VOLUME 41,
NUMBER 10
A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation
October 2016
_____________________________________
Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Rickey Cornutt, Boaz Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Regina Carnes, Boaz Lance Miller, Snead
5
In This Issue 9
Federation Scholarships
14 Farmers Help Flood Victims 16 Green Industry Comeback 20 Fall Farm Attractions
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.
23 Inmates Get Fresh Start
20
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: , 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org
32 Sharing Sweet Bread Recipes
On The Cover
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation. www.AlfaFarmers.org
Farm Of Distinction
12 Heritage Cooking Contest
14
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.
5
Alabama’s Farm of Distinction winner Wendell Gibbs of Cleburne County will compete in the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 18.
32
Photo by Jeff Helms
John Smith mber: 071910 Membership Nu rs Federation Alabama Farme /16 Void After: 12/21
MEMBER IDENT
COUNTY PRES
A member of American Farm Bureau Federation October 2016
PRESIDENT
ALABAMA
E D E R AT I O FA R M E R S F
3
N
Show Your Card and Save! Hundreds of new LOCAL member benefits are now available. Visit AlfaFarmers.org to see how your membership card saves you on services, restaurants and more!
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Call Alfa
®
for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Medicare Plans Contact Your Local Alfa Agent or Call 1-800-392-5705 Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7
Blue Advantage (PPO) provides both medical and prescription drug benefits, making it a smart choice for those who want comprehensive coverage in one simple, affordable plan.
BlueRx (PDP) is a great choice as a stand-alone prescription drug plan. It provides the prescription drug coverage you need, giving you value, peace of mind and security.
Alfa Insurance®
Find a local agent: 1-800-964-2532 • AlfaInsurance.com
Blue Advantage (PPO) is a Medicare-approved PPO plan. Enrollment in Blue Advantage depends on CMS contract renewal. BlueRx (PDP) is a Medicare-approved Part D plan. Enrollment in BlueRx depends on CMS contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an issuer or insurance producer or another acting on behalf of the issuer or producer. Alfa Services, Inc. is an independent authorized producer/agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Y0106_AlfaAd1_15 Accepted
Gibbs Competes For Southeastern Farmer Of The Year Wendell and Nan Gibbs stand outside the entrance to their ranch in Cleburne County where they raise SimAngus beef cattle.
By Jeff Helms
A
t Gibbs Farms in Cleburne County, everything is done with one goal in mind — producing the best SimAngus breeding stock in the beef cattle industry. “For us to be successful, we have to make our customers successful,” said Wendell Gibbs, who is the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year for Alabama. He was named Alabama’s Farm of Distinction winner in April, automatically making him the state’s representative in the southeastern contest. A farmer for 55 years, Gibbs started with 40 acres of land. Today, his 1,750-acre ranch stretches from Ranburne, Alabama, into Georgia, and the family owns a custom grazing operation in Mississippi. Each year, on the second Saturday of November, Gibbs Farms sells about 350 SimAngus bulls and heifers at an annual production sale, and another 50 bulls are sold private treaty. Additionally, Gibbs furnishes semen and stud services
from 32 herd sires and retains ownership on about 100 steers sent to Kansas feedlots. “We have never felt the need to do everything," Gibbs said. "But whatever we do, we want to be really good at it, if possible - the best.” As Alabama’s Farm of Distinction winner, Gibbs received a John Deere Gator from TriGreen, Snead Ag and SunSouth dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama
Farmers Cooperative; and an engraved farm sign from Alfa Insurance. He will also receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Expo from Swisher International of Jacksonville, Florida, a $500 gift certificate from the Southern States Cooperative and a Columbia vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply. Gibbs is now eligible for the $15,000 cash and other prizes that will go to the overall winner at Sunbelt. As a pioneer of the SimAngus breed, Gibbs continues to invest in raising superior beef cattle. The family developed customized feed rations based on scientific testing; designed integrated pastures and working facilities for their heifer and bull development programs; built a state-of-the-art sale barn; and follows strict herd health and breeding programs, which include DNA testing. The Gibbses safeguard the environment by utilizing pads, gravel and geotech fabric in high-use areas; fencing out streams and ponds; and minimizing herbicide use by maintaining healthy forage stands. Wendell and wife Nan farm with their son, Doug, and grandson, Bradley. Their daughter, daughterin-law and other grandchildren also are involved part-time on the farm. Wendell Gibbs is past president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Beef Cattle Improvement Association. The overall winner will be announced Oct. 18 at the Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Ga. For more about the expo, visit SunbeltExpo.com. n Judges for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year visit the Gibbs Farm earlier this year.
October 2016
5
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Scheduled For Nov. 17-18
T
in Alabama,” said Higginbotham, the Federation’s Horticulture Division director. “Through this conference, we’re creating a community for farmers to share groundbreaking ideas that will change Alabama agriculture for the better.” Conference topics include conventional and organic growing methods; crop production; pest management; and traditional and alternative crops. “Our goal is to help farmers improve their bottom lines,” Higginbotham said. Attendees can also visit Penton Farms in Verbena to see peach production and marketing, as well as U-pick strawberry and pumpkin patches. The farm tour is offered twice Nov. 17 at a cost of $15. In addition to general sessions, the conference will have a trade show. Booths are available for $300 each. For more details or to register visit AFVGA.org n
he Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association’s annual fall conference is slated for Nov. 17-18 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center in Clanton. The conference will focus on farm visits, hands-on training and the ever-changing fruit and vegetable industry. Conference registration has been reduced to $85 this year and includes a one-year membership to the AFVGA. Federation members can save an additional $30 by registering with their Federation membership number. All other registration is $85. Register online at AFVGA. org. Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 17, with the opening session starting at 8:30 a.m. The Federation’s Mac Higginbotham said this conference is a prime networking opportunity for Alabama’s specialty crop farmers. “Fruit and vegetable production is rapidly growing
2ND ANNUAL
SOUTHEAST POWERLINE SIMANGUS BULL SALE November 18, 2016 • Prattville, AL • 12 pm
NOVEMBER 17
NOVEMBER 18
Cattlemen’s Social and Bull Viewing • 4pm-9pm
Lunch Provided at 11am • Sale 12 pm
“Powerline’s competitive advantage is that we always begin with the end in mind and have a DISCIPLINED mating concept. We apply our standards without exception to every single bull that we evaluate and market.’’ • Catalog Available November 1, upon request • Bulls can be housed at Cleveland Land and Can’t make the sale? Let DVAuction bring the sale to you! Cattle until December 31st at no charge Busy during the sale? Let DVAuction represent your bid! Visit DVAAuction.com and Register today. • Cleveland Land and Cattle will be offering For General questions please contact our office 20 Bred Black & BWF Heifers (402) 316-5460 or Support@DVAuction.com • Calving dates are January 1st - March 15th
Offering 60 18-Month-Old Bulls & 10 Yearling Bulls Reference Sires Include:
EXAR UPSHOT 0562B 29AN1807
Sale Day Contacts
Richard Pittman
Marketing Representative
(334) 850-0946
Dan Dorn
Jeremy Cox
Powerline Business Manager
Marketing Representative
(308) 830-8008
(731) 227-9275
dan.dorn@genusplc.com
Cleveland Land and Cattle
398 Cty Rd 27 • Prattville, AL 36067 www.powerlinegenetics.com w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
TSN PROTEGE Z896 29SMO458 6
October 2016
Relationships That Pay Dividends.
“From the time I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a farmer. Doing business with a company that understands farming is important to me. ” — Rickey Cornutt, Marshall County 2015 Alabama Farmer of the Year
FINANCING LAND & FARMS
Land Purchasing and Refinancing Serving north Alabama
AlabamaFarmCredit.com 877-681-6087
New and Used Equipment Purchases Livestock Financing Varying Terms and Rates
Serving south Alabama
AlabamaAgCredit.com 800-579-5471
Call Alabama Farm Credit or Alabama Ag Credit to learn how low rates and relationship lending helps farmers harvest savings that pay dividends.
4
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
darrell Lee
Winston County Farmers Federation President Darrell Lee said he farms because it allows him invaluable time with family, including his four grandchildren. Lee, 57, and his wife Linda live in Addison, where they raised broiler chickens for over 30 years. Today, Lee raises commerical beef cattle with sons Jake and Justin.
1 2 3 4
What do you like about agriculture?
You have the freedom to do what you want and can spend your days doing diverse activities around the farm. Every day on the farm is a good day!
What’s one accomplishment you’re proud of? Raising my family on our farm and teaching them about hard work and dedication.
what’s something people don’t know about you? I was inducted in the Winston County Sports Hall of Fame for leadership and athletic ability. In high school, I played football, basketball, track and baseball.
ROll tide or war eagle?
War Eagle. If I lived any place other than the farm now, it’d be Auburn. You have the feel of country life there, but you also have the benefits of the city.
What’s On Your Plate?
Support healthy food from local farmers by purchasing a Farming Feeds Alabama license plate. The tag funds education and promotion efforts including Ag in the Classroom, Farm-City Week, agricultural scholarships and youth programs. Get the “Ag Tag” today at your local license plate issuing office.
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
8
October 2016
County Federations Award Almost $150,000 In Scholarships By Marlee Moore
T
he Alabama Farmers Federation and local county Federations are investing in the future of Alabama agriculture by awarding almost $150,000 in scholarships to 85 Auburn University (AU) students pursuing degrees in agriculture or forestry. Students from 60 counties were recognized during the 2016 Scholarship Recipients Luncheon Aug. 27 at the Ham Wilson Arena in Auburn. Randolph County’s Luke Knight received his fourth consecutive Federation scholarship that day. He encouraged his peers to seek opportunities for Federation involvement. “This scholarship provides students way more than money. This is your golden ticket to every agriculturalist in the state,” said From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, poultry science senior and Blount the senior studying agricultural communica- County recipient Karri Fievet, agricultural communications senior and Randolph County tions. “The opportunity to have this scholar- recipient Luke Knight and Lee County Farmers Federation President Mahlon Richburg. ship helps relieve the financial burden of my educational aspirations and opens up opportunities to in poultry science at the best agriculture school in the network with people in the entire agricultural indusstate,” said Fievet, who will graduate in December. try.” “This scholarship is a blessing I hope to repay through Knight knows the effect Federation involvement my work in the agriculture industry.” can have. He was a finalist in the 2015 State Young Fievet said she didn’t realize agriculture’s worldFarmers Discussion Meet. wide impact until she transferred to AU in the fall of Marshall County Farmers Federation President 2014. Rickey Cornutt thanked the Federation on behalf of County Name Major recipients’ parents. Cornutt’s daughter, Cara, was recognized at the luncheon. Autauga Will Howard Wendland Agronomy & Soils (Production) “As a parent, I know this scholarship is going to Baldwin Grayson Bertolla Pre-Biosystems Engineering help with tuition and books, but besides that, it’s going Baldwin Mallory Burch Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) to help a child’s goals and dreams be met,” Cornutt said. “I’m glad to be part of an organization that cares Baldwin Kelsey Cassebaum Agricultural Business & Economics about young people and invests money in their educaBaldwin Savannah Laurendine Poultry Science (Pre-Vet) tion.” Biosystems Engineering (Ecological Alabama State Board of Education member Dr. Baldwin Annelise Salzmann Option) Cynthia McCarty attended the scholarship program. She congratulated students on choosing a career path Barbour Andrew (Drew) Spivey Environmental Science rooted in agriculture. Blount Karri Fievet Poultry Science (Production) “Agriculture is such a hugely lucrative and interBullock Karli Hawkins Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) esting field,” said McCarty, a Jacksonville State University professor. “The most common mistake I see Butler Jacob (Jake) Gillem Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures in college students is if they have one bad day — proPre-Business/Ag Business & Calhoun John (JT) Gillam fessor or test — they want to stop what they’re doing. Economics Please don’t. You are so valuable, and we need you in Chambers Zachary Slay Forestry agricultural careers.” Cherokee Darbie Rosser Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Blount County scholarship recipient Karri Fievet said the opportunities she gained through the FederaChilton Joseph Austin Dennis Agricultural Business & Economics tion were life changing. Chilton Cory Powell Agricultural Business & Economics “The Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship is a Choctaw Hayley Anderson Pre-Biosystems Engineering key reason I have been able to continue my education
October 2016
9
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
“Agriculture has sustained me as a person, and the Federation has graciously allowed me to continue as a student,” she said. “Through these scholarships, the Federation has given so many young people a real chance at the brightest future possible.” The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF), with support from the Federation and Alfa Insurance, provided $1,250 in matching funds for each county Federation that contributed $500.
Sixty county-match scholarships were recognized at the luncheon, in addition to 24 students who received county Federation scholarships from Baldwin, Chilton, Dale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee, Madison and Monroe counties. One student received a solely AFAFfunded scholarship. For scholarship recipient photos, check the Federation’s Flickr or Facebook pages. n
County
Name
Major
County
Name
Major
Clay
James Milstead
Forestry
Lee
Mary Dixon
Agricultural Communications
Cleburne
Spencer Gibbs
Poultry Science (Pre-Vet)
Lee
James Dowdell
Agricultural Business & Economics
Coffee
Ryan Wood
Agriscience Education
Lee
Ryan Ferrell
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Colbert
Ellie (Mary) Isbell
Agricultural Communications
Lee
Jack Slay
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Conecuh
Kelly Goneke
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Limestone
Chapman Bodiford
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Coosa
Molly Joiner
Poultry Science (Pre-Vet)
Lowndes
Laura Jean McCurdy
Agricultural Communications
Covington
Brandon Buckelew
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Crenshaw
Alaina Bagents
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Macon
Mallory McDaniel
Agronomy & Soils (Soil, Water & Land Use)
Cullman
Seth Donaldson
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Madison
Walker (Dennis) Bragg
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Dale
Tucker (Christopher) Thompson
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Madison
Jake Patterson
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Madison
Caroline Webster
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Dale
Shelby Windham
Agriscience Education
Madison
Connor Webster
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Dallas
Matthew Ivey
Agricultural Business & Economics
Marion
Auston Holland
Horticulture
DeKalb
Hannah Wootten
Horticulture
Marshall
Cara Cornutt
Agricultural Business & Economics
Elmore
Chase Roberts
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Mobile
Jaida West
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Escambia
Madeline Frazier
Poultry Science (Pre-Vet)
Monroe
Christopher Bell
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Etowah
Kennedy Vice
Agricultural Business & Economics
Monroe
James Bishop
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Fayette
Alexandra Tramutolo
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Monroe
Jake Tucker
Agricultural Business & Economics
Franklin
Justin Knight
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Montgomery
Caleb Hicks
Agricultural Communications
Geneva
Savannah Frederick
Agricultural Communications
Morgan
Lilly Oaks
Horticulture
Hale
Merri Day
Agricultural Business & Economics
Perry
Matthew Brady
Agricultural Business & Economics
Henry
Caleb Nall
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Pike
Morgan Graham
Agricultural Communications
Henry
Elizabeth Peterson
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Randolph
John Adcock
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Houston
Tessa Dimick
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Randolph
Luke Knight
Agricultural Communications
Houston
Josh (Joshua) Starling
Biosystems Engineering
Russell
Ronald Beck
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Jackson
Hannah Whitecotton
Animal Sciences (Muscle Foods)
St. Clair
Jordan Heath
Forestry
Jefferson
Christian Baker
Horticulture
Shelby
Charles Waid
Biosystems Engineering
Jefferson
Rachel Kuntz
Environmental Science
Sumter
Brittany Harry
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Jefferson
Doston (James) Nichols
Poultry Science (Pre-Vet)
Talladega
Leia Brown
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Jefferson
Janet Roberts
Natural Resources Management
Tallapoosa
Rebecca Oliver
Agricultural Communications
Jefferson
Caleb Tanner
Forestry
Tuscaloosa
Robert Hemphill
Agricultural Business & Economics
Jefferson
William Tynes
Agricultural Business & Economics
Walker
William Cook
Forestry
Lauderdale
Alexandra Gardner
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Washington
Emily Williams
Pre-Forestry
Lawrence
Trevor (Derrell) Lee
Poultry Science (Production)
Winston
Chandler Adamson
Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)
Lee
Lucinda Daughtry
Agriscience Education
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
10
October 2016
85 ANGUS AND HEREFORD BULLS SELL ANGUS BULLS ARE i50K & FREE OF GENETIC DEFECTS & HEREFORDS WILL HAVE GE-EPD'S
OCTOBER 21ST AT 12:00 NOON AT THE RANCH IN HANCEVILLE, AL He sells Oct. 21st!
DSB 2012 504 FOCUS 5121
AAA#: 18106195 |BD: 01/13/2015|Tattoo: 5121
Sire: B P F Special Focus 504 Dam: LaGrand Wendy 2012 Top 3% in CED, Top 1% in HP, Top 1% in $W
He sells Oct. 21st!
CED
BW
WW
YW
RADG
SC
DOC
CEM
+14
-.5
+60
+98
+.19
+1.15
+5
+13
CW
MARB
RE
FAT
$W
+34
+.35
+.91
+.031
$F
$G
MILK +26 $B
+76.00 +56.01 +29.68 +112.00
DSB 7474 2044 IMPRESS 5135
AAA#: 18093959 |BD: 02/03/2015|Tattoo: 5135
Sire: LG DMR IMPRESSION 2044 Dam: LAGRAND PRIMROSE LADY 7474 Top 3% in $W
He sells Oct. 21st!
CED
BW
WW
YW
RADG
SC
DOC
CEM
MILK
+11
-.1
+55
+94
+.20
+.62
-.5
+12
+24
CW
MARB
RE
FAT
+34
+.79
+.51
+.032
$W
$F
$G
$B
+67.19 +53.16 +39.57 +122.52
DSB 120W PROVEN 418B ET
REG#: 43561828 |BD: 12/02/2014|Tattoo: 418B
Sire: NJW 98S R117 RIBEYE 88X ET Dam: DH DOMINETTE 8106 CE
BW
WW
YW
MILK
M&G
SC
+4.1
+2.4
+63
+100
+27
+58
+1.1
CARC
FAT
RIB
MARB BMI$
CEZ$
BLL$
CHB$
+0.29
+$18
+$20
+$40
+80
-0.017 +1.08
+$25
drummondsparksbeef.com Ron Dugger | 903.816.3706 | dsbmgr@aol.com 3470 County Road 8 | Hanceville, AL 35077
cattleinmotion.com
Matt Sims | 405.641.6081
Top Cooks Bring Best Sweet Breads To Heritage Cooking Contest By Debra Davis
T
op cooks from around the state brought their best sweet breads to Montgomery Sept. 1 for the 41st Heritage Cooking Contest. Cherokee County’s Shirley Lumsden won first place and $150 for her Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread in the competition sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division. Montgomery County’s Amy Belcher won second place and $100 for Cranberry Pecan Bread, and Russell County’s Bonnie Martin won third place and $50 for Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Lemon Topping. “I couldn’t believe it when they called out my name as the winner,” said Lumsden, who admits she’s best known around home for her Red Velvet Cake. “This was a recipe I got online, but I tweaked it a little to make it my own by adding toasted pecans as a topping and using fresh strawberries as garnish. I tried a couple of other recipes before I settled on this one.” More than 30 county winners advanced to the state finals at the Federation home office in Montgomery. “There are some great cooks here, and it’s still
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Above, from left: Winners in the 41st Alabama Farmers Federation Heritage Cooking Contest are first place, Cherokee County's Shirley Lumsden; second place, Montgomery County's Amy Belcher; and third place, Russell County's Bonnie Martin. Left: Cookbook author and food blogger Stacey Little of Prattville entertained contestants, Women's Leadership Committee members and guests and shared Southern recipes and cooking tips.
hard for me to believe I won,” said Lumsden, who, along with husband Billy, raises beef cattle in Sand Rock. Billy is a Cherokee County Farmers Federation director. Federation Women’s Leadership Director Kim Ramsey said the Heritage Cooking Contest celebrates the art of cooking and fellowship. “Everyone loves good food and friends, and this contest lets us celebrate 12
both,” Ramsey said. “Our organization has some of the best cooks anywhere, so winning a contest like this is truly an honor. Our judges had a hard time choosing a winner.” While judges were busy sampling each entry and scoring it on taste, interest, appearance and ease of preparation, contestants and attendees were entertained by cookbook author and food blogger Stacey Little of Prattville. His website, SouthernBite.com, features delicious Southern recipes and cooking tips. n October 2016
44TH ANNUAL
PRODUCTION BULL SALE
Saturday •
OCTOBER 22, 2016 • 12:00 Noon At the farm, Horton, Alabama
4134 County Hwy 30 Horton, Al. 35980 Glynn Debter (205) 429-2040 Perry Debter (205) 429-4415 James Debter/John Ross Debter debterfarm@otelco.net
Alabama Peanut Producers Deliver Aid To Louisiana Flood Victims By Mary Johnson
I
t may be a rough year for commodity prices, but the value of peanut butter has rarely been higher than when the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) helped deliver pallets of the food to flood victims in Louisiana last month. The donation of over 60,000 jars of peanut butter from Peanut Proud Inc. was coordinated by APPA through various disaster relief, nonprofit agencies, including Operation Compassion. “It wasn’t just peanut butter; they delivered gold,” said David Lorency, Operation Compassion president. “Peanut butter was the No. 1 request from those affected by the flood.” APPA Vice President Mark Kaiser and board member Joel Sirmon were joined by August Cassebaum and Ray Bertolla, all Baldwin County farmers, to deliver the donations. “We just felt fortunate we were able to help, and everyone was
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
so thankful and happy to see us,” Kaiser said. “We drove through neighborhoods where both sides of the street were piled with debris as far as you could see. It was devastating, but the people affected were so optimistic.” The historic August flooding in south Louisiana killed 13 people. Early reports estimated 60,000 homes damaged across 20 parishes.
Alabama Peanut Producers Association members from Baldwin County delivered peanut butter to Louisiana. From left are APPA Vice President Mark Kaiser, Ray Bertolla, August Cassebaum and APPA board member Joel Sirmon with flood victims.
Louisiana State University’s Ag Center estimated agricultural losses to be at least $110 million, with soybeans the most affected. The state is expected to lose almost half its crop. Reduced pasture and forage losses are estimated at $2 million. To help Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation (LFBF) members and businesses affected by the flood, the Alfa Foundation recently approved a $5,000 donation. For more photos of the peanut butter donation, visit the APPA's Facebook page. To find other ways to help Louisiana farmers, contact LFBF at (225) 922-6200. n Cases of peanut butter donated by Peanut Proud were delivered by members of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) to Maranatha Fellowship Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for distribution to flood victims. APPA members also delivered coloring books and crayons for children.
14
October 2016
Grind Away ANY Size Stump FAST! LOWEST
All New DR® CHIPPERS
Larger Capacity, Lower Prices!
PRICE EVER!
LOWEST PRICES EVER!
Starting at just
The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbide-tipped cutting teeth (taking 360 “bites” per second) to reduce any stump to a pile of woodchips. Grinds stumps below ground level so they are gone forever!
POWERFUL ENGINES spin big flywheels (up to 62 lbs.), generating massive chipping force! MODELS THAT SHRED yard and garden waste as well as CHIP branches.
NEW and IMPROVED
LOWEST PRICE EVER
DR® Field and Brush Mowers
on DR® Leaf and Lawn Vacuums!
Faster…Easier... Lower-Priced! Mow fields, brush, even saplings with neverbefore ease!
RATED
#1
in VACUUM POWER
The ALL NEW DR® Leaf Vacuum is designed from the top down to make yard cleanup easier, faster, and more thorough than ever before. And for a limited time we are offering them at incredible low introductory prices!
NEW WIDE CUT MODELS for faster mowing! NEW POWER STEERING for easier handling! Unload with just one hand!
NEW LOW PRICES reduced up to $500!
Plus— TowBehind Models
Easy, 1-Hand Dumping Doubles as a utility trailer!
Converts to a Rugged Utility Trailer
1 YEAR EASY FREE SHIPPING TRIAL FINANCING SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY. CALL OR GO ONLINE FOR DETAILS.
DRleafvac.com
93613X © 2016
Rated #1 in Vacuum Power Stores Flat in Minutes
DRchipper.com
93612X © 2016
SELF-FEEDING models available. No more force-feeding!
Starting at just
1,39999
$
DRfieldbrush.com
Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! Includes product specifications and factory-direct offers.
TOLL FREE
877-201-7798
93614X © 2016
DRstumpgrinder.com
PTO MODELS TOO!
CHIP BIG BRANCHES up to 5.75" thick!
93615X © 2016
• Quickly eliminate any stump without digging, burning, or chemicals. • New, more powerful and lower-priced models. • Now towable with your riding mower or ATV.
79999
$
Bob Moore of Moore and Davis Nursery LLC in Shorter said his business improved with the upturn in the housing market.
Green Industry Rebounds With Housing Market By Rebecca Oliver
R
ecent recovery in America’s housing market has led to a revival in horticulture operations. Floriculture, nursery and specialty crops boasted an 18-percent increase in sales since the housing market crash of 2009, according to a National Agricultural Statistics Service report. Bob Moore of Moore and Davis Nursery LLC in Shorter said the housing crash dropped demand for plants from real estate developers and home builders. He’s thankful for the uptick with improvements to the housing market, adding he’s seen increased demand for plants by landscapers and independent garden centers. “We lost over one-third of our sales, but we made it through the recession,” Moore said. “Our volume of sales has made a gradual recovery since 2009, but we have yet to recover to our 2006 peak.” Housing foreclosures had a domino effect on horticulture operations, he said. “I contribute some of our recent gains to the lack of people left in this business,” Moore said. “The housing market crash put some indebted, larger operations out of
business when sales dropped.” The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mac Higginbotham said the horticulture industry, like any market, has rewards – and vulnerabilities. “When you’re directly impacted by the housing market, it can be an exciting, yet nerve-wracking, industry,” said Higginbotham, Federation Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Division director. “Today, we’re seeing just the opposite from what we experienced during the 2008-09 seasons.” Bobby Boozer and daughter Taylor Hatchett of Boozer Farms in Thorsby purchased their sod business in 2012 amid a shaky market. However, sales to homeowners
performing minor improvements helped their success. “A lot of times when the economy is down people spend more time at home instead of going on expensive vacations, so they take up small landscape jobs around the house,” Boozer said. Boozer’s farm sells about 20-30 pallets of sod weekly to small landscape operations. He also grows fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, tomatoes and peas. Hatchett said the farm’s diversity was a key to its success. “If we have a bad year with one crop, we have another one that may be doing great to fall back on,” Hatchett said. Higginbotham said he’s optimistic about the future of floriculture, nursery and specialty crops, but cautions that increased demand can affect supply. “Producers who stayed in the sod business are having a difficult time meeting consumer demand today,” Higginbotham said. “Demand is picking up to the point that supply is impacted.” Alabama ranks second nationally for sod production. Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production bring $561.6 million in revenue to the state annually. n
Taylor Hatchett of Boozer Farms in Thorsby said farm diversification, which includes sod plus fruits and vegetables, helped their business weather the economic downturn. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
16
October 2016
A
B LL Bu ig -NE tt ge W on r s
s o N act r nt Co
“My friends all hate their cell phones… I love mine!” FREE Car Charg er Here’s why.
Say good-bye to everything you hate about cell phones. Say hello to the ALL-NEW Jitterbug Flip. “Cell phones have gotten so small, I can barely dial mine.” Not the new Jitterbug® Flip. It features a larger keypad for easier dialing. It even has a larger display so you can actually see it. “I had to get my son to program it.” Your Jitterbug Flip set-up process is simple. We’ll even program it with your favorite numbers. “I tried my sister’s cell phone… I couldn’t hear it.” The Jitterbug Flip is designed with a powerful speaker and is hearing aid compatible. Plus, there’s an adjustable volume control.
Monthly Plan
$14.99/mo
$19.99/mo
Monthly Minutes
200
600
Operator Assistance
24/7
24/7
Long Distance Calls
No add’l charge
No add’l charge
Voice Dial
FREE
FREE
Nationwide Coverage
YES
YES
30 days
30 days
Friendly Return Policy1
More minute plans available. Ask your Jitterbug expert for details.
“I’d like a cell phone to use in an emergency, but I don’t want a high monthly bill.” The Jitterbug Flip has a plan to fit your needs… and your budget.
“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… The Jitterbug Flip is simple. “What if I don’t remember a number?” Friendly, helpful Operators are available 24 hours a day and will even greet you by name when you call.
5Star Enabled
12:45P Mon Oct 03
“Many phones have features that are rarely needed and hard to use!” The Jitterbug Flip contains easy-to-use features that are meaningful to you. A newly designed built-in camera makes it easy and fun for you to capture and share your favorite memories. And a new flashlight with a built-in magnifier helps you see in dimly lit areas, the Jitterbug Flip has all the features you need. 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.
“My cell phone company wants to lock me in a two-year contract!” Not with the Jitterbug Flip. There are no contracts to sign and no penalty if you discontinue your service. Available in Red and Graphite.
Order now and receive a FREE Car Charger for your Jitterbug Flip – a $25 value. Call now!
NEW Jitterbug Flip Cell Phone Call toll-free to get your Jitterbug Flip. Please mention promotional code 104619.
1-877-600-0808
www.jitterbugdirect.com 47665
We proudly accept the following credit cards:
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. Plans and Services require purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time setup fee of $35. Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Coverage is not available everywhere. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone and the activation fee (or setup 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. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s U.S.-based customer service. However, for calls to a GreatCall Operator in which a service is completed, you will be charged 99 cents per call, and minutes will be deducted from your monthly rate plan balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
4
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
tommy odom
Mobile County’s Tommy Odom gives his all to agriculture, whether it’s working with his son, Chris, at Double O Nursery, teaching agriscience or serving nine years as State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee chairman. The 65-year-old and Patricia, his wife of 41 years, live in Citronelle. The Odoms’ other son, TJ, is a missionary in Scotland.
1 2 3 4
What drew you to agriculture?
Growing up, I wanted to be a farmer. Instead, I taught agriscience for 27 years at Citronelle High School and operated the nursery, first with my dad and then my son.
what do you enjoy about the federation?
Since I retired, the Federation has helped me stay close to the farming sector through farm tours and meeting other folks interested in agriculture.
what’s something folks don’t know about you? I don’t always enjoy speaking to crowds, but I’ve done it all my life as a teacher and chairman. What I really don’t like is working off a script.
what’s the biggest challenge facing ag?
Getting good help. When I taught agriscience, I had an unlimited supply of labor. These days, it’s hard to find folks who want to work.
Live
at the Alabama Farmers Federation 95th Annual Meeting Sunday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 6:30 p.m. Doors Open
SARA EVANS
At Christmas
Tickets On Sale Now! Ticket Prices: $65, $55, $45, $35 (plus service charge) Call MPAC Box Office, 334-481-5100, M-F, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or Ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-3000 Brought to you by
®
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
18
October 2016
Wheat & Feed Grains Referendum Is Nov. 15
P
roducers who grew feed grains in 2015 or planted for harvest in 2016 will be eligible to vote in the Nov. 15 Wheat & Feed Grains Referendum. The balloting will determine if the wheat and feed grains checkoff program will continue for five more years at the current rate of 1 cent per bushel on corn, wheat, grain sorghum and oats sold in Alabama. If approved, checkoff funds would be used to finance research, education and promotion activities aimed at further development of the state’s wheat and feed grains industry. Poll locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in every county. For poll locations, visit GrainsOfTruth.net. For more details, contact Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat & Feed Grains Division Director Carla Hornady at (334) 613-4216. n
It’s time to reserve strawberry plugs for October delivery! • 50 plugs per tray • Plugs have an intact root ball • Plugs establish quickly
Best of all Plant plugs in October and harvest sweet strawberries in the Spring!
FREE CATALOG
October 2016
19
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
It’s Prime Pumpkin Pickin’ Time
By Marlee Moore
F
alling leaves, Indian corn, scarecrows, hay bales, wagon rides, mums and gourds galore can only mean two things – autumn has arrived, and it’s pumpkin pickin’ time. Scott and Rachell Penton of
Thinking about agritourism on your farm? Consider this safety checklist: 1. Designate areas that are closed to the public. 2. Train employees to properly operate farm machinery. 3. Secure and restrict areas containing chemicals. 4. Provide hand-washing or hand-sanitizing stations. 5. Have employees assist with parking. 6. Clearly post an agritourism liability sign. NOTE: Being correctly insured is important since a regular farm policy does not cover agritourism activities. Contact your local Alfa agent to help analyze your coverage.
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Verbena are pulling out all the stops for the first Penton Farms Pumpkin Patch, an agritourism offshoot of the family’s Chilton County fruit and vegetable farm. “There aren’t a lot of pumpkin patches in this part of the state,” said Rachell, whose family committed to the agritourism idea last October. “I love fall, and I’ve always liked the idea of having a pumpkin patch.” Penton Farms Pumpkin Patch is a family affair, with the Penton children, Austin, 19, and Courtney, 16, and other family members chipping in their time to paint signs, build wagons, plant nine acres of pumpkins, cut the 2.2 miles of corn maze trails, post updates to social media and more. “We couldn’t have gotten the farm ready for the public without our family,” said Scott, an Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association board member. That’s all in addition to raising 150 head of cattle, manning weekly fruit and vegetable markets and planting 150,000 strawberry plants for next spring’s U-pick season. It’s hard work Rachell said will pay off when the first schoolchildren step off the bus and onto the farm. “Kids come out to the farm, and they’ve never seen a cow in real life,” Rachell said. “They love to 20
Almost 600 schoolchildren per week visit JackO-Lantern Lane to pick their perfect pumpkins from mid-September to October.
look at the land.” The children will see agriculture in action at the live animal barn, kid-friendly corn maze and cotton picking play area. They’ll also select their own pumpkin, play in the corn pit and sand box and participate in duck races. The Pentons said they plan to grow next year’s activities. “We have a lot of ideas, but we can’t do it all in one year,” Scott said. The Pentons said their main concern about branching out into agritourism was obtaining the best liability insurance on the market. “We’ve always had Alfa Insurance,” Scott said. “Alfa’s agritourism liability policy helps us protect our farm while still welcoming people to our property for the pumpkin and strawberry patches.” Alfa Insurance’s Danny Carter encourages farm owners diving into agritourism to call their local agent and look into the company’s agritourism-specific liability coverage. “It’s our goal to promote safe agricultural practices on agritourism operations to benefit farmers and farm visitors,” said Carter, Alfa’s farm and commercial underwriting manager. “This coverage is October 2016
Left: the inaugural Penton Farms Pumpkin Patch is ready to welcome students and the public to the Penton family’s Chilton County farm. From painting signs to building wagons, the whole family chipped in. From left are Austin, Courtney, Scott and Rachell Penton. Below: Tammy and Glenn Morgan have owned and operated Jack-O-Lantern Lane in Chambers County for over 10 years. Located 30 miles from Auburn University, Jack-O-Lantern Lane sees heavy traffic from fall-loving football fans on game-day weekends in October.
outside the scope of your normal farm policy and can be addressed with more specific coverage.” While the Pentons are newcomers to the pumpkin patch scene, Glenn and Tammy Morgan of LaFayette have operated their family pumpkin patch for 11 years. Similar to the Pentons, the Morgans noticed a local need for a pumpkin patch. When the family moved to a Chambers County farm, Jack-O-Lantern Lane was born. “We do this for our community and for families,” Tammy said. “We see families grow and come back year after year, and we recognize them the minute they come through the gate.” Jack-O-Lantern Lane stays busy hosting several thousand children and families each fall, with almost 600 school children visiting the farm per week from mid-September through October. The students’ time learning outside the classroom includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch, old-fashioned corn shelling, petting farm animals, picking their prize pumpkin, a train ride, sliding down Silas the Silo (a converted grain bin) and more. “You forget about any heartache October 2016
and trouble when you see that first kid smile,” said Glenn, who also works off-farm at Morgan Backhoe Service. The Morgans said they want children to revel in their time at Jack-O-Lantern Lane, whether petting turkeys, chickens, rabbits and horses or running around the farm. “We want to let kids be kids,” said Tammy, the executive director of Opelika’s Child Care Resource Center. “It’s also important people see you can still farm and use those resources to pay for the farm.” Families across Alabama are opening the gates to their farms so community members can learn about food and fiber production. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mac Higginbotham said the potential growth for agritourism in the state is tremendous. “More consumers want to get back to the farm – even for a day – and see where their food comes from,” said Higginbotham, the Federation’s Horticulture Division director. “We’re thankful for families like the Morgans and Pentons, who are taking steps to teach people about agriculture and 21
life on the farm.” For both families, pumpkin patch preparation begins months before the public ever picks a pumpkin. Schools book farm visits in May, gourds are planted in June, and farm decorating begins in September. Despite the long hours leading up to pumpkin pickin’ season, the Morgans and Pentons said they’re always ready to share their family’s work and agricultural world with the public. “It’s a lot of hard work,” Rachell said, “but we’re excited to welcome people to our farm.” Penton Farms Pumpkin Patch is open to the public Monday through Saturday during October. For more information, visit pentonfarms. com, or find Penton Farms on Facebook. Jack-O-Lantern Lane is open to the public on weekends Sept. 24 through Oct. 31. For more information, visit jackolanternlane.com, or find Jack-O-Lantern Lane on Facebook. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Jeff Register Building & Truss RegisterFarmBarns.com
40’ x 60’ x 12’ - Installed Roof only, closed gables - $7,642 Roof only, open gables - $6,850 30’ X 40’ X 10’ - Installed Roof only, open gables - $3,950
Locations: Gulfport, MS Canton, MS Highland Home, AL
Prices do not include tax and delivery.
Office (228) 687-0971 Cell (228) 234-9115 JRegister@registermetals.com
Auburn To Host HORSE U Nov. 12 one-day educational program for children and teens
A
passionate about horses is set for Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Auburn University’s (AU) Stanley P. Wilson Beef Teaching Unit. HORSE U – Horse Ownership Resources, Skills and Education for Youths – offers students 9 and older important information related to horse health, care and handling. “It’s designed for all young horse enthusiasts, whether they’re involved in showing, speed events or recreational riding,” said Betsy Wagner, AU equine science professor and HORSE U director. This year’s HORSE U features presentations about trailer safety and buying or leasing a horse; a trivia game testing participants’ basic horse knowledge; and hands-on sessions about horse digestive tract problems, horse judging and trail and exercise physiology. Registration is $20 and closes Oct. 28. Participants must be at least 9 years old by Dec. 31, 2016. For more information or to register, visit ansc.auburn.edu/ horse-u, or contact Wagner at elw0001@auburn.edu or (334) 844-7503.
Sore Back? Achy Joints? Pain Relief is Here! “Steuart’s pain relief cream works great! I use it for the arthritis in my hand and my wife uses it for her neck and back pain. It doesn’t smell. It’s not greasy. And it doesn’t burn. We love it and will be using it for years to come.” – L.N. Smith, Killen, Alabama. $ 34.90 $ Reclaim your life just like Mr. and Mrs. Smith did and get back to doing the things 29.65 you enjoy with help from Steuart’s pain relief cream. 5 oz
Fast Acting
Won’t Stain Clothing
Odor Free
No Hot or Cold Sensation
Try Steuart’s unique blend of safe, natural pain relievers today and get 15% Off plus FREE Shipping* on your first order. Try Steuart’s pain relief cream risk-free today. Everything comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
18.90
$
16.05
$
1.8 oz
Relief Where You Need it Most. Order your pain relief cream today and get 15% Off plus FREE Shipping* on your first order when you include the offer code AL16. Online: SteuartLabs.com | Toll-Free: 1-877-210-9664 Steuart Laboratories, P.O. Box 306, Mabel, MN 55954 w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
22
*Limit 1 special offer per household.
October 2016
ALearning Fresh Start To Work and Serve While Serving Time
By Mary Johnson
W
hen James Kennedy looks out on the long rows of tomatoes, squash, corn, okra and beans on two acres of land in Calhoun County, he sees more than just vegetables. He sees freedom. “I get fresh air, sunshine and am doing something productive out here,” Kennedy said. “I just really
enjoy it. I’d rather be out here than sitting in jail.” Kennedy is an inmate at the Calhoun County Jail in Anniston. While awaiting a trial date, he’s one of a handful of inmates selected to work in the jail garden, raising and harvesting vegetables that end up on plates in the jail cafeteria. Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson and Chief Deputy Mat-
James Kennedy enjoys the freedom of being outside harvesting squash instead of sitting inside the Calhoun County Jail.
thew Wade started the garden more than a decade ago. While it’s changed locations a few times, the goal remains the same: to rehabilitate inmates by giving them worthwhile tasks. “The garden is one way we teach inmates simple skills,” Wade said. “They learn to wake up on time; that when they get to work, they should do as they’re told and work hard. That’s something some of these people didn’t have until now. Hopefully, it will change some of their lives.” Another benefit of the garden is it helps offset costs of feeding over 400 inmates daily. The state provides $1.75 per inmate per day for food, and the Calhoun County Commission foots the remainder of the grocery bill. The produce can’t Calhoun County farmers Doug Trantham and his son, Daniel, advise Jail Administrator Eric Starr and Officer John Gordon at the garden.
October 2016
23
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Trantham, right, gives Kennedy tips on the best way to harvest squash.
be sold to the public, because no one is allowed to profit off inmate labor. Instead, the harvested vegetables are taken back to the jail kitchen. “This somewhat supplements our food budget at the jail, and that keeps us from spending more taxpayer dollars on food,” said jail administrator Eric Starr. “Now, some of the inmates might say ‘Oh no, not squash again!’ when the harvest starts coming in, but the inmates who work in the garden are proud to know they helped raise and harvest the food served in the jail.” The jail uses a classification system to select inmates allowed to work on projects in the community, including the garden. They must be classified as minimum security, and background checks and disciplinary records are taken into account. At a county jail, inmates often satisfy their sentences or bond out quickly, so staff at the garden changes almost daily.
