George Jeffcoat Vice President | Southeast, Gordon
Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden
Steve Dunn Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen
DIRECTORS
Dorman Grace | Jasper Jeff Peek | Athens
David Bailey | Dawson
Steve Lake | Vinemont
Joe Anders Northport
Phillip Hunter | Birmingham
Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka
Tommy Martin | Moundville
Bill Cook Montgomery
Trip Horne | Louisville
Mark Kaiser | Daphne
Jerry Peak | Chancellor
Debbie Dunn Samson Dillon Turk | Semmes
Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A.
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org
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.
18 | Alabama Farms Welcome Visitors for Fall Fun 17 On The Cover
Joel and Patti Sirmon were honored earlier this year when their family’s Sirmon Farms was named Alabama’s Farm of Distinction. As the winner, Joel will compete in the regional Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year contest this October.
Photo By Jeff Helms
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Farm Country Faces Financial Crisis
2024 Estimated Per Acre Row Crop Loss in Alabama*
By Marlee Jackson
The numbers don’t lie.
Row crop farmers are teetering on the edge of financial crisis due to a devastating one-two punch of high input costs and low prices. Add in drought that’s hammered hopes for higher yields in Alabama, and the equation foretells a grimmer result.
“The problem is our commodity prices are just too low,” said Lance Whitehead, 51, who grows corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans in Fayette and Pickens counties. “Even if we weren’t in a drought, we still couldn’t make enough yield to offset prices.”
Using U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, experts estimate Alabama row crop farmers could lose more than $236 million this year. Nationally, row
crop losses could total $32 billion. That’s calculated using USDA’s per-acre cost of production, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) commodity prices as of Aug. 12, and historic 10-year average yields.
Take cotton, Alabama’s largest crop.
This year, USDA said producing one acre of cotton will cost $902.14. With the August WASDE pinning the fiber at just 66 cents per pound and the 10-year average yield hitting 861.8 pounds per acre, farmers would bring in $568.79 per acre. That’s a $333.35 loss.
Multiplied across 394,685 acres, Alabama’s loss on cotton would reach $131.57 million.
Under that same calculation, each acre of peanuts could lose $156.93; corn $149.54; wheat $142.56; and soybeans $82.62.
Adam Temple farms in Houston County, where his corn, soybeans and peanuts are struggling from late-season drought. Despite investing in tools like irrigation and grain storage to theoretically boost his bottom line, outside factors are taking a toll.
“No matter how hard I try to control costs, I can’t keep it under cost of production,” said Temple, 39. “Farming is very cyclical. There’s going to be good years; there’s going to be bad years. The downturn is always coming.”
Mike Neal gets it. He’s farmed four decades in Jackson County and said his current reality growing corn and soybeans is oddly reminiscent of the ‘80s. Inflation, high interest rates and low prices were hallmarks of that difficult era, he said.
He and fellow farmers face steep
debt carryover into 2025. Prep for the next crop, including tough conversations with lenders for critical operating loans, began in early fall.
“Something will have to change with prices, or people won’t be able to farm,” said Neal, 66. “My plan is to keep farming, but if prices stay down much longer, I may retire and just run my trucks.”
The number of U.S. farms already dropped by more than 140,000 between 2017 and 2022, per the Census of Agriculture. More than 3,000 were lost in Alabama.
The current economy will likely shutter more farms, said Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker.
The future dimmed in September, when USDA predicted farmers will have lost nearly a quarter of their income since 2022. This year’s estimate predicts farm income will be $140 billion compared to $185.5 billion two years ago, when adjusted for inflation.
Farmers are painting that bleak picture when talking with decisionmakers who hold the keys to potential farm-saving, short-term federal relief. Walker said farm country’s financial crisis is a direct result of poor energy, trade and economic policies.
“Farmers are struggling, but it is not of their own making,” Walker said. “This is a serious time in American agriculture, and the decisions our leaders make today will impact our farmers and country for years to come.”
