Neighbors Magazine, October 2014 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 39, NUMBER 10

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

OCTOBER 2014

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen

DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Waymon Buttram, Crossville Don Allison, Arley Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge Sammy Gibbs, Atmore S. Steve Dunn, Samson Sharon Byrd, Ariton Allie Corcoran, Eufaula

In This Issue

OCTOBER 2014

Yields Up, Prices Down

Poultry Farm Energy Savings

23 A.L.F.A. Leaders Graduate

28 Heritage Cooking Contest

On The Cover

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

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

20 Creating a TREASURE

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

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Federation Scholarship Winners

16 Fall Attractions

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.

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.

Christian Otey, left, hauls in a large

pumpkin, while Grant and Olivia Baker

work on picking a pumpkin of their own

at Dream Field Farms in Bullock County. Photo by Mike Moody

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Foundation Scholarship Invests In Future Of Agriculture And Forestry By Jeff Helms

labama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance helped secure a bright future for agriculture and forestry as 70 Auburn University students received scholarships from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) during a luncheon Aug. 23. Alfa and Federation President Jimmy Parnell congratulated the students for their academic achievements and challenged them to use their leadership skills to benefit the industry and their communities. “This is an exciting day,” Parnell said. “I look at this as an investment in the future of Alabama, the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama agriculture. These

students will be key players for the next generation.” Among those recognized were 52 students who received $1,750 scholarships through a new program, whereby the Foundation provides $1,250 in matching funds for every county Federation that contributes $500 toward a scholarship. Pike County junior Katelyn Johnson transferred to Auburn from Troy University this fall and is one of the first recipients of the new scholarship. “I’ve grown up around agriculture and really love it, so I wanted to stay involved,” said Johnson, who is majoring in agricultural communications. “I’m so grateful for the scholarship. It’s going to help me get where I’m supposed to be. I

really just want to be an advocate for agriculture.” Pike County Farmers Federation President Steve Stroud attended the recognition luncheon, where Johnson and other recipients received certificates and Alfa Farmers backpacks. “With agriculture the way it is today, and with the world population increasing daily, we need more kids involved in agriculture,” Stroud said. “These scholarships are just one of the avenues to attract those students.” Federation Southeast Vice President George Jeffcoat of Houston County chairs the organization’s scholarship committee. He said the goal is to have at least one scholarship recipient from each of Ala-

2014 County Scholarship Award Winners County

Name

Major

County

Name

Major

Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Blount Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Clarke Clay Cleburne Coffee Colbert Conecuh Covington Crenshaw Dale Dallas DeKalb Elmore Escambia Etowah Fayette Geneva Henry Houston

Matthew Golson Megan Gibbs Jasmine Morris Mallory Burch Annelise Salzmann Catherine Taylor John Jones Karri Fievet Andrew Newell Zachary Slay Darbie Rosser Ariana Parsons Marlee Moore Savannah Duke Abby Ledbetter Megan Hataway Robin Aldridge Kelly Goneke Brandon Buckelew Sherry Thomas Christopher Thompson Lauren Yeldell Jonathan Roberts Sarah Jackson Raven Beasley Kennedy Vice Alexandria Norris Allison Saunders Leigh Money Joshua Starling

Plant Sciences-Agronomy Agricultural Communications Veterinary Medicine Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Biosystems Engineering Undeclared-Sciences & Math Agricultural Business & Economics Poultry Science-Pre-Vet Poultry Science-Production Natural Resources Management Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Horticulture Agricultural Communications Horticulture Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Pre-Agriscience Education Poultry Science-Production Wildlife Ecology & Management Food Science Option-Poultry Science Agronomy & Soils (Production) Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Poultry Science-Production Agricultural Communications Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Agricultural Business & Economics Pre-Agriscience Education Biosystems Engineering

Houston Jackson Lamar Lauderdale Lawrence Lee Limestone Lowndes Madison Madison Madison Madison Marengo Marion Marshall Mobile Monroe Montgomery Morgan Pickens Pike Randolph Russell Saint Clair Shelby Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Washington Wilcox

Kileigh Speed Tristan Yates Austin Duran Robert Cornelius Kaitlin Green Ivy Sibley Presley Townsend Adam Callis Jacob Kendall Jeremy Comer Sonja Cox Michael Torres John Stuedeman Auston Holland Joshua Williams Jaida West Jake Tucker Mallory Boyd Lilly Oaks Judson Smith Katelyn Johnson Stewart Teal Ronald Beck Kasey Blore Patrick Dreher Catherine Rasco Rebecca Oliver Robert Hemphill Hannah Kittrell Claudia Harper

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Horticulture Pre-Biosystems Engineering Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Horticulture Agricultural Communications Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Economics Horticulture Horticulture Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Agricultural Business & Economics Pre-Ecological-Biosystems Engineering Horticulture Pre-Agriscience Education Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Agricultural Business & Economics Horticulture Animal Sciences-Muscle-Foods Agricultural Communications Pre-Biosystems Engineering Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Poultry Science-Production Horticulture Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Economics Horticulture Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