BY THE NUMBERS $1.75 state funding to feed one inmate for one day $3.30 average cost of feeding one inmate for one day at Calhoun County jail $1.55 cost per day, per inmate covered by the Calhoun County Commission 450 average number of inmates in the jail each day w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Officer John Gordon has been in charge of garden operations since 2015, when it moved to Woodland Park. Without a background in farming or gardening, he’s relied heavily on assistance from local farmers, including Calhoun County Farmers Federation member Doug Trantham. “I didn’t really know anything about this, so Doug has helped me tremendously,” Gordon said. “He provided a lot of the materials and planted the corn and beans. He lets me do the maintaining, but gives us tips about when to harvest and water. Without Doug, I couldn’t do any of this.” Trantham started helping with the garden last year when Chief Deputy Wade approached him. For many years, the jail has helped with county livestock shows by providing inmate labor. Trantham said he’s happy to use his agricultural expertise as a way to give back. “We get to talk to these guys one-on-one out here and show them there are better things to do than getting in trouble all the time,” Trantham said. “And maybe it will help redirect their lives. That’s satisfying to me.” In the spring, Trantham plows the land and plants the vegetables that require a planter. He stops 24
by at least once a week to talk with the inmates and check on the garden progress. Other farmers and organizations donated seed and plants. The only cost the jail incurred this year was buying an irrigation pump. But the price of an irrigation pump is minimal compared to the impact the garden is having on the inmates working there. “It makes me feel like I’m contributing to something,” Kennedy said. “It’s a lot of work, but I feel at ease and like I’m a part of something, and that makes me feel good about myself. That’s something I want to continue and build on.” By changing the inmates’ minds, jail administrator Starr hopes the garden will grow a better community in Calhoun County. “A lot of our inmates come through because this is the lifestyle they know; they go home for a few months, and then they’re back in jail,” he said. “But out here in the garden, they learn a different lifestyle. They learn they can be productive, and it stops the revolving door for just a few of them. And if we can do that, then we’re doing something.” For updates on the garden, follow the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office page on Facebook. n October 2016
Auburn University Hosts Ag Discovery Adventure Oct. 8
F
olks of all ages can get an entertaining, enlightening and up-close look at 21st century agriculture Saturday, Oct. 8, at Ag Discovery Adventure at Auburn University’s (AU) E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter. The free, family-oriented event is 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the research unit, located off Interstate 85 at Exit 26 between Montgomery and Auburn. Hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and AU’s College of Agriculture, Ag Discovery Adventure showcases technology and seeks to increase the non-farm public’s awareness of the key role agriculture plays in the lives of Alabamians and beyond. College of Agriculture Ambassador Matthew Brady has volunteered at Ag Discovery Adventure three
October 2016
years and counting. The senior studying agricultural business and economics said he and his peers look forward to teaching the public about agriculture each year. “Anytime I have the opportunity to get off Ag Hill and inform future generations about agriculture, I gladly do so,” said Brady, who was raised on a catfish farm in Perry County. “Agriculture was part of my childhood, and I want to
27
share that with other kids.” Ag Discovery Adventure will feature cotton picking, a corn maze, corn-shelling station, hands-on wildlife exhibit, farm animal petting area, 36-foot-long water wheels water conservation lab and many other activities. Attendees can bring picnic lunches or buy hot-off-the-grill hamburgers and hot dogs from AU’s Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen. Ag Discovery Adventure is co-sponsored by the Alabama Cotton Producers, Alabama Soybean Producers, Alabama Wheat & Feed Grains Producers, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Peanut Producers Association and Alabama Poultry & Egg Association. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/AgDiscovery16, or email Lisa Kriese-Anderson at kriesla@aces.edu. n
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
EXCLUSIVE
$500
CASH ALLOWANCE1
FOR ELIGIBLE ALFA FARMERS MEMBERS. SM
HARVEST THIS REWARD.
To help members and to show our appreciation, we’re offering a $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles.
ALFA FARMERS
SM
1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Spark EV; 2016 Malibu and Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L, Spark, SS and City Express, and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.
ATFA Offers Free Affinity Tags To Members
F
or those who love the forest, showing that special appreciation just got easier thanks to the Alabama Treasure Forest Association (ATFA). “The ATFA’s state board of directors is offering ATFA members an opportunity to get this great new license plate — a $50 value — for free,” said ATFA Executive Director Rick Oates. “There are many choices for vanity license plates in Alabama, and we think this new tag will be very popular.” ATFA’s newly redesigned affinity tag boasts the slogan “I’d Rather Be in the Woods.” Proceeds from tag sales help fund programs supported by ATFA, like Classroom in the Forest, landowner field days and educational seminars. State law requires 1,000 of the new ATFA tags be sold before production of the license plates begins. That’s why ATFA is offering the tags free to its members, Oates said. Normal issuance fees
and taxes are the responsibility of the tag owner, but the usual $50fee for a vanity tag is free to members for the first year, he added. Getting a free tag is easy. Go to TREASUREForest.org, and click the picture of the tag to download the tag reservation form. License plates can be customized with any six characters at a later date. When 1,000 tag commitments have been made, those who reserved a tag will be notified how to get their tag from their local probate office. “After the first year, tag owners will be required to pay the annual renewal cost for the ATFA tag,” Oates said, “but that $50-fee is tax deductible.” Forestry and its related industries bring $21.4 billion annually into Alabama, and timber is a recognized commodity in every county in the state. “These tags are a great way to show support for one of our state’s largest industries, share your love
Alabama TREASURE Forest Association
FOREST
of the forest with others and support ATFA programs,” Oates said. The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association was established in 1974 to promote the multiple-use philosophy of land management to support timber, recreation, the environment, aesthetics and sustainable, usable resources. Since 2013, the ATFA has partnered with the Alabama Farmers Federation to reach more people with TREASURE Forest philosophies and programs. In addition to its education efforts, ATFA holds a group certificate through which members can obtain Forest Stewardship Council designation for their timberland. n
Express Oil Offers New Discount To Federation Members By Mary Johnson
W
hen Alabama Farmers Federation members pull into Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, they can now rake in savings with a $5 discount on oil changes. The new member benefit is available at Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers locations statewide. With the average American driver adding over 13,000 miles annually to a vehicle, those discounts can quickly add up. “If you follow most manufacturers’ recommendations of an oil change every 3,000 miles, this new member benefit can bring substantial savings,” said Paul Brown, Federation Member Benefits direcOctober 2016
tor. “For families with multiple vehicles, it can even pay for the $30 Federation membership dues, plus more.” Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers Executive Vice President of Marketing Josh Henderson said the company was proud to partner with the Federation and Alfa Insurance. “We are pleased to offer our friends at Alfa and the Farmers Federation a discount on one of the mostneeded vehicle maintenance services,” Henderson said. “While Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers is best known for our 10-minute oil change, we are your one-stop shop to keep your vehicle running like it should.” The 10-minute oil change includes a 20-point safety check 29
where the driver never needs an appointment or even gets out of the car. Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers also provides full-service automotive repair, including scheduled maintenance, brakes, tune-ups and all major tire brands. “Over 350,000 Alabama families choose to be Federation members and carry Alfa Insurance,” Brown said. “This new discount is a great addition to other auto member benefits from the Federation, which include discounts on new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles and savings on car and booster seats.” To get the $5 oil change discount, mention the discount code MGR5 and show your Federation membership card. Offer is not valid with any other oil change offer. Visit AlfaFarmers.org for more about member benefits and for a list of participating Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers locations. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
W
ant to grow something good to eat, but haven’t quite gotten started? Now is a good time. It’s not tomato season, but fall is ideal for leaf lettuce, one of the easiest and most rewarding edibles to grow. It won’t need full sun and keeps yielding through fall and winter with a little protection. It doesn’t need staking or much care beyond watering and fertilizing. Lettuce plants must have good nutrition to grow well, so don’t forget to pick up plant food when they’re purchased. Early October is a great time to set out plants (it’s a little late for seed). Those sold in packs of four to six will outgrow their small container quickly. However, even several single, higher-priced plants are worthwhile as each yields more leaves over its lifetime than a bag of lettuce at a comparable price. And the flavor and freshness of homegrown won’t be matched. Perhaps the most convenient way to grow lettuce is in a large container. Call it a living salad bowl. Of course, a raised bed or in-ground bed is fine, too, but if this is a first try, a pot near the kitchen is mighty convenient and easy to watch. Consider a size at least 14 inches in diameter. Also, be sure to fill it with premium quality potting mix. The plants won’t thrive in poor potting soil. It only takes a few minutes to plant the pot, spacing the plants equally around the edge of the pot to take advantage of outer growing space. Four plants will grow to fill an 18-inch pot. For more than one pot, try a different lettuce in each. Or mix several leaf lettuces and arugula. The plants will thrive until there are lasting hard freezes. Most people are surprised by how much cold many leaf lettuces can take, especially red-leaf varieties. Although the plants may look rough after a bad cold spell, they often recover if damaged leaves are removed.
By Lois Chaplin
When shopping for lettuce plants, it’s important to look for young plants that aren’t tall or stretching. The leaves should grow in a compact rosette. Avoid plants that have stretched tall. Once lettuce stretches into the tall flowering mode, which is often triggered by heat, it never makes a good rosette of leaves. In the garden, well-fed plants grow fast during the mild days of fall until daytime highs drop below 45 or 50 degrees. Even then, encourage more growth by tenting the pot with a white frost blanket permeable to light, air and water. It will act like a mini greenhouse.
As each plant grows, pluck the outer leaves, leaving the center ones intact to grow larger and provide more harvests. A new gardener once said when she figured out she didn’t have to harvest the whole plant at one time, it made more sense to grow lettuce. That’s the great thing about leaf lettuce instead of iceberg-type head lettuce – the new leaves just keep on coming and so do the salads. Leaf lettuce is so cooperative. n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
FALL INTO SAVINGS @WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
30
October 2016
e r u t u F e h t s Shape
The YF&R program helps young members shape the future of agriculture, as well as their individual futures, with leadership development and personal growth opportunities. Through three competitions, members are able to showcase their leadership experience, communication skills and successful farm plans as they compete against the best of the best Farm Bureau has to offer.
As part of the YF&R competitions, winners in the Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag areas will receive their choice of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra truck, courtesy of Chevrolet. Three national finalists in each competition will receive a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH, as well as a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in STIHL merchandise. CS16_109 2017 YFR Ad_7.5x10.10.indd 1
For more information about YF&R competitive events contact your state Farm Bureau or contact AFBF at yfr@fb.org or 202-406-3600.
5/20/16 1:59 PM
W
hether served on a crisp fall morning with a hot cup of coffee or as a centerpiece for a church social, the comfort and simple goodness of sweet breads can’t be overlooked. More than 30 delicious sweet breads were on display at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 1. We’ve featured the three winners in this month’s Country Kitchen and made a digital cookbook with all the state entries to share at AlfaFarmers.org. STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE BREAD (FIRST PLACE) Shirley Lumsden, Cherokee County 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 1/2 cups strawberries, chopped and tossed in flour
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. With electric mixer, cream butter, sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla. In separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Combine flour mixture with butter mixture until just blended. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined; do not over mix. Carefully fold in strawberries. Dough will be thick. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from pan. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla and cream together until creamy. Drizzle over bread before serving. *Note: may add toasted pecans and whole fresh strawberries for garnish. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
32
October 2016
CRANBERRY PECAN BREAD (SECOND PLACE) Amy Belcher, Montgomery County 2 cups chopped pecans 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon popcorn salt 1 cup butter, softened 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 1 3/4 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 cups plain flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups dried cranberries, chopped
Heat oven to 350 F. Combine chopped pecans and melted butter. Spread evenly on a 9- x 13-inch baking pan or cookie sheet. Sprinkle with popcorn salt. Bake 15 minutes or until toasted. Stir once or twice while cooking, being careful not to let the pecans burn. Let pecans cool. In a mixer, cream softened butter and cream cheese. Add sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time to butter mixture until well blended. Slowly fold in cranberries and pecans alternately. Pour mixture into well-coated 9- x 4.5-inch loaf pan until batter is 1 inch from top. Use any remaining batter to fill cupcake tins. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD WITH LEMON TOPPING (THIRD PLACE) Bonnie Martin, Russell County Add flour and milk alternately 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup sugar to the creamed mixture. Add 2 eggs lemon extract, grated lemon 1 1/2 cups flour peel and poppy seeds. Mix well. 1 teaspoon baking powder Pour batter into a sprayed and 1/2 cup milk floured 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake 1 teaspoon lemon extract for 60-65 minutes. Bread is done Peel of 2 lemons, grated when a toothpick inserted in 1 teaspoon poppy seeds center comes out clean. Pinch of salt
Heat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, and beat well. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt.
Topping: 1/4 cup butter 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Cream butter. Add powdered sugar and lemon juice. Spread over cooled bread. Serves 6-8. Garnish as desired, and enjoy!
Find these recipes in the “Local Flavor” section of AlfaFarmers.org and save them to a virtual recipe box called “My Recipe Box.” October 2016
33
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Why Soybeans?
The United States is the top soybean producing country in the world. Soy is one of the few plants that provides a complete protein, containing all eight amino acids essential for good health. Soybeans grown in Alabama are primarily used for animal feed, but can be used in a variety of products including adhesives, ink, cosmetics and foam padding. More than 800 soy-based products have been developed with farmer checkoff dollars since 1990.
“While we’re busy working on the farm our check off dollars are busy educating consumers and promoting soybeans.” — Daniel Trantham, Calhoun County Soybean Farmer
A DIVISION OF THE ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
Paid for by Alabama Soybean Producers Checkoff.