guest blogger makes a new post. “This new service will allow us to do an even better job of keeping our members up to date on federal legislative matters,” Walker said. “To the casual observer it may seem like things move at a snail’s pace in Washington. In reality, issues can be debated pretty quickly and can change on

a moment’s notice. This tool provides updates to our members in real time.” The blog’s inaugural post, “Will Farm Policy Take A Backseat To Foreign Policy?” discussed possible delays of the farm bill with Congress contemplating military action. n

Sunbelt Ag Expo Click “follow” at AlfaFarmersDC.com

North America’s Premier Farm Show® for regular blog updates.

Sunbelt Ag Expo North America’s Premier Farm Show®

OCT. 15–17, 2013 Moultrie, GA

229.985.1968 www.sunbeltexpo.com Follow us on Facebook & Twitter w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2013

Co N nt o ra ct

FREE Car Charge r

r d ife tte an y L Be nd ter u at So r B e ng Lo

“My friends all hate their cell phones… NEW I love mine!” Here’s why.

Say good-bye to everything you hate about cell phones. Say hello to Jitterbug. “Cell phones have gotten so small, I can barely dial mine” Not Jitterbug®, it features a larger keypad for easier dialing. It even has an oversized display so you can actually see it.

Monthly Minutes Monthly Rate

was 100 NOW 200

$14.99

$19.99

24/7

911 Access

FREE

No add’l charge

FREE

Voice Dial Nationwide Coverage Friendly Return Policy1

YES

30 days

More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.

“My cell phone company wants to lock me in on a two-year contract!” Not Jitterbug, there’s no contract to sign and no penalty if you discontinue your service.

“I tried my sister’s cell phone… I couldn’t hear it” Jitterbug is designed with an improved speaker. There’s an adjustable volume control, and Jitterbug is hearing-aid compatible.

“I’ll be paying for minutes I’ll never use!” Not with Jitterbug, unused minutes carry over to the next month, there’s no roaming fee and no additional charge for long distance.

“I don’t need stock quotes, Internet sites or games on my phone, I just want to talk with my family and friends” Life is complicated enough… Jitterbug is simple.

“My phone’s battery only lasts a couple of days” The Jitterbug’s battery lasts for up to 25 days.

“What if I don’t remember a number?” Friendly, helpful Jitterbug operators are available 24 hours a day and will even greet you by name when you call. “I’d like a cell phone to use in an emergency, but I don’t want a high monthly bill” Jitterbug has a plan to fit your needs… and your budget.

Basic 19

Operator Assistance

Long Distance Calls

“I had to get my son to program it” Your Jitterbug set-up process is simple. We’ll even pre-program it with your favorite numbers.

Basic 14

Available in Silver and Red.

Order now and receive a FREE Car Charger for your Jitterbug – a $24.99 value. Call now!

Enough talk. Isn’t it time you found out more about the cell phone that’s changing all the rules? Call now, Jitterbug product experts are standing by.

Jitterbug Plus Cell Phone

Call today to get your own Jitterbug Plus. Please mention promotional code 50726.

1-888-763-5160

We proudly accept the following credit cards.

47592

www.jitterbugdirect.com

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. We will refund the full price of the GreatCall phone and the activation fee (or set-up fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

FEDERATION SCHOLARSHIPS Sara-Abbie Adcock, Randolph County Peyton Burford, Wilcox County Dalton Burns, Crenshaw County Gina Davis, Covington County Hannah Donaldson, Cullman County Ashley Durrett, Tuscaloosa County Peyton Gilbert, DeKalb County Megan Goldman, Washington County Darcey Haggan, Chilton County Chadwick Hamm, Barbour County Jake Hammond, Lauderdale County Mitchell Henry, Montgomery County Mary Pat Holder, Shelby County Luke Knight, Randolph County Morgan Lambard, Clarke County Lauren Lambeth, Escambia County Zac Lee, Autauga County David Reeves, Morgan County Kayla Sellers, Elmore County Morgan Short, Calhoun County Ali Sikes, Montgomery County Theodore Stuedeman, Marengo County Connor Webster, Madison County

COUNTY SCHOLARSHIPS Autauga: Jessie Nichols Baldwin: Jasmine Morris, Joseph Palmer and Annelise Salzmann Dale: Tucker Thompson Etowah: Allison Biddle, Matthew Roberts and Katelyn Waters Hale: Anna Glover Houston: Kileigh Speed and Sally Woods Jefferson: Callan Freese, Thomas Lewis, Grayson Owen and William Sharp Lawrence: Jose Gardner Lee: Hannah Lane, Frank Reeves, Nicolas Resa and Evelyn Willmon Madison: Jeremy Comer, Sonja Cox and Michael Torres Montgomery: Paul Bartley, Luke Carlson, Elizabeth Funderburk, Martha Funderburk, William Green, Mitchell Henry, John Higgins, Kayla Sellers, Ali Sikes and Carla Weissand Morgan: Jacob Williams

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS Alabama Catfish Producers: Evelyn Willmon.  w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, second from left, and College of Agriculture Dean Bill Batchelor, right, visit with scholarship recipients Mitchell Henry of Montgomery County, left, and Kayla Sellers of Elmore County outside the Alabama Farmers Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park.