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OCTOBER 2014

bama’s 67 counties. “I’m excited to see this many young people planning on going into the agriculture field,” Jeffcoat said. “This program is a way we can help them continue their education.” Although the AFAF matching contribution applies to one student per county, some county Federations awarded multiple scholarships. Other counties gave scholarships directly to students or through the College of Agriculture. Those students were recognized at other events, but all tolled, about 100 students will attend an Alabama college or technical school this fall as a scholarship recipient from AFAF or a county Farmers Federation. Rising tuition makes that investment more important than ever, said Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation President Joe Anders. “Anytime we can promote agriculture and get our youth involved in agriculture, it is worth investing in,” Anders said. “He who controls the food, controls the world, and we need to keep encouraging young people to get involved in farming. They may have a dream to be involved in agriculture and can’t afford it. But if they can get this scholarship, maybe they’ll be able to achieve their dreams.” Pickens County senior Judson Smith is living his dream thanks, in part, to an AFAF scholarship. He will graduate in May with a degree in animal sciences-muscle foods production. “My short-term plans are to work in a food facility, particularly a beef facility, doing food safety and quality assurance,” Smith said. “My long-range plans would be to come back to Alabama and start a vertically integrated beef operation to provide jobs, economic stability and a sense of pride for this area.” Smith said the scholarship gave him financial security to pursue internships and leadership development opportunities while in college. “I believe it’s important as we look to the future and a growing population that we have a means to feed that population, and we have OCTOBER 2014

Students and Federation leaders visit following the Auburn University scholarship luncheon. From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Pickens County senior Judson Smith, Pike County junior Katelyn Johnson, Pike County Farmers Federation President Steve Stroud and Federation Southeast Vice President George Jeffcoat.

a means to feed it domestically,” Smith said. In addition to 60 county scholarship recipients honored at the lun-

cheon, 10 students were recognized for continuing their AFAF scholarships under the previous statewide program. n

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Harvest Ramps Up As Commodity Prices Fall By Mary Johnson

labama farmers are cranking up combines with an optimistic attitude despite falling commodity prices. In its September Crop Production report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicted a record average corn yield of 149 bushels per acre for the state. Farmer Jeremy Wilson harvested half of his 2,000 acre corn crop by mid-September and was seeing even higher yields of 200 bushels an acre on dryland corn. “Our irrigated corn is doing even better, around 225 or 250 bushels an acre,” said Wilson, who farms in Talladega and Elmore counties. “We did have to irrigate a lot. One of our fields near Lincoln went seven weeks without rain. For people around here who planted late and didn’t irrigate, the corn looks pretty terrible.” Wilson’s high corn yields are a stark contrast to current commodity prices. In the past two months, corn, soybeans and cotton have all traded at their lowest points in more than four years. “We didn’t book anything early,” Wilson said. “We’d like to get more for our corn, but we can’t complain when we’re getting the yields we’re getting.” Experts contribute the price drops to expected record corn and soybean crops in the U.S. Lower cotton prices can be attributed to an increased domestic supply from better growing conditions in Texas and decreased demand from China. The USDA report also predicted a total soybean harvest of 20.5 million bushels for Alabama, up 12 percent

from 2013. However, an overall increase was expected as farmers in the state planted 65,000 more acres of soybeans this year. Wilson said dry weather made his early soybeans poor, with a yield of 16 bushels on the first 150 acres harvested. The second 150 acres fared better at 35 bushels an acre, he said. Morgan County Young Farmers Chairman Jason Fields expects to start harvesting soybeans around the first week of October. “We could’ve used a couple more rains, but overall I’m pleased with where the crop stands,” Fields said. “I don’t think our soybeans will be as good as last year, but last year was probably the best we’ve ever seen.” Wilson sold about 50 percent of his crop on a forward contract, and he said those prices were better than where the market stood in mid-September. However, some of his millet crop was damaged by armyworms. Lee County farmer Mitch Lazenby planted cotton, sesame and peanuts this year, and said his harvest is scheduled to start by October. “Overall, things looks good, and we’re just hoping for good weather,” Lazenby said, adding that some of his cotton crop is typically booked early. “Obviously the cotton price has dropped dramatically as the season has gone on,” he said. “We’re hopeful that, with the small amount we pre-sold, we might average high 70s (cents per pound) on our cotton.” USDA reports predict Alabama’s cotton production at 625,000 bales, up 6 percent, while peanut harvest is expected to reach 516 million pounds for the state, a 5-percent increase over last year. However, Alabama farmers also planted 25,000 acres more of peanuts. Many peanut fields have suffered this season with more than 50 percent rated poor or fair in a mid-September USDA report. n

Lee County farmer Mitch Lazenby examines his cotton crop prior to harvest. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2014

Sunbelt Ag Expo Moultrie, Georgia Oct. 14-16, 2014

Sunbelt Bound

Alabama Farmer Competes For Southeastern Farmer Of The Year By Jeff Helms

Robin and Phillip Hunter

igh-quality landscape trees earned Hunter Trees in Talladega County a national following and a chance to compete for the 25th annual Swisher Sweets/ Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 14-16 in Moultrie, Georgia. Phillip and Robin Hunter qualified for the regional contest when their family operation was named Alabama’s 2014 Farm of Distinction at the Farm-City Awards in April. “Quality is very important to us,” Phillip said. “Our nursery is specified a lot by landscape contractors and landscape architects. They know they’re getting the kind of trees that are going to look good and make them look good. It’s all part of making us all successful.” Another component of the farm’s success is the combined expertise of Phillip, his brother, Will, and their father, Bill. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Phillip worked 12 years as a land-