Part of farmers’ woes point back to diminished international demand for agricultural goods, Walker said. USDA anticipates a record trade deficit of $42.5 billion next year. If realized, this will be the third straight record deficit.
The departure of American agricultural dominance is concerning, Whitehead said. While a marketing shift and improved trade policies could help his farm in the future, today’s to-do list includes tightening the farm’s proverbial belt and holding out hope for tomorrow.
“The only thing I know to do is hang on, be really conservative, not create more debt and be as efficient as we can,” he said. “The good Lord got us here, and he’ll take care of us.”
Adam Temple said his yields on corn, peanuts and soybeans will be low this year, thanks to a late-season drought that hit Houston County and much of Alabama. It’s a blow in an already-tough year, Temple said, citing low commodity prices and high input costs.
Lance Whitehead said diminished international demand for U.S. commodities has impacted farmers’ bottom line. Add in drought, high interest rates and inflation, and Whitehead said he’s concerned many farmers won’t make it out of 2024 in business. Photo
Mullenix Beefs Up AU Animal Sciences
agriculture industry and will be an excellent department head.”
Mullenix was raised on her family’s cattle and hay farm in Newnan, Georgia, where her parents were involved in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association.
Today, she’s continuing the family tradition and raising cattle in Lee County with her husband, Daniel, and their children, Davis, Harper and Mary Ellis.
Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture contest and competed nationally.
Mullenix said Young Farmers helped broaden their network.
“Young Farmers is a great starting point to get involved with the industry,” Mullenix said. “You can see that with Daniel’s vice president role in the Lee County Farmers Federation and with my leadership growth at AU.”
By Maggie Edwards
Alabama farmer Dr. Kim Mullenix is ready to beef up Auburn University’s (AU) Department of Animal Sciences after being selected to lead the program.
“The team is excited to continue teaching the next generation of animal scientists,” said Mullenix, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from AU. “We’re focused on the curriculum we offer and elevating the student experience. We want to use our program to differentiate ourselves from others by focusing on high-impact experiences.”
Mullenix said her goals include seeing the department become a regional leader in animal agriculture research and premier information source for animal science practices.
“It’s key to show students what it means to be an animal scientist,” Mullenix said. “They can make a difference with a career in this industry.”
In her previous role as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System beef cattle specialist, Mullenix’s boots-on-theground mindset served the needs of Alabama farmers like Lawrence County’s Mitchell Henry.
“Kim cares about the beef industry wholeheartedly,” said Henry, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Beef Committee and holds a degree in animal sciences from AU. “She believes in beef cattle and Alabama’s
“Cattle is a shared passion of ours and is one thing that brought us together” said Daniel, who works for GreenPoint Ag and is a member of the Federation’s Agricultural Leaders for Alabama leadership development program. “I’m proud of Kim and the opportunity she has to lead and make a difference. I have no doubt she’ll do a great job and leave a legacy on the department.”
The Mullenixes are members of the Federation and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. They won Alabama’s 2019
Federation President Jimmy Parnell said he’s proud to see a farmer in a role pivotal to the livestock industry.
“Kim is a hard worker who understands Alabama livestock production and cares about producers,” said Parnell, a Chilton County cattle farmer. “Students, farmers and stakeholders will benefit from her leadership. AU animal sciences is in great hands.”
Learn more on the Alabama AgCast!
Dr. Kim Mullenix was named head of Auburn University’s Department of Animal Sciences in July. She previously served as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s beef cattle specialist.
Dr. Kim Mullenix lives in Lee County with her husband, Daniel, and their three children. They raise stocker cattle, and Daniel works for GreenPoint Ag. They’re also active in the Lee County Farmers Federation, where Daniel serves as vice president. From left are Mary Ellis, Kim, Davis, Daniel and Harper Mullenix.
Farmowner Updates Yield Positive Changes for Alfa Policyholders
By Tanner Hood
Alfa Insurance® farmowner customers are reaping the benefits of best-in-class coverage options thanks to a system and policy overhaul project, which was completed Aug. 10.