Students Receive Federation Scholarships By Jeff Helms

ixty-five students majoring in agriculture and forestry at Auburn University received scholarships from the Alabama Farmers Federation, county organizations and Alfa Insurance. Several students were recognized during a luncheon at Ag Heritage Park Aug. 24. Kayla Sellers, 20, of Elmore County was among 23 students who received scholarships from the state organization. “This scholarship gives me motivation to want to do better because I’m not only held up to my parents’ expectations, I’m also representing Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Sellers, who is majoring in agricultural communications. In addition to those receiving state scholarships, 12 students from Baldwin, Dale, Etowah, Houston and Madison counties were honored at the luncheon with county scholarships. Another 30 students 10

from around the state received help with tuition directly from county Federations. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said he hopes to see the scholarship program grow. “Our goal next year is to have 67 counties with scholarship winners,” said Parnell, 49. “The state organization will provide $1,250 for every county that puts $500 toward a scholarship. We are looking forward to growing this relationship with Auburn and students across Alabama because we want to develop more leaders.” Randolph County Farmers Federation President Jimmy Fetner, 61, said scholarships make a difference in the lives of students and rural communities. “I think all counties need to support scholarships and create a place for these students to come back with the know-how to help agriculture and the community,” Fetner said. n OCTOBER 2013

THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE

YOUR COMPLETE SOLUTION FROM PUMP TO PIVOT THE LINDSAY ADVANTAGE

DURABLE RUGGED EASY TO USE INTEGRATED PLUG-AND-PLAY TECHNOLOGIES BROADEST LINE OF SOLUTIONS

Managing an operation is becoming increasingly complex, which is why you need the Lindsay Advantage in your field. Highly efficient center pivot and lateral irrigation systems from Zimmatic® by Lindsay reduce your risk and provide superior quality yields. Zimmatic's wide range of durable pivots are custom-designed to integrate seamlessly with pumps, wireless irrigation management and plug-and-play sensors to enhance your operation. Visit your Zimmatic by Lindsay dealer or go to www.lindsayadvantage.com.

Corey Hill

Marshall County Director Marshall County farmer Corey Hill blends his love of farming and a passion for politics. The 43-year-old cattle and poultry farmer has served in various capacities with his county Federation, transitioning from Young Farmers chairman to the county’s board of directors. His desire for community involvement led Hill to politics and his election as mayor of Douglas. Everything he does, he says, centers around one special group. “My heart is with my family and our farm,” Hill said of his wife, Stephanie, and children Rhea, Redden and Ramsey. “Everything I have accomplished has been with their assistance and support, and everything I do is for them.” Despite a busy schedule, Hill says work on the farm helps keep him well grounded. “Outside of work and family, I don’t have many hobbies. But, I do love to fly,” said Hill, a licensed pilot. OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Cornfield Offers A-Mazing Adventure By Mary Johnson

Down on the Farm corn maze, owned by Stephanie Evans of DeKalb County, is in its ninth year.

By Mary Johnson

wists, turns, dead-ends and countless circles cut into thick, 10-foot-tall corn can lead to hours of fun getting lost inside a maze of maize. At agritourism sites across Alabama, farmers have worked diligently since spring designing intricate paths in preparation for fall patrons. DeKalb County farmer Stephanie Evans has created a corn maze for her family’s “Down on the Farm” agritourism stop in Rainsville for nine years. Using GPS to map the field, she creates her own free-hand design with a computer and cuts the stalks with a mower once they reach about waist-high. “I think the most difficult part is coming up with a new design every year,” Evans said. “This is the first year I went outside the box and didn’t do a farm design. This year we have monkeys cut into the maze.” Evans said she enjoys puzzles,

and creating a six-acre corn maze is a fun way to express her creativity. “I kind of break the maze design into halves and just make sure there’s at least one line connecting the two,” she said. “Even though I designed it, I can still get lost.” Cullman County farmers Rusty and Beth Daniel use their childrens’ interests as inspiration for corn maze designs at their 4D Farms. “We have three young boys who love the Dukes of Hazard, so that was our design last year,” Beth said. “This year, it’s a barn. We try to do something that’s interesting to kids.” The couple hires a company to create the maze and sprays the corn instead of mowing to make the pathway. Beth said they work hard to keep the maze looking nice and clean. “If this kind of work wasn’t rewarding, it would be harder to

do, but this is so gratifying,” she said. “Living in a rural area, it’s easy to take for granted that some kids aren’t around farm animals or farming in general. We love to see families come and spend a day together, enjoying the outdoors. It’s just a great thing.” At Aplin Farms in Geneva County, farmer John Aplin has a completely free-form design for his maze. He also encourages visitors to call ahead before their visit to the country to make sure the only place they get lost is inside the corn maze. “Ninety percent of the calls I get on a Saturday are giving directions to people who got lost using GPS to find our farm,” Aplin said. For a list of Federation farmers with corn mazes, visit AlfaFarmers. org. Federation members can add their maze to the list by emailing mljohnson@alfafarmers.org with details. n

A-Mazing Alabama Adventures Farm Name Backyard Orchards Aplin Farms Lazenby Farms Seward Farms 4D Farm Down on the Farm CornDodgers Farm Cornfield County Farms Dream Field Farms Paradise Pumpkin Patch Crow Creek Pumpkin Patch w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

City Pittsview Dothan (Geneva Co.) Auburn Wilmer Cullman Rainsville Headland Wetumpka Union Springs Eufaula Stevenson

Website www.BackyardOrchards.com www.AplinFarms.com www.LazenbyFarm.com www.SewardFarms.com www.4DFamilyFarm.com www.DownOnTheFarmInAl.com www.CornDodgersFarm.com www.DreamFieldFarms.com www.ParadisePumpkinPatch.com www.CrowCreekPumpkinPatch.com 12

Open Until Nov. 2 Nov. 3 Oct. 31 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Nov. 2 Oct. 27 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Oct. 31

Contact number 334-370-6490 334-726-5104 334-745-0552 228-641-3936 256-775-2924 256-638-6200 334-726-1485 334-850-7084 334-534-6976 334-695-2258 256-437-1044

Facebook? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes OCTOBER 2013

NEW! The Fastest, Easiest Way EVER to

Halt Invasive Trees! Like a pipe cutter for trees!

DR TREE-CHOPPER ®

™

is the only low-cost way to reclaim pastures, meadows, fence lines and trails from invasive trees! • CUT 300 TREES PER HOUR while driving your ATV. • ELIMINATE RED CEDAR, MESQUITE, JUNIPER, and other invasive trees that rob land of water & space, create allergens, and create fire hazards. • CUT TREES UP TO 4" IN DIAMETER flush to the ground so there’s nothing to trip over or regrow.

You simply drive the TreeChopper™ into trees up to 4" thick. Circular discs slice through the trunk, while a rear trailing blade shears the stump flush to the ground. Used by ranchers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, state and local agencies, conservation groups, hunting and snowmobile clubs throughout the country.

The patented ATV-Mounted

Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE

877-201-7798 DRTreeChopper.com

Largest Savings Of The Year

Step Up to a

DR® CHIPPER! Just load a DR® RAPID-FEED™ Chipper, step back, and watch it chew up 5½" thick branches!

AMERICA’S #1 BRUSH MOWER!

CLEAR meadows, trails, pastures CUT 8' field grass, 3" saplings CHOP it all into small pieces!

BIG FLYWHEELS generate tremendous inertia to devour branches by taking 40 "bites" per second! TRACTOR OWNERS! 3-Point Hitch model.

Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL-FREE

877-201-7798

DRfieldbrush.com

CHIP 5-1/2" BRANCHES with engines up to 18 HP.

DRchipper.com

MONTHLY INTEREST

MONTHS

Put an end to fall cleanup hassle! UNSTOPPABLE POWER Collect & shred acres of leaves, pine cones, pine needles, grass clippings. HUGE CAPACITY Exclusive shredding action reduces debris, for more vacuuming and less unloading. 81055X © 2013

Self-Propelled And Tow-Behind Models Available

SELF-FEEDING Most branches will self-feed.. instead of you force-feeding.

SHIPPING

ON LEAF VAC

Leaves Nothing in its Path Except the Competition.

available for a limited time!

DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER

DR® LEAF and LAWN VACUUM

BUILT TO LAST Beefy steel frame, large hoses, hard shell collector, commercial engine options.

Our BEST PRICE on

Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL-FREE

877-201-7798 DRleafvac.com

On Purchases of $300 or more with your Country Home Products/DR Power credit card made between 8/1/13 and 10/31/13. A $49 or $79 Promotion Fee may be charged. Equal Monthly Payments Required for 36 months.

*Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. A promo fee will be charged and included in the promo purchase balance equal to $49 for purchases of $800.00 to $1499.99, and $79 on purchases $1500.00 or more. No monthly interest will be charged on promo purchase balance (including related promo fee) and fixed monthly payments are required equal to 2.78% of initial promo purchase amount until promo is paid in full. The fixed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 23.99%; Minimum Monthly interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval.

Annie Dee Competes For Southeastern Farmer Of The Year At Expo

Snead Ag Supply dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from labama Farmer of the Year Annie Dee is among the top farmers in the Southeast competing for the Alabama Farmers Cooperative; a $2,500 cash award from Swisher International; a $500 gift certificate from 2013 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern the Southern States cooperative; the choice of $1,000 Farmer of the Year award. in PhytoGen cottonseed or a $500 donation to a desigThe winner will be named Oct. 15 at the Sunbelt nated charity from Dow AgroSciences; and a Columbia Agriculture Expo luncheon in Moultrie, Ga. — home vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and of North America’s premier University of Georgia Extension Farm Supply. farm show. Agronomist John Woodruff, The Southeastern Farmer Annie and her brother, one of the judges for the of the Year will receive Mike Dee, share ownership Southeastern Farmer of the $15,000, the use of a Massey of the 10,000-acre diversified Year, examines Annie Dee’s farm in Pickens County with soybean crop. Ferguson tractor for a year, a Heritage gun safe and numertheir 10 brothers and sisters. ous other prizes. Alabama Farmers Federation Swisher International, Area Organization Director through its Swisher Sweets Matthew Durdin nominated cigar brand, and the Sunbelt her for the state farmer of the Expo are sponsoring the year award. Southeastern Farmer of the As the state winner, the Year awards for the 24th conDees received more than secutive year. $14,000 in prizes includFor more information ing an engraved farm sign about Dee River Ranch and from the Alabama Farmers the Farmer of the Year conFederation and Alfa Insurtest, visit SunbeltExpo.com/ ance; a John Deere Gator annie-dee. n from SunSouth, TriGreen and

Alfa Helps Protect Farmers From Agritourism Liability

isitors falling face-first in a pumpkin patch or off a moving hayride could spoil a farmer’s dream of opening his land to the public. Alfa Insurance’s Agency Division, however, can help protect farmers from liability when they bridge the urban-rural gap through agritourism. “Alfa Agency has seen a steady influx of agritourism business in recent years as farm owners look for additional ways to earn income,” said Alfa Agency Vice President Dave Poundstone. “As the number of farms offering agritourism activities increases, so has the awareness for the need to obtain insurance that appropriately addresses and protects exposures presented with these unique ventures.” General underwriting and coverage requirements vary by opera-

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

tion, but Poundstone encourages anyone who operates agricultural activities to consider purchasing an agritourism policy. “If you own or manage a seasonal or year-round farm operation and invite the public onto your property for tours, to pick produce or for other entertainment activities, you face increased risks 14

that may not be covered by your standard farm insurance policy,” he said. “It’s important to discuss these activities with your Alfa agent and seriously consider insuring the new ventures under an agritourism policy.” Popular agritourism activities that could benefit from additional coverage include cattle roundups; wine making; cooking demonstrations; corn shucking; farm or harvesting demonstrations; fee fishing; haunted houses; horseback riding; hunting clubs; nature tours or hikes; petting zoos; and any activity involving food sales, exotic animals and transporting visitors. Alfa Agency writes farm and agritourism business in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi through multiple companies. For more information, visit a local Alfa Insurance office. n OCTOBER 2013

An Affordable Option

Perfect Choice HD™ is easy to use, hard to see and costs far less… it’s like reading glasses for your ears™!

The invention of the year is great news for your ears

ver the years, digital electronic technology has made the way we live easier, safer and more convenient. In many cases, it’s even made many products more affordable… (remember how much the first VCRs used to cost?). Unfortunately, the cost of many digital products, including the hearing aid never seemed to come down. Now, a new option has been invented… it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.

power and clarity!

“Reading glasses for your ears”

Affordable, Simple to use, Virtually impossible to see

Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. It is a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP). Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist. Once the audiologist had you tested and fitted, you would have to pay as much as $5000 for the product. Now, thanks to the efforts of the doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient

Why Perfect Choice HD is the best choice ! Lightweight / Inconspicuous Sound Quality Test and Fitting Required Free Batteries for Life One-on-One Personal Set Up Friendly Return Policy

Less than 1 ounce Excellent – Optimized for speech No Yes, ask for details Free 60 Days

Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just need the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!

Are you or a loved one frustrated in these situations? • Restaurants • Outdoor conversations

Call now for the lowest price ever.

• Lectures • Sermons

Please mention promotional

• Dinner parties

• Meetings

code 50725.

…and other times where

1-866-947-2688

you need to turn up the volume

Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

80787

NEW Now with more

production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have something stuck in your ear. It provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations will be easier to hear and understand.

By Melissa Martin

hen the salty, buttery smell of fresh-popped corn wafts through the air, mouths start watering. It’s a reaction one Madison County company is proud to be partially responsible for. Heart of Dixie Popcorn and Supply, located just off Moore’s Mill Road in Huntsville, is a one-stop carnival food shop for individual consumers, schools and businesses. The 10 acres adjacent to the building are planted in the namesake’s crop, and a winding driveway paves the way past the fields to the front entrance. Once inside, visitors are welcomed by a red and white checkerboard floor, a long hallway filled with family photos, a mirrored showroom stocked with equipment and an intoxicating aroma. The atmosphere is intentional, said Heart of Dixie’s Ianni Nicolaou, who married into the family-owned business earlier this year and handles the company’s website and marketing efforts. “We want people to walk in and immediately feel this is a place where fun happens,” said Nicolaou, 27, whose wife, Haley, was raised on the farm that grows Heart of Dixie’s popcorn. “If it’s something you find at a fair or carnival, it’s something you can buy here to recreate the experience.” Heart of Dixie’s showroom is unique in its own right, but the company’s growth into a successful supplier of fun foods began where other stories about food do — the farm. Former Madison County Farmers Federation President Buddy Darwin planted the seeds of Alabama’s only popcorn farm nearly 35 years ago on a few acres of his family’s Pine Lawn Farms property, which was established in w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2013

1817. Darwin’s inaugural popcorn planting was more of a test to see if it would work in area’s the welldrained soil. Since most of the popcorn consumed in the U.S. is grown in the Midwest, Darwin said he wasn’t sure what to expect, but he jokes things seem to have worked out OK so far. “With the first crop, I went nearly door-to-door selling it, telling people it’d be the best popcorn they ever ate. I just had a feeling it would be,” said Darwin, 75, a lifelong farmer. “Turns out, it was.” Described by his family as a ‘real wheeler-and-dealer,’ Darwin realized the potential in expanding his product line early in the company’s history. As customer requests grew, so did the business. “I never thought Heart of Dixie would be a full-fledged, multiproduct business like it is now, but I know the first rule of good salesmanship is never taking ‘no’ for an answer,” Darwin admitted, noting he always told customers he could get them what they needed. “In the first couple years we grew popcorn, people would come up to me and ask if I sold bags, too. I didn’t, but I knew a good idea when I heard it. Bags followed suit, then other containers, and then we opened the store. The rest is history.” Darwin said he couldn’t be prouder of the company, or his family’s involvement in its success. His son, son-in-law, granddaughter and grandson-in-law are his proverbial right hands with daily tasks. “What we all do is a labor of love, and I think our customers Heart of Dixie’s Bentley Walls, left, and Buddy Darwin enjoy fresh-popped corn in the field.

appreciate that,” he said. “I’ve always loved a good sale, and my family shares that drive.” New products are always popping up at Heart of Dixie. Today, the company offers cotton candy, nachos, snow cones, pretzels, funnel cakes, lemonade, ice cream and general concession supplies. The team also services and restores equipment. Though its merchandise offering easily fills a 200-page catalog, Heart of Dixie’s first product remains its specialty. “Our family has always worked hard to consistently offer customers a high-quality, delicious product,” said Darwin’s son-in-law, Bentley Walls, who manages the farm alongside Darwin’s son, Bart. “They like knowing where their food originates, and we like being a part of their family in some way. It’s all about the snacking experience.” The Birmingham Zoo is among Dixie’s loyal customers. Selecting an Alabama company to purchase

concessions from was a no-brainer, said Jason Mohr of Southern Food Services, whose company contracts food purchases for the zoo’s Safari Café. “When we selected a supplier a few years back, choosing a local company was convenient, and it was just the right thing to do,” said Mohr. “Heart of Dixie is a great company to work with — incredibly friendly and always willing to help in a bind.” Businesses and larger concession-based operations like the Birmingham Zoo are typical customers of Heart of Dixie, but Customer Relations Manager Haley Walls Nicolaou, 25, said orders of all sizes are welcome. “Orders range from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, and customers are everywhere from Alabama to Washington and even into Scotland. Whatever the size and wherever they originate, we are happy to fill any request,” she said. “We love our customers, big and small.” Heart of Dixie Popcorn and Supply, located at 191 Darwin Road in Huntsville, is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To order products, request a catalog or learn more, visit HeartOfDixiePopcorn.com or call (256) 828-3270. n

Farmers Federation Members Can Save $1,500 On Chevrolet and GM Trucks

labama Farmers Federation members can save even more on a new Chevrolet and GMC truck through offers just announced by GM. Through April 1, 2014, Chevrolet and GMC are offering exclusively to Farm Bureau members in participating GM states, an additional $1,000 incentive on the acquisition of any new 2013 and 2014 regular cab, Heavy Duty (2500/3500 series) truck. This is in addition to the standard $500 Farm Bureau incentive, so the total Farm Bureau incentive on these models is $1,500. Farm Bureau’s Private Offer is stackable with all retail promotions, such as Consumer Cash. “This increased $1,000 incentive in addition to the $500 shows the commitment by GM to serve America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Farmers rely on heavy duty pickup trucks every day. The Federation is proud to offer this benefit to our members.” Farm Bureau’s Private Offer doesn’t stack with other Private Offers, such as Owner Loyalty. On these models, the new additional incentive makes the total Farm Bureau benefit competitive with Owner Loyalty. For information on the GM Private Offer or to redeem a discount certificate, visit www.FBVerify.com/gm. n

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2013

TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED

Wow! The Computer Designed for You, Not Your Grandchildren! Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in!

NEW

Touch Screen Technology One-touch “zoom” magnification Big Bright Screen No bulky tower U.S. Based Customer Service Simple navigation so you never get lost

FREE

Automatic Software Updates

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses, spam and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your

fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now the very people who could benefit most from E-mail and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time

you took part? Call now, and a patient, knowledgeable product expert will tell you how you can try it in your home for 30 days. If you are not totally satisfied, simply return it within 30 days for a refund of the product purchase price. Call today. • Send & Receive Emails • Have video chats with family and friends • Surf the Internet: Get current weather and news • Play games on line: Hundreds to choose from! Call now and find out how you can get your own WOW! Computer. Mention promotional code 50727 for special introductory pricing.

80755

“I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.” – Janet F.

Football, Farming And The Federation By Katie Williams

ome say football is a way of life here in the South. Others say it’s farming. For Alabama Farmers Federation members, Linda Pierce and Tommy Beaty, it’s both. Pierce, Crenshaw County Federation president and fourth generation farmer, loves Auburn University. “I really made my decision [about being an Auburn fan] in the sixth grade,” said Pierce. However, her decision was met with conflict. “My dad was one of the biggest Alabama fans there has ever been,” said Pierce. Tommy Beaty, Barbour County board member and fourth-generation farmer, loves the University of Alabama. “The University as a whole

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

is great to just go around and look at,” said Beaty, citing iconic places on campus such as Denny Chimes, the Quad, Bryant-Denny Stadium and Coleman Coliseum. Beaty’s and Pierce’s extended families, split their allegiances between Auburn and Alabama. “We may talk football, but it’s never ugly,” said Pierce. Auburn and non-Auburn fans alike are familiar with Aubie, the team’s mascot. Pierce was a part of the group that helped make him what he is today. While attending an Auburn A-Day game in the early- to mid1980s with friends, Pierce said she noticed Aubie’s tail was pinned on with a large safety pin. After talking with the mascot’s sponsor, the Aubie Foster Parent Association was formed. Several families in Butler and Crenshaw counties contributed money to 20

buy Aubie’s costume for the next three years. With Auburn’s increased financial support in the years to follow, their favorite feline is now the mascot seen at community and athletic events a nd especially on the football field. Even though farmers and football players work on different fields, Beaty and Pierce agree there are some similarities between these two professions. “You can’t win if you don’t practice and learn about what’s going on, and it’s the same with farming. If you don’t stay updated on what you have running, you can’t keep up with it,” said Beaty, who raises broiler chickens and beef cattle and grows corn and hay with his brother, Jimmy, in Louisville. Beaty adds that with both farming and football, you have to stay with it. OCTOBER 2013

Crenshaw County Farmers Federation President Linda Pierce said she has been an Auburn fan since she was in the sixth grade.

Pierce, who raises cattle, said hard work is required for both as well. “There are risks, and there are great rewards. There are sad times, and there are happy times,” said Pierce. Traveling to their family farms, passers-by instantly know which team Beaty and Pierce support. Beaty said during football season, he and his wife, Norma, always put an Alabama sign in front of the house and fly an Alabama flag on their car. They also have several Alabama keepsakes in their home. Pierce and her husband, Tim, have Auburn tags and stickers on their vehicles and fly an Auburn flag on a pole outside their home. They even have an Auburnthemed room in their home, complete with university memorabilia, a section of paprika-colored carpet and a navy-colored wall. The Auburn spirit and Alabama pride follow Pierce and Beaty on Federation events too, whether it’s the sound of “War Eagle” for Pierce after fellow Auburn fans notice her Auburn

alumna pin on her Federation name badge or “Roll Tide” for Beaty when Alabama fans see the familiar crimson and white colors on his shirt. Though Beaty and Pierce have attended many of their respective team’s football games in the past, they now find themselves tailgating with friends and family and watching the games in their homes. “I hope I get all my hay cut and in before that Saturday, but sometimes I do have to miss one every once in a while,” said Beaty.

“We’re not going to be out. We’ve got the best seats in the stadium,” adds Pierce, as television coverage of the games has improved so much in recent years. Auburn and Alabama fans, and residents of the state of Alabama, are proud of the universities’ football programs. Both schools have brought the BCS National Championship title home to the state for the last four years (Alabama in 2009, 2011 and 2012 and Auburn in 2010). “I think it’s a great thing for Auburn or Alabama, as long as we can keep it in the state,” said Beaty. It is “quite an honor,” adds Pierce. Even with an uncertain outcome of the 2013 football season for Auburn and Alabama, the spirit, pride and traditions associated with both programs have never been greater. Beaty and Pierce may not wear the same colors or cheer for the same team this fall, two things are certain: both have a passion for agriculture and a love for the Federation. n Barbour County Farmers Federation Board Member Tommy Beaty is a big University of Alabama fan who prefers to watch games at home.

OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

AARON TIPPIN

JOE DIFFIE

SAMMY KERSHAW

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2013 MONTGOMERY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE • 201 TALLAPOOSA STREET DOORS OPEN 7 P.M. • SHOW STARTS 8 P.M.

AARON TIPPIN

JOE DIFFIE

SAMMY KERSHAW

MPAC Box Office, 334-481-5100 Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket Prices: $35, $30, $20, $15 (plus service charge)

www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Presented by Alfa Farmers® Brought to you by Alfa Insurance®

Pecan Popularity Increases Demand For Seedlings By Jillian Clair

ising pecan exports, coupled with record-high prices, have created a boom for seedlings of the shady Southern staple. Prices topped $2.59 cents per pound in 2011, and then leveled to $1.73 per pound last year. That hasn’t stopped people from rushing to buy pecan seedlings in hopes of making big money one day. Those fortune hunters created more markets for nurserymen like Gary Underwood in Summerdale.

OCTOBER 2013

Gary Underwood of Baldwin County sold all his seedlings early this season.

“I’ve always sold out, but I’ve been sold out of trees for this winter for a month,” Underwood said in early September. He is president of the National Pecan Growers Association and is already taking seedling orders for next year. Underwood grafts about 4,000 seedlings a year and is a leading innovator in the pecan nursery business. He’s worked with Auburn University researchers like Bill Goff, horticulture professor and pecan Extension specialist, to graft new disease-resistant, large-nut pecan varieties. The pair also developed a grafting method that allows trees to be sold and planted in six to 10 months. Normally, it takes two or three years in a container before a pecan tree can be planted. Despite a national economic downturn, Underwood said his business has improved. However, he’s cautious about the long-term effects of a flood of new trees, noting it takes about five years for a tree to produce nuts. “In a few years, we could see a dramatic fall in price,” Goff said. “There are a million pecan seedlings in the ground in Georgia alone.” Nurseries already growing pecan seedlings are in a good position, 23

but there is still a shortage for large nuts, Goff said. Excessive rainfall in the South this year created problems of pecan scab disease in Desirables because of the variety’s vulnerability to the disease. Auburn University researchers and others have developed new varieties resistant to problems that plague Desirables. “I would advise growers to focus on scab-resistant, large-nut varieties, and for anyone planting orchards, that’s what they need to plant, too,” Goff said. Underwood travels internationally marketing pecans. He said it’s impossible to predict future pecan demand, but the National Pecan Growers Association is working hard to keep prices up by expanding pecan markets. “We have been aggressively attending food shows because in 10 years, there will be a lot more pecans available,” he says, “and we want to have markets for them.” For more information about pecan seedlings, contact your local Extension System office. n

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Alabama’s Great Pumpkin

Giant Pumpkins Pique Interest at Farm Y’all Festival

By Mary Johnson

“I just got into this because I enjoy pumpkins,” Glasgow said. “You have to start growing in March lumpy gourd was the belle of the inaugural Farm or April indoors, or they won’t be big enough for the Y’all Festival in Cullman. Spectators marveled weigh-ins. (Once they’re planted), it takes about an at the misshaped mound and posed for pictures hour or two per day to maintain the plant. It’s a lot of with the 903-pound behemoth pumpkin during the off-season work with bringing in compost and getting Aug. 24 event. the soil ready.” “It’s amazing!” said 8-year old Guy Haynes, a Glasgow, with no farm background, began growstudent at West Point ing giant pumpkins Elementary in Culltwo years ago. He said man. “They had to he enjoys the hobby so move it with a forklift. much he switched his They probably needed major from mechanical a machete to (cut the engineering to environvine).” mental science at the A product of University of Alabama Trent Boyd’s Harvest at Birmingham. His Farm in Fairview, mom, Cindy, said each the winning pumpyear her yard gets a kin weighed in for a little smaller as the new Alabama record. pumpkin patch gets The old record of 887 larger. pounds was set last Intense heat can year by Boyd. make growing giant “I like to beat my pumpkins in the South personal best every a challenge. Growers year,” said Boyd, who like Glasgow often use had a second pumpkin a shade cloth to protect that weighed in at 876 their prize pumpkins. pounds this year. “As Giant pumpkin long as I can do that, growers swap seeds in I’ll keep going. I did hopes of achieving a think it would go a record holder the follittle bit heavier.” lowing year. Trent Boyd Boyd said pumpshared pumpkin seeds kins can gain 30 with festival patrons pounds a day. This in a unique way. He year, like for many hoisted his 876-pound crops, too much rain The state record 903-pound pumpkin provides the perfect perch for Elsie Boyd, 4, pumpkin with a crane and her brother, Callen, 2, during the inaugural Farm Y’all Festival in Cullman. and dropped it from a presented problems. Their father, Trent, grew the giant pumpkin at Harvest Farm in Fairview. “(The pumpkin) height of almost 200 stopped growing early feet. As the pumpkin this season,” he said. “The rain can rot the vines.” exploded on impact, people flocked to scoop up Hezekiah Wahl of Athens won the Howard seeds. Dill Award for “Best Looking Pumpkin” with his “We were just trying to have a little fun,” he said. 410-pound bright orange entry. First-time contes“I knew what it was going to do, but it was pretty tant Spencer Glasgow, 22, of Oak Grove brought an funny (to see other people’s reaction.)” impressive 619-pound pumpkin; however, a hole For pumpkin pictures and video of the pumpkin prevented it from being an official entry. drop, visit http://bit.ly/18p7DlL. n

OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

By Lois Chaplin

hen the daffodil blossoms grab gardeners’ attention in February, looking is all they can do. Fall is the time to visit garden centers or shop online markets that stock daffodils and other spring blooming bulbs. Spring bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths need chilling and require cold winters in the ground to bloom. The bulbs are like an onion—dormant—and will sprout roots underground. In spring, after sufficient cold, the leaves and blooms appear. In commercial production fields, these spring-blooming bulbs are dug for sale at the end of the summer when the foliage dies down. That’s why, unlike so many other nursery plants that are available many months of the year, bulbs have production cycles that limit their availability. The exception to this is buying potted bulbs in bloom in springs, which are a great instant purchase for pots, but can be an expensive way to fill a landscape. How many bulbs does it take to make a good show? The more the better. They can be purchased by the dozen and planted according to the spacing directions on the package. Enthusiastic gardeners order them by the hundreds (they are often sold that way by bulb houses online), but be sure to choose varieties that are likely to come back and multiply. Certain daffodils are the best for naturalizing (tulips and hyacinths are less dependable). Some of the proven dafs in Alabama are Butter and Eggs, Ice Follies, King Alfred, February Gold, Carlton, Jack Snipe, Trevithian, Thalia, Salome, Tête-à-tête and Twin Sisters. Daffodil bulbs will store for a while, so there is no hurry to plant. In fact, it’s best to wait until after the first frost to make sure the ground is nice and cool. However, don’t wait to buy bulbs because if

stores sell out, it’s unlikely they will get more this year. Make selections now and hold the bulbs in a dry, cool place such as a dry basement until ready to plant. In the garden, choose a spot in sun or partial shade with good drainage. Plant the pointed side up; spacing bulbs close so they make a nice show. Generally, spacing is about three times the diameter of the bulbs. Typically bulbs would be buried in a small hole about twice as deep as the bulb is tall. This is fine for planting in a container or for just a couple of dozen bulbs. However, there are some ingenious methods for planting large numbers of daffodils. After clearing the area of grass or other growth, spread a layer of compost a couple inches thick

on the ground to make a bed for the bulbs. Set the bulbs on top of the compost, and cover with 4 inches of compost so the bulbs are buried on top of the ground. This no-dig method makes it easy to plant hundreds of bulbs to create large drifts or a river of daffodils. When dafs are happy, they will multiply. Each spring, leave the foliage until it naturally turns yellow and flops over. The leaves allow the plant to re-energize for next year’s show. Mowing or cutting weakens the plants, and they may not return. n ________________________________ Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

FALL INTO SEASONAL SAVINGS. WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2013

Prime hunting land. A quiet cabin on the river. A place where you can invest in your future. Whatever your dream, we can make it happen, with a loan package customized by professionals who understand rural land and rural lending. When you ﬁnd the land, call the South’s land and farm lending experts. Call First South Farm Credit.

Financing land, farms and dreams. ﬁrstsouthland.com 800-955-1722

Creative Cornbread Cooks Compete For State Title FIRST PLACE: Cajun Party Cornbread — Polly McClure, Jefferson County Cornbread ingredients: 1 cup self-rising cornmeal 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1 8-ounce can cream style corn 1 8-ounce carton sour cream 2 eggs Topping Ingredients: ½ stick butter 1 cup diced onions 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1-2 garlic cloves, minced ½ pound Andouille sausage cut in quarters lengthwise, then in ½ inch slices ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and halved 1 cup Monterrey Jack cheese Chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 400 F. In a medium bowl, mix cornbread ingredients together. Melt butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté vegetables, Cajun seasoning and garlic

until limp; spoon into a strainer to drain and reserve liquid. Add sausage to hot skillet; cook to render some fat. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are just done. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage and shrimp to a bowl. Do not drain grease from the skillet. Stir the reserved vegetable liquid into cornbread mixture, then pour batter into hot skillet. Place skillet into preheated oven and bake for five minutes. Remove from oven, spread reserved vegetables evenly over the top, then top with reserved sausage and shrimp. Return to oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, spread cheese over top and return to oven for additional five minutes. Remove, and sprinkle chopped parsley over top.

O r d e r Yo u r C o o k b o o k To d a y ! w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

By Debra Davis

ornbread with a Cajun flair won first place in the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 5 in Montgomery. Jefferson County cook Polly McClure of Clay said her winning recipe, Cajun Party Cornbread, is a favorite among family and friends. While the all-in-one dish has a hint of the bayou, the ingredients include Alabamagrown products. “It’s really an adaptation of a recipe a lady at our church makes,” McClure said. “My husband and I both love Cajun food, and we wanted to add that Cajun flair to it. We got some Conecuh sausage, some Alabama wild-grown shrimp, added a little bit of Cajun seasoning, and that’s where we came up with the recipe.” McClure, who baked the dish in a traditional cast iron skillet, described it as a Cajun pizza with a cornbread crust. “It’s got that great cornbread flavor on the bottom with cream corn, sour cream and a little bit of Cajun seasoning,” she said. “On top are the shrimp, Conecuh sausage and Monterrey Jack cheese. All of that goes together to make a tasty dish that can be a main entrée, or served as a side. Our favorite side at home is gumbo, which my husband happens to make very well. You can also serve it with coleslaw.” McClure, who won the Jefferson County

w w w. Fa r m i n g Fe e d s A l a b a m a . c o m 28

OCTOBER 2013

Winners in the 2013 Heritage Cooking Contest are, from left, Polly McClure of Jefferson County, first place; Barbara Lawson of Baldwin County, second place; and Mitzi Moran of Tallapoosa County, third place.

Heritage Cooking Contest earlier this year, received $150 as the state winner. Meanwhile, Barbara Lawson of Baldwin County won second place and $100 for her Tomato Tart Cornbread. Mitzi Moran of Tallapoosa County won third place and $50 for her Sweet Potato Cornbread. Recipes from the state contest, including the winners, are available in the Country Kitchen section of AlfaFarmers.org.  The Heritage Cooking Contest is held annually to highlight Alabama agriculture and acknowledge the tradition of sharing and preparing favorite recipes. This year’s contest featured cornbread.

“Cornbread is a staple of southern cooking,” said Kim Ramsey, director of the Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division. “The contest included traditional recipes, while others showcased just how versatile cornbread can be. It’s a fun, delicious way to bring some

SECOND PLACE: Buttermilk Cornbread & Muffin Fresh Tomato Tart with Black Pepper Cornbread Crust — Barbara Lawson, Baldwin County Heat oven to 425 F. Generously spray 9-x13-inch baking pan with nostick spray. Whisk together egg, sour cream and milk in large bowl. Whisk in cornbread mix and pepper until smooth. Stir in olive oil just until blended. Pour into prepared pan. Bake Cornbread Crust: 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Crisco/Original no-stick cooking spray Cornbread will be thin. 1 large egg Cut tomatoes into medium-thick ¼ cup sour cream slices. Drain on paper towels. Stir ½ cup milk together cheeses, mayonnaise, basil 1 6-ounce package Martha White and chives until combined. Spread buttermilk cornbread mix about half the cheese mixture over 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper cornbread. Arrange tomato slices over 2 tablespoons Crisco pure olive oil cheese in overlapping rows. Salt and pepper to taste. Place spoonfuls of Filling: remaining cheese mixture on tomato 3-4 medium tomatoes slices. Return to oven for five min1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese utes or until cheese begins to melt. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Turn on broiler. Broil until cheese is ½ cup mayonnaise bubbly and lightly browned, about 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil two minutes. Cut into squares and 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives serve warm or at room temperature. Salt and pepper to taste

of Alabama’s best cooks together under one roof.” While judges sampled dishes and examined the recipes, Federation members heard from Jennifer Shambrook of Memphis, Tenn., author of The Cornbread Bible. n THIRD PLACE: Sweet Potato Cornbread — Mitzi Moran, Tallapoosa County

1 7-ounce package yellow cornbread mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup milk 1 cup mashed, cooked sweet potatoes ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup melted butter 1 large egg 1 pinch nutmeg

Mix all ingredients in order and pour into a greased cast iron skillet. Bake at 425 F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes. Recommend a favorite cook who is a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation by emailing AlabamaCountryKitchen@gmail.com. OCTOBER 2013

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

AT TE N T IO N MOBILE HOME

O W NER S EXPERT INSTALLATION

LIFETIME WARRANTY INCREASED HOME VALUE

INSURANCE CREDIT

REDUCED ELECTRIC BILL

STOP LEAKS

NO MORE ROOF RUMBLE

Since 1983

roofover.com

Grower Direct

800.633.8969

Grow half-dollar size

Muscadines

and Blackberries. We also offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vine and Berry Plants.

Ison’s Nursery

Since 1934

Free Catalog

PO Box 190 Brooks, GA 30205 1-800-733-0324 • isons.com

Construction Trailer Specialist, Inc. HarvestMaster – Grain Hopper Trailer Capacity of 1,080 BUSHEL Length 40’ -Width 96” - Height: 68" sides 14 Gauge Suspension: Hutch 9700, 4 spring, 3 leaf, 48,000 lb. Tandem-axle - Axles: 25,000lb. w/ outboard drums Top Rail: 4" x 3" x 3/16" Tube- Bottom Rail: 4"x 3"x3/16" Tube - Bumper: Standard King Pin: 18“ - Coup. Height: 49" Ladders: Front and Rear and Walk Platform Top: Open Top - Tarp: Roll Over Tarp manual Hoppers: 14 Gauge - Gate: 24"x 24" opening

Birmingham – Homewood – Tuscaloosa Montgomery – Huntsville - Tarrant

205-254-1821

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2013

Confused about Obamacare

The Affordable Care Act requires everyone to have health insurance in 2014. Alfa Health is working with one of the most trusted names in health insurance to offer coverage to Alabama families. Call Alfa速 at 1-800-392-5705, ext. 2, for more information.

Call Alfa. 速

1-800-392-5705, ext. 2 Open Enrollment Begins October 1