OCTOBER 2014

scape contractor in Birmingham, and Will graduated from Auburn University with a degree in ornamental horticulture. Throw in Bill’s accounting background, and the trio had the necessary components to transform a 300-acre row crop farm into a tree nursery. That was 1999. Today, Hunter Trees includes 225 acres of production with 125 varieties of trees. On any given day, there are about 65,000 trees growing at the nursery, including some are so big that only two will fit on a semi-trailer. Phillip said maintaining a clean nursery and good conservation practices are important to the farm’s success. Hunter Trees was nominated for Alabama Farm of Distinction by Alabama Farmers Federation Area Organization Director David Farnsworth. “Hunter Trees, LLC is rooted in excellence,” said Farnsworth. “They do things right. Their commitment to quality, cleanliness and conservation, along with their state 7

of the art custom-designed marketing ideas are proof their farm is one of distinction.” Phillip is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Committee and serves on the Alabama Agriculture and Industries Board. He and Robin worship at Asbury Methodist Church and have two children, Carolyn and Patton. As the Alabama winner, the Hunters will receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Expo from Swisher International, a $500 gift certificate from the Southern States cooperative, the choice of either $1,000 in PhytoGen cottonseed or a $500 donation to a designated charity from Dow AgroSciences, and a Columbia vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply. He is now eligible for the overall prize of $15,000 cash and other prizes. For information about Farmer of the Year contestants, visit sunbeltexpo.com. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Energy Saving Efforts Pay Dividends For Poultry Farmers By Debra Davis

t was nearly 90 degrees in the shade this past summer when Ben and Keith Till of Lowndes County were making plans to keep their chickens warm this winter. They are among a growing number of poultry farmers investing in energy-saving renovations to improve their bottom lines. “About four years ago, we added solid sidewalls to two houses,” said Keith, who, along with his son, Ben, has 12 poultry houses. “We’ve documented between 20-30 percent savings of propane gas in those houses. The colder the weather and the more gas we use, the more savings we’ve seen. “With these upgrades, all of our houses now have solid sidewalls, and we’ve reinsulated the attics on the eight smaller, older houses. It should really make a difference this winter.” The father-son partnership owns Windy Ridge LLC, which also raises broilers raises beef cattle, hay, grains and silage. Last year, they spent more than $100,000 for propane gas to heat their poultry houses. Besides electricity, which can cost as much as $23,000 a month for their poultry houses, propane is a main expense for their farm, Keith said. While propane accounts for less than 2 percent of all energy used in the U.S., it is the main fuel source in rural areas without access to natural gas. With possible price

OCTOBER 2014

Alfa Insurance Farm Agricultural Specialist Shane Wootten, left, with father-son poultry farmers Keith and Ben Till of Lowndes County, who recently upgraded their poultry houses to help reduce energy costs.

swings like those experienced last winter, investing in energy-saving renovations make dollars and sense, said Jim Donald, Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) co-founder and interim director. “The prices of production inputs—fuel, electricity, water and feed—have exploded over the past eight years, with increases of anywhere from 60 to 300 percent,” Donald said. “The center is providing timely applied research and Extension education that are leading to improved efficiencies in housing, equipment, energy and environmental control. Profitability can be greatly improved by applying and adopting new technologies.”

The NPTC was created seven years ago to help farmers like the Tills by providing free information on how to reduce energy costs and improve construction. The center’s applied research thus far in the areas of poultry house insulation, lighting and retrofitting have brought significant energy and feed savings to the an estimated 30 percent of producers who have adopted NPTC recommendations. Future applied research on solar energy, attic-air extraction, colony housing designs and rainwater harvesting technology “could be game-changers,” Donald said. More about the NPTC is available PoultryHouse.com. n

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Federation Scholarship Winner Scores Major Internship By A.J. Watson

uburn University student Matt Golson spent his summer caring for a field where legends trod. Through Auburn University’s turf management program, Golson interned at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, a place considered hallowed ground for professional football. “It’s still an art, but sports turf management is becoming more scientific,” Golson said. “We aren’t just lawn service guys who are throwing some fertilizer and keeping the field mowed and watered. Our No. 1 priority is for the field to be safe for players. After that, you want it to be a sound and playable surface. When we see these fields on TV we want them to be perfect and manicured.” Golson applied knowledge from his coursework while working on the famous field. This fall, he began his senior year at Auburn and received a $1,750 scholarship from the Autauga County Farmers Federation. Packers Fields Manager Allen Johnson said the team accepts one intern a year, adding that Golson stood out from the very beginning. “Matt asked a ton of questions in the interview,” Johnson said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone ask so many questions. He came across in the interview and on paper as very bright, intelligent and mature, and that all rang true when he got up here. My goal was that he came out of the experience learning something he didn’t know previously.” Johnson achieved his goal and then some, according to Golson. “Lambeau is unique from other American sports fields because it has natural grass growing in synthetic fibers stitched into the soil,” Golson said. “The team plays on OCTOBER 2014

Above: Autauga County Farmers Federation scholarship recipient and Auburn University turf management major Matt Golson aerates the soil on at Lambeau Field. Left: Golson stitches in fibers in the unique field the Green Bay Packers football team plays on.

Kentucky bluegrass, which is so slow growing, it requires that technology to hold up to the wear and tear.” Apart from the Denver Broncos, Green Bay is the only team to use stitch-fiber technology in the U.S. Golson said he specifically wanted to work with cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass because the only time he saw it was 11

in class growing in a container. “Working there will allow me to stand out, and I think it will help me have a more holistic approach to managing turf and a well-rounded approach to managing a field,” Golson said. “This hasn’t been a very hands-off experience. I’ve heard stories about interns who don’t get to do a whole lot, but there’s nothing they didn’t let me do.” Boasting 100 percent placement after six months, Auburn’s turf management program was a nobrainer, Golson said. “There’s plenty of academic rigor,” Golson said of the university’s program. “It has a good academic environment, which was always stressed in our household. Everyone I know who has been through the program has a job in turf management or something closely related to it. To me, that’s comforting to know.” n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Small Farmers Find Path To Big Markets By A.J. Watson

ome of the state’s smallest farmers have partnered with the nation’s largest retailer to make farm-fresh local produce available to consumers. The Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative formed by Tuskegee University and Walmart is helping farmers like Darryl Brown of Autauga County increase demand for their produce. “This is the first time Walmart has adopted a ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Local’ initiative approach to their business,” said Miles Robinson, director of the Small Farm Development Center at Tuskegee. “Walmart is purchasing from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. Alabama is probably the only state that is producing at least three crops for the stores.” Brown, a third-generation farmer, has 65 acres of watermelons, 10 acres of collard greens and 50 head of beef cattle. He’s been involved in the cooperative since its inception four years ago. He said cooperative members worked hard to meet Walmart’s quality standards. “Buyers were kicking trucks (of produce) back when we first started,” Brown said, indicating the crop didn’t meet quality standards set by the store. “That’s about a $1,000 loss after it’s all said and done, so we had to stop that. This year, we haven’t had one truck come back.” The cooperative has farmers from Autauga, Barbour, Butler, Chilton, Dallas, Lowndes, Macon and Marengo counties and has processing facilities in Autaugaville, Selma, Shorter and Tuskegee. After processing, the produce goes to two distribution centers in Cullman and Opelika, which serve a total of more than 400 stores. “The university has been all in, from top to bottom,”

Top: Autauga County farmer Darryl Brown has been involved with the Small Farmers Agricultural Cooperative formed by Tuskegee University since its inception. In addition to raising cattle, Brown grows watermelons and collard greens as a part of the cooperative. Above: Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham, left, looks on as Chilton County Farmer Warren Ford describes plans to expand his farm.

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OCTOBER 2014

Tuskegee University Small Farm Development Center Director Miles Robinson, left, inspects purple hull peas with Chilton County farmer Desmond Brown.

Robinson said. “Walmart asked us what our farmers were best at growing, so that’s why the cooperative sells purple hull peas, watermelons and collard greens.” Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham said the Southeast, and Alabama in particular, is becoming a produce hotspot. “Nationally, the majority of commercial fruits and vegetables are grown in California and Arizona,” he said. “About 480,000 acres in California are out of production due to the severe drought, and with those states struggling to produce, Alabama is in a prime position to step up and fill the gaps. We have an abundant water supply, very fertile soils and people who work hard in agriculture.” In addition to creating opportunities for themselves, cooperative members have become economic

drivers in their communities. Chilton County farmer Warren Ford started with 10 acres of peas last year and expanded to 71 acres this year. “You’ll be surprised at how many people are calling for work,” he said. “Next year, if I can, I want to expand to 150 acres of peas.” Audrey Zeigler, resource farm management specialist for Tuskegee

University, said the contract with Walmart allows farmers to concentrate on what they do best: feeding an ever-growing population. “The main thing we want to do is give farmers a market for their products,” she said. “With this project they can focus more on their crops instead of trying to market the product.” n

Phillip Thompson Jackson County Federation President Phillip Thompson can trace his roots thousands of years to the mountains of Jackson County and to his love of the outdoors. “My family and I are Cherokee Indians,” he said. “Being outdoors with nature is in my blood.” Thompson farms about 500 acres where he raises corn, soybeans, cattle, timber and hay. He and his wife of 29 years, Kathy, met on a blind date. They attend Agape Baptist Church in Scottsboro. They have two children, Jacob and Haley, and two grandchildren, Caroline and Juda. “After my family, my proudest accomplishment was receiving the Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor’s Soil Conservationist of the Year Award in 2006,” said Thompson, who is president of the Jackson County Farmers Federation. Thompson has served as a county board member and previously served as vice president and treasurer for the Jackson County Federation.

OCTOBER 2014

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Lambrechts Named Alabama NRCS Small Farmers Of The Year

lmore County farmers Joe and Patty Lambrecht were recently named the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2015 Small Farmers of the Year. The couple received a plaque and engraved clock from Acting NRCS State Conservationist Ben Malone at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives 47th Annual Meeting in Epes, From left, Acting Alabama NRCS State Conservationist Ben Malone, Alabama NRCS Small Farmers of the Year Joe and Sept. 2. Patty Lambrecht, Acting District Conservationist of Elmore County Codie Yelverton and NRCS Regional Conservationist “The LamJames Tillman. brechts are good stewards of the land, and we are pleased to honor them with this award,” Malone said. Joe and Patty opened Oakview Farms in 1998 as a part-time stone burr gristmill. In 2004, they began working full-time at the farm near Wetumpka. Their stone-ground cornmeal and grits are top-sellers, but their hydroponic lettuce, persimmons, strawberries, blueberries and seasonal vegetables also are popular. “We are thankful to have land to nurture and preserve,” Joe said. “We appreciate the Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS staff in Elmore County. They are always helpful and willing to assist with our farming needs.” The Labmbrechts also have honeybees, pastured goats and chickens for fresh eggs. They sell products at their farm’s general store, farmers markets and local businesses. Oakview Farms’ grits and produce can be found on menus at a number of high-end restaurants in Alabama. “Our restaurant partners desire sustainable and locally grown foods, and the demand continues to increase,” Patty said. The Lambrechts were among four finalists in the 2013 Alabama Farm of Distinction contest, and Joe serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Bee & Honey Committee. They are active in their community, sponsoring activities for 4-H clubs, initiating fundraisers, mentoring other producers and hosting more than 175 groups for farm tours annually. To learn more about the Lambrechts, visit OakviewFarms.com. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2014

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Educating One Kernel At A Time A.J. Watson

mid corn mazes, pumpkin patches and petting farms, fall agritourism visitors are introduced to Alabama’s largest and most important industry—agriculture. Bullock County farmer Cathy Ellis and her husband, Tom, fulfilled their dreams by opening Dream Field Farm owners Tom and Cathy Ellis. Dream Field Farms in 2007 on Alabama Highway 82 near the Montgomery County-Bullock County line. “Our first farm tour was 22 years ago to Kentucky, and we fell in love with the idea of agritourism,” Cathy said. “The concept was in the back of our minds for all those years, but we didn’t have a location. In 2005, we bought the 100 acres this farm sits on.” Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham said combining tourism and agriculture helps farmers educate the public, share their love of farming Corn kernels provide tons of fun for children and boost farm income. Sometimes the rewards are simple. Seeing at Dream Field Farms. a child’s face light up with excitement makes laboring in the hot summer worthwhile, Cathy said. “We have a passion for children,” she said. “Children now feel their food comes from Walmart or Winn Dixie. They don’t have a clue that farms actually grow food, and it comes from the soil. That’s something most of them would never get an opportunity to do in their day-today lives.” Cathy said each year their farm focuses on a different part of the food chain. Last year, they concentrated on vegetables that grew underneath and on top of the ground—carrots, potatoes and From left, Emma and Anna cucumbers. This year, visitors will get a chance Baker help Caleb Otey with his to make butter. great pumpkin. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2014

For a list of fall agritourism sites in Alabama, see the online version of this story at AlfaFarmers.org.

LeAnna Brothers, a teacher at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School in Montgomery, said her school takes 120 kids to Dream Field, and it reinforces classroom education. “One of the things we do at Forest Avenue is Ag in the Classroom,” Brothers said. “The commodity we focus on is pumpkins, so we spend a lot of time on pumpkin growth. When you can take them out into a field and actually show them how pumpkins are grown, it’s something they’ll never forget.” Cathy said Dream Field works all summer to open in October, but the tourist season spills into November with extra tours and rescheduled visits. The farm is divided into six sections—hayrides, hay mountains, inflatables, animals, cow train ride and learning center. Groups of 60 tourists visit each section for 30 minutes to control crowding. While agritourism isn’t a huge income for the farm, there’s more to it than money, Cathy said. “There’s lots of obstacles with a business like this, but it’s worth it in the long run,” she said. “At the end of the day, when a kid comes up to you and says ‘this is the best day of my life,’ I go home with a smile and know it’s all worth it.” The Alabama Farmers Federation worked for passage of legislation that protects the Ellises and other farmers interested in agritourism by limiting the lability they could incur. “Agritourism is an untapped resource many landowners could benefit from,” Higginbotham said. “The majority of the public has never been to a farm, and many are willing to pay to share that experience. Agritourism provides a glimpse of the passion and care farmers have for their animals and land. The agritourism law helped open the door for landowners to consider this as an option for their farm.” n OCTOBER 2014

Visitors to Dream Field Farms enjoy close encounters with farm animals and small-scale farm equipment.

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Dairy, Cotton Programs Details Announced For New Farm Bill By Mary Johnson

changes taking place with the new fiscal year, it’s important farmers apply at their local FSA offices he U.S. Department of Agrieven before the Oct. 7 deadline,” culture (USDA) recently said Alabama Farmers Federation announced details and deadCotton Division Director Carla lines for the Dairy Margin ProtecHornady. tion Program and the Cotton TranCongressionally mandated sition Assistance Program (CTAP). reductions on CTAP payments take Both were established by the 2014 effect Oct. 1 for producers who farm bill. Save These Important Farm Bill Dates have not applied by Applications Sept. 30. are due Nov. 28 These reductions for the voluntary will also affect the dairy program, Livestock Forage which provides New Federal Fiscal Year CTAP Applications Due Dairy Margin Protection Disaster Program, financial assisProgram Applications Due Livestock Indemnity Sequestration rates take effect. tance to farmProgram, Tree Assisers when martance Program and the Noninsured STAX, overseen by the USDA’s gins fall below the coverage level Risk Management Agency, is a new Disaster Assistance Program Frost selected by the farmer. It replaces Freeze payments. insurance product for cotton growthe Milk Income Loss Contract Visit AlabamaFarmBill.com for ers and will be available in all counProgram. the latest news on the 2014 farm ties where insurance coverage for Participating farmers must bill. n upland cotton is currently offered. remain in the program through “Because of federal government 2018 and pay an annual minimum

$100 administrative fee. Applications for CTAP will be accepted at Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices through Oct. 7. CTAP is an interim payment option to assist cotton farmers until the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) for upland cotton is implemented in 2015.

Oct. 1 Oct. 7 Nov. 28

Rick Smith

St. Clair County Federation President Neely Henry Lake and the southern Appalachian Mountains are the picturesque backdrop of Rick Smith’s 1,000-acre farm in St. Clair County. Farmed by his wife’s relatives since the 1820s, Smith now raises cattle, registered quarter horses, hay and timber on that land. “Every day is a good day on the farm,” Smith said. “I’m proud of working with God’s creation.” Love called the Tennessee native to the hills of northeast Alabama. He and wife Beth, a kindergarten teacher, married in 1997. They have three children, Erin, 17, Jerry, 16, and Richard, 15. Smith volunteers with the Ashville High School FFA Chapter and got his American Degree, the organization’s highest honor, when he was a student. He is president of the St. Clair County Farmers Federation and values what the county and statewide organizations do for farmers. “The Alabama Farmers Federation is important because one united voice is heard more than individual people,” he said. OCTOBER 2014

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TREASURE Forest Certification Makes The Most Of Forestland By A.J. Watson

eing part of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) allows timber producers to maximize the use of their land and timber. TREASURE stands for timber, recreation, environment, aesthetics, sustainable, usable and resources and is the goal of ATFA, which was established in 1974 as a voluntary program to promote good forest stewardship through multiple-use management. The Alabama Natural Resource Council (ANRC), a conglomerate of state, federal and private organizations representing forestry and assisting landowners, owns the TREASURE Forest certification Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) member and Marengo County President Meador Jones program. ATFA is a member of the stands next to his TREASURE Forest sign. Jones said being an ATFA member is a gateway to higher council and works closely with it timber prices on his land. to help landowners become certified TREASURE Forest owners. Stewardship Coordinator for more for his damaged timber. Last year, the organization the Alabama Forestry Commission “I had just become Forest Stewbecame affiliated with the Alabama Allen Varner said there are 2,072 ardship Council (FSC) certified, so Farmers Federation. Current ATFA certified forests covering 1.92 milI inquired if there was any advanPresident and Tallapoosa County lion acres in Alabama, accounting tage to that timber,” Jones said. Federation board member John Farfor 11 percent of Alabama’s 22.8 “I immediately got three times as row said the organizations formed million acres of timber land. much as the salvage price because the perfect marriage. Starting the certification process my timber was from an FSC certi“I’ve seen and done it all when is easy, depending on the landownfied forest.” it comes to forestry,” he said. er’s time and energy, Varner said. While FSC certification is differ“Dealing with two family-friendly “We meet a landowner who has ent from TREASURE Forest certiorganizations makes business as concerns about their property and fication, Jones said being a member smooth as possible.” wants to know how to manage it,” of the ATFA exposed him to the Alabama Farmers Federation he said. “We provide a 10-year foropportunities available for his land. Forestry Division Director Rick est management plan that acts like “FSC can be attained by getting Oates also is ATFA director. He a road map.” a registered forester who has the said the council meets quarterly Oates said TREASURE Forest credentials to prove the land meets to consider nominations, which membership could open a lot of the requirements to be an FSC forrequire written management plans doors for landowners. est,” he said. “It’s pretty expensive from landowners. “They can create a wildlife reffor a consulting forester to do it, Oates described the red, white uge, a tree farm, improve existing but by virtue of being in TREAand blue acorn-shaped TREASURE timber or a combination of all these SURE Forest, you can have it done Forest sign as more than a piece things through ATFA,” he said. for a minimal cost compared to an of metal. It’s a badge of honor for Marengo County Farmers Feder- outside consultant.” landowners, he said. ation President and ATFA member ATFA is starting to grow its “It’s a demonstration they’re Meador Jones knows first hand the membership, and interested applimanaging their property in a value of being a TREASURE Forest cants can contact Oates or a local responsible way,” he said. “It’s an member. forester through USDA’s Farm award for good stewardship through When a tornado struck part of Service Agency for more informaan enterprising outlook for the his 1,500-acre farm in 2011, his tion or visit ATFA.net for more future of their land.” ATFA affiliation helped him get details. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2014

ALABAMA TREASURE FOREST ASSOCIATION Annual Meeting • October 10-11 • Auburn, Alabama Registration extended for a limited time at ATFA.net Tours, Educational Seminars, Award Presentations ST RE

For more information contact: Rick Oates roates@AlfaFarmers.org

TEA M

EASURE F O TR

T FA

TIMBER, RECREATION, ENVIRONMENT, AESTHETICS, SUSTAINABLE, USABLE, RESOURCES

Farm Bill Questions? Go to: AlabamaFarmBill.com The Farm Bill is complex and can be challenging to understand. AlabamaFarmBill.com provides farmers and producers easy access to important information. YOUR TASK FORCE MEMBERS

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Rick Rush - America’s Sports Artist

40% DISCOUNT FOR ALFA MEMBERS!

“Destiny Defeats Dynasty” | “Absolutely Alabama” | “Coach Nick Saban” We are offering ALFA family members the opportunity to receive a 40% discount off of listed prices until October 31st by calling 205-792-9522 and providing your Alabama Farmers Federation membership number when placing your order. ALFA Discounted Prices are listed below: Serigraph: $870 | Giclee: $570 16”x20” signed and numbered lithograph: $270 19”x25” lithograph: $195 All prices include framing.

Third A.L.F.A. Leaders Class Graduates At Commodity Conference By A.J. Watson

ixteen graduates of the Alabama Farmers Federation leadership program were recognized at the organization’s 42nd Commodity Producers Conference in Huntsville in August. Representing multiple commodities and all areas of the state, the third Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A.) class spent the past two years learning agricultural policy, leadership skills and organizational involvement. “Once you’re identified as a leader, you still have the opportunity to grow,” Federation President Jimmy Parnell said at their graduation. “This group will make a difference in Alabama agriculture.” Graduates agreed public policy and farm tours were important to their education. However, forging new relationships with one another had the greatest impact.

“I believe we’ll be working for years together in the Farmers Federation,” said Cullman County poultry farmer Lee Haynes. “I can call upon my classmates for business or many others reasons, and I believe they’ll be there.” The graduates were nominated by their county presidents and attended eight three-day sessions. The program requires candidates to be Alabama residents between the ages of 25 and 45. Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Himburg said the program required farmers to spend 24 days away from their farm, but it was a worthwhile investment. “It’s a very small portion of time when you look at your entire career in agriculture,” Himburg said. “I think one of the things that’s hard to do as folks who are involved in production agriculture is take time to develop yourself.”

DeKalb County farmer Clint McElmoyl said the program introduced him to new experiences. “We did a high ropes course,” McElmoyl said. “I’m a big guy; I don’t care about jumping out of trees, but I overcame some of that. We were about 30-40 feet in the air, and the young lady teaching the course said, ‘I want you to do something you’ve never done before,’ and I had never jumped out of a tree.” Sumter County farmer Grant Buck said farming is a unique lifestyle that stresses faith and family, and it was reassuring to meet other farmers who share those values. “You see a common bond in the farming community,” Buck said. “All the farms we visited had the same thing in common, and they were the three F’s: family, faith and farming. I’m very passionate, but it’s great to see other farmers who are passionate, too.” n

2014 A.L.F.A. Leaders Class

Hope Cassebaum Baldwin County

Allie Corcoran Barbour County

Shawn Keel Calhoun County

Abby Stewart Clay County

Jay Stewart Clay County

Eric Lovvorn Cleburne County

Lee Haynes Cullman County

Clint McElmoyl DeKalb County

Josh Turner DeKalb County

Justin Barrett Elmore County

Nick Gibbs Etowah County

Colin Wilson Jackson County

Zachary Burns Marshall County OCTOBER 2014

Jeremy Brown Montgomery County

Garrett Henry Montgomery County

Grant Buck Sumter County 23

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Ronnie Milsap Live at the Alabama Farmers Federation 93rd Annual Meeting Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7:30pm For ticket information, contact the MPAC theater box office at 334-481-5100, or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets range in price by seating priority from $55, $45, $35, and $25. Ticket sales are non-refundable.

Presented by:

Alabama Farmers Federation

OCTOBER 2014

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journey is chronicled in Flight of the Butterflies, an IMAX movie about their life cycle and how it took almost 40 years for Dr. Fred Urquhart and his wife, Norah, of the University of Toronto, to find their destination mountain hideaway near Cerro Pelon, Mexico. Butterflies return there each year. For movie locations, visit flightofthebutterflies.com. Monarch can be monitored at monarchwatch.org on the University of Kansas website. There is a mobile app called Journey North that enables users to report sightings of migrating butterflies and other animals. In addition to the sulphurs and monarchs, there are likely other butterflies passing through Alabama as they seek a warmer winter home. Three related ones are red admiral (Vanessa atatlanta), American lady (Vanessa virginiensis) and painted lady (Vanessa cardui). Unlike the sulphurs and monarchs, these are more solitary, so only one or two may be spotted. Another beautiful butterfly known for the large eyespots on its wings is the common buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia), which likes to breed on broadleaf and narrow leaf plantains (often viewed as lawn weeds) and garden snapdragons. All butterflies mentioned above are members of the brush foot butterfly family (Nymphalidea), which is named for the two short, brush-like front legs, so that it appears the butterfly has only 4 legs instead of the typical six that classifies it as an insect. Caterpillars appear to have more than six legs, but the rear legs are temporary “prolegs” that support the long, juvenile caterpillar’s body. Help these butterflies along during their journey by providing their favorite plants for breeding and for drinking nectar. Each butterfly species has preferences for feeding, especially on certain native plants, so it helps to research them. Some common late-blooming garden flowers many butterflies visit include pineapple sage and other salvias, aster, goldenrod, swamp sunflower, Turks cap and marigold for nectar. Keep them in mind while selecting plants for future gardens. n _________________________________

By Lois Chaplin

ost of us are aware birds migrate south for the winter, but did you know some butterflies do, too? Scientists are beginning to uncover migratory secrets of many species worldwide, including several seen in Alabama every fall. What a wonder that creatures weighing only a fraction of an ounce have the fortitude to travel for hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles to Florida, Texas, Mexico, maybe even South America to escape winter. There they start new generations that travel back next spring, some as far north as Canada. The easiest to spot this time of year are bright yellow, cloudless sulphur butterflies (Pheobis sennae) as they head south to Florida to escape freezing weather. Usually seen in the garden in August, their flights through Alabama continue into fall. Once in Florida, they lay eggs on various members of the pea family, such as native and exotic species of Cassia and Senna, where a new generation of adults emerge next spring and move north. The most famous migratory butterflies are monarchs (Danaus plexippus), which travel south at the same time as sulphurs, but usually they ride air currents at heights most humans can’t see. The butterflies rest each night, so some could be attracted to a garden by planting a large mass of nectar flowers. Their epic

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

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Classic Chocolate Pound Cake Wins Statewide Cooking Contest

CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE Becky Martin, Russell County – First-Place Winner ½ pound butter ½ cup shortening 3 cups sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla 5 eggs 3 cups plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cocoa 1 cup milk

Cream butter, shortening and sugar. Add vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time and continue beating. In a separate pan, sift dry ingredients together, alternating with milk, then add to sugar mixture. Cook in tube or bundt pan at 300 F for 1 ½ hours. Frost cake while still warm. Icing 1 stick margarine 3 tablespoons cocoa 2 tablespoons milk, or slightly more 1 pound box confectioners’ sugar.

Melt margarine, add other ingredients and stir until desired consistency. Spread over warm cake.

By Debra Davis

classic chocolate pound cake won first place and $150 for Becky Martin of Russell County at the 2014 Heritage Cooking Contest sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee Sept. 4 in Montgomery. Martin was among 33 Alabama cooks who qualified for the state competition by winning their county cooking contest. The annual contest showcases Alabama-grown commodities, including the butter, eggs and milk used in Martin’s winning recipe.

“The first time I ever had this cake it was baked by my friend, Patricia Self of Barbour County,” Martin said. “Once I tasted it, I knew I had to have the recipe, and it’s easy.” Martin, who likes to cook, said her favorite creations are cakes and casseroles. She is vice president of the Russell County Farmers Federation, has competed in the state cooking contest several times and previously won third place. However, winning this year’s contest was a surprise, she said. “I just couldn’t

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believe it,” she said. “I made this recipe a couple of days ago, and it rose about three inches out of the pan and then fell flat. It was a disaster. I’m glad that was a trial run. There are so many delicious cakes here and so many good cooks. This is quite an honor.” The second-place winner was Lynn House of Monroe County, who won $100 for her Caramel Apple Pound Cake. Third place and $50 went to Pauline Morris of Jefferson County, who entered her frosted special Pound Cake Surprise. Pound cakes are a traditional Southern favorite, and this year’s contest showcased a variety of ways the basic recipe can be expanded, said Federation Women’s Division Director Kim Ramsey. “We had chocolate pound cakes, some fruit pound cakes, some with

FarmingFeedsAlabama.com OCTOBER 2014

nuts and a lot made with cream cheese,” she said. “There’s a big variety, and there’s something for everyone.” Renowned food blogger and chef Leah Stacey, a Montgomery native, spoke to contestants while judges sampled the pound cakes. Stacey now lives in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and is the 12-time winner of the online recipe contest hosted by the “Just A Pinch,” blog. The winning recipes and those in the state contest are available at AlfaFarmers.org. n POUND CAKE SURPRISE

Winners in the Heritage Cooking Contest are, from left, Becky Martin of Russell County, first; Lynn House of Monroe County, second; and Pauline Morris of Jefferson County, third.

CARAMEL APPLE POUND CAKE

Lynn House, Monroe County – Second-Place Winner 3 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar, divided (packed) 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup granulated sugar 1 ½ cup butter, melted 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon apple pie spice 1 teaspoon salt of the apple mixture, and *Requires 12 cup Bundt pan continue layers, ending

Preheat oven to 325 F. In a small bowl, chop peeled apples. Then add ¼ cup brown sugar and cinnamon, set aside. Spray fluted pan with flour-based cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix sugar, 1 cup brown sugar and butter until combined. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, apple pie spice and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture. Spoon a third of the batter into the pan, layer with ½

with batter. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan, cool completely. Top with cream cheese icing (recipe below). Garnish with caramel and walnuts. Icing 1 8-ounce pack cream cheese 2 cups confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup caramel topping

Mix cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Gradually add caramel topping.

Pauline Morris, Jefferson County Third-Place Winner 3 cups sugar 1 cup butter ½ cup shortening 6 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sweet milk

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour tube pan. Cream sugar, butter and shortening. Add eggs, beating after each addition. In separate bowl, sift flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients alternately with vanilla and milk. Beat well. Bake for 1 ½ hours. Filling: 1 8-ounce pack cream cheese 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1/3 cup lemon juice (concentrate) 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 cup chopped, fresh strawberries 1 12-ounce container whipped topping, divided

Invert cooled cake onto serving plate. With sharp knife, carefully remove 1 inch layer from top of cake. Set aside. Make cavity in cake – reserving pieces – leaving 1 inch on the bottom, sides and center. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, gradually adding condensed milk, lemon juice and almond extract. Fold in reserved cake pieces, strawberries and 1 cup whipped topping. Fill cake cavity with strawberry mixture and replace top of cake. Chill 3 hours. Frost with remaining whipped topping. Garnish with fresh strawberries.

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 2014

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4 Out of 4 Monsters Agree Peanuts are the perfect treat