Alfa Senior Vice President of P&C and Life Operations Rex Seabrook said the new policy is designed to offer upgraded coverage options and much faster speed of delivery for Alabama farmers.
“We have the most modern farm policy in the U.S. right now,” Seabrook said. “Our policy is a combination of the top industry language for farm insurance and our previous policy. We took out what isn’t applicable to Alabama while keeping what we already offer to provide the best, most up-to-date personal policy for our farmers.”
The upgraded system is currently available for new customers and will go live for existing policyholders at their next renewal. It runs on Guidewire, a policy administration system used for Alfa’s other lines of business. Seabrook said farmowner customers will appreciate coverage enhancements and increased efficiencies.
“What used to take weeks to complete can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes,” Seabrook said. “Under Guidewire, an agent clicks ‘submit’ on a form, and everything is
done in real time. The mail goes out the next day, and if the customer has signed up for e-documents, they’ll probably receive their policy update in their email inbox within 20 minutes.”
Enhanced policy coverage options include agritainment operations like corn mazes, weddings, hayrides and concessions; business disruption for any commodity; farm equipment breakdown including precision ag equipment; commercial general liability under the farmowner policy; different deductibles for individual pieces of machinery; and others. Also offered is a 35% discount for farm equipment with automatic fire suppression systems.
Autauga County Young Farmer Drew Wendland said the new coverage options and fire suppression discount are substantial for his family operation, Autauga Farming Co.
“We implemented an automatic fire suppression system for our cotton picker several years ago,” Wendland said. “We appreciate the opportunity to lower our premium because we were proactive in protecting our equipment. According to our agent, this discount could save us at least $1,200 a year.”
Wendland said the new option to choose deductibles for individual pieces of equipment and the coverage for precision ag equipment are game changers.
“We had to replace a tractor hood a few years back, but we paid out of
pocket because our deductible was so high due to the large equipment also on our policy,” Wendland said. “Being able to have a deductible closer to the value of that piece of machinery is important to us so we don’t run into that problem again. We also use precision ag technology on most of our equipment, so individual coverage for that is great.”
Seabrook said he hopes other farmers also experience these benefits. The new policy platform enhancements include raising coverage limits for certain insured risks for all customers at no extra cost. Those increased coverage limits include cattle, horses, goats, pigs and more.
Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said the new policy system continues the companies’ commitment to serving farmers across the state.
“Alfa cares about Alabama farmers,” Parnell said. “We took our time preparing this new policy and moving it over to Guidewire because we wanted to get it right without drastically impacting rates or coverages. Our customers deserve the best service and products, and I’m proud to say this policy does that with speed and options.”
Scan to learn more on the Alabama AgCast.
From left, Alfa Insurance Farm and Commercial Services Representative Hope Peters, Agent Jerry Reid and Autauga County Young Farmer Drew Wendland review new policy options, including a farm machinery automatic fire suppression discount.
Heritage Cooking Contest Spotlights Splendid Fruit Salads
By Maggie Edwards
Laughter, cheer and the sweet smell of fresh fruit floated through the Alabama Farmers Federation home office in Montgomery Sept. 5 during the annual Heritage Cooking Contest.
The contest featured 25 noncongealed fruit salad recipes from competitors across the state. Tuscaloosa County’s Cindy Landers scored first place with Strawberry Crack Salad, a dish she’s only crafted a handful of times.
“I’m just so excited and surprised to win,” said Landers, a retired teacher.
Second Place
Third Place
“I love trying recipes and creating new things. My inspiration for this came from my husband Mark’s love of strawberries and pecans.”
The Landerses raise cattle and hay in Northport, where Mark also dabbles in growing pecans.
“We had an abundance of pecans from the farm that he’s been shelling, cracking and freezing,” Landers said. “He appreciates the land and what comes from it. That’s why I was glad to share our farm-fresh product with others.”
The group of judges agreed the flavor of slightly salty pretzels, crunch of Alabama pecans and fresh strawberries stood out among the other tasty options.
As the winner, Landers received $150 from the Federation Women’s Leadership Division. Second place was Montgomery County’s Katie Hicks. She earned $100 with Sue Sue’s Fruit Salad, while Lee County’s Mary Richburg earned third place and $50 for Mango Avocado Salad with Blueberries.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Janet Johnson entertained the crowd with a spunky presentation on kitchen tips and tricks. She’s a regional Extension agent who specializes in food safety and quality.
The Federation’s Kim Earwood commended the exquisite entries.
“This event is always special,” said Earwood, who leads the Federation Women’s Leadership Division. “Seeing
First Place
Strawberry Crack Salad
By Cindy Landers, Tuscaloosa County
Ingredients
2-3 cups strawberries
1 cup pretzels, chopped 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces whipped topping
Instructions
Heat oven to 400 F. Wash and dice strawberries. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine pretzels and pecans with brown sugar and butter. Spread parchment paper on a cookie sheet with edges. Bake 7 to 9 minutes. Take out of oven and cool. With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, vanilla and sugar together until fluffy. Gently fold in whipped topping. Right before serving, fold in strawberries and pecan-pretzel mixture. Enjoy!
the contestants come together to celebrate each other is such a rewarding moment for me and the entire State Women’s Leadership Committee. Each dish was delicious, but at the end of the day, this is about building camaraderie among women in agriculture.”
Scan to view all recipe entries.
The Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) hosted its annual Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 5 in Montgomery. From left are Federation State WLC Chair Debbie Dunn of Geneva County; Tuscaloosa County’s Cindy Landers, first; Montgomery County’s Katie Hicks, second; and Lee County’s Mary Richburg, third. The theme for this year’s contest was noncongealed fruit salads.
Citizen-Reporters Key to Drought Map Accuracy
As drought spreads across Alabama, state leaders are encouraging property owners to routinely report ground conditions and impact, information that directly influences the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Alabama Associate State Climatologist Lee Ellenburg said documentation from farmers, forest landowners, gardeners and homeowners through the Conditions Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) is crucial to honing the Drought Monitor’s accuracy.
said. “We recognize impacts really tell that story. They help us refine lines (of dry areas) and provide detailed input.”
“The Drought Monitor is meant to be a one-stop-shop that encompasses all aspects of drought and the severity of the current drought while providing a single metric of conditions,” Ellenburg
CMOR allows citizen-reporters to note their location, date, severity of drought and specific impacts. They can also upload photos.
That information helps the state climatologist provide comprehensive recommendations about drought severity to the U.S. Drought Mitigation Center. Experts combine those accounts with metrics on precipitation, soil moisture, temperature and more to create the U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. CST.
Last year, Alabama uploaded over 600 reports through CMOR, the second highest in the nation. In 2022, that number was just 61. The spike is largely due to Alabama Drought Reach, a new
program housed in Auburn University’s Water Resources Center.
In addition to encouraging individual citizen reports, Alabama Drought Reach uses Alabama Extension’s statewide network of agents to expand data collection.
Those agents recommend farmers proactively report conditions to help identify weather patterns, said Extension’s Kent Stanford.
“We really need to think about reporting and getting accurate data on the days it’s raining, not just the days it’s not raining,” said Stanford, an Extension specialist in crop, soil and environmental sciences. “That data has a direct impact on government programs that come along when times get tough. We have to be on the front end of getting that information.”
Submit CMOR accounts, and learn more about Alabama Drought Reach, at aub.ie/drought. Listen to a recent Alabama AgCast on drought reporting at AlfaFarmers.org/agcast.
Along, winding field of healthy cotton sits off the banks of the Alabama River at Grey Rocks Ranch in Autauga County. There, Wildlife Manager Mike Parmer examines littleto-no signs of crop damage due to deer — a blessing compared to the destruction many farmers receive from shifty cervids.
“The tools are available to safeguard against damage,” Parmer said. “This cotton field is a great example of quality deer management working to protect crops and habitats. Controlling herds is a solid solution to save valuable land and crops being decimated by deer.”
One tool is the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). Alabama landowners like Parmer use DMAP for crop protection, herd management and trophy deer production.
“We started using this program in the ‘80s when it was established,” said Parmer, the Alabama Farmers
Federation State Wildlife Committee chair. “I’ve seen the benefits in healthier, high-quality deer.”
DMAP is an information-driven program that helps hunters and landowners take deer management to a higher level, said Brian Grice, an ADCNR wildlife biologist.
“We work with private landowners to help accomplish their management goals,” Grice said. “The key component is data collection. Hunters collect weights, jawbones, lactation rates, antler measurements and other quantifiable information during hunting season and submit those to their biologists.”
The data delivers practical applications for herd and habitat management. This often includes a permit to exceed the daily bag limit for antlerless deer and a quota for the recommended number to take during the season.
“When the program started, deer populations were growing exponentially, and hunters weren’t allowed to take antlerless deer,” Grice said. “DMAP was designed to get tags in a way that wasn’t available. When wildlife gets out of balance, it creates issues within their population and for humans.”
If the environment’s maximum sustainability, or carrying capacity, is exceeded, deer turn to other food sources, Grice said. That includes row crops like corn, cotton and soybeans. Overall weights are negatively affected while quality decreases, too. Stepping up doe harvest can maximize resources to increase buck quality while better protecting crops, he added. However, Grice noted DMAP shouldn’t be mistaken for depredation permits.
“DMAP is a non-exclusive option
for hunters, landowners and farmers to manage deer herds during the season structure,” Grice said. “Depredation permits are a beneficial but exclusive option to legally take deer out of season for farmers and property owners who have sustained damage.”
Federation Wildlife Division Director William Green said farmers and hunters should strongly consider DMAP as a management tool.
“Deer management is essential for healthy herds, and an added benefit could be crop protection,” Green said. “Whatever the goal, DMAP is available for all Alabama landowners. All it takes is contacting the local ADCNR office and connecting with a biologist.”
That initial step can pay dividends for years to come, Parmer said while gesturing to the surrounding cotton field.
“Quality deer management takes time and effort,” Parmer said. “Hunters must take does to create the proper balance between population size and carrying capacity, and the results are worth it.”
Grey Rocks Ranch Wildlife Manager Mike Parmer looks over a cotton field that has suffered minimal deer damage.
The Alabama Farmers Federation’s William Green examines a buck skull found by Grey Rocks Ranch Wildlife Manager Mike Parmer.
By Marlee Jackson
As sweltering summer days give way to the faintest hint of cool weather, Jason Powell is all smiles.
“This is what fall tastes like,” said Powell after biting into a deep purple, sun-sweetened muscadine.
The tasty treat heralds more than pickin’ and grinnin’. Powell said it’s a sure sign planting is just around the corner for fall-fruiting trees and vines. He recommends planting from October to December when plants will benefit from seasonal cool air, still-warm soil and rain.
“While the upper portion goes dormant in the winter, roots are growing,” Powell said. “That’s awesome because the tree or vine gets to do one thing at a time. When it warms in the spring, it has a bigger root system to support growth.”
His family promotes that message at their Petals from the Past nursery in Chilton County. The hidden gem off Interstate 65 in Jemison is a
Bearing Fruit: Fall Prime Time to Plant Fruit Trees, Vines
Muscadines
botanical bonanza for fall pilgrims seeking high-quality greenery for their often-suburban homes. Powell and his father, veteran Alabama Extension horticulturalist Dr. Arlie Powell, patiently nurture aspiring green thumbs through the selection process.
They wisely shepherd customers toward low-maintenance, fall-fruiting landscape darlings like muscadines, Asian pears, Japanese persimmons and apples.
Muscadine Mania
For muscadines, trellising is essential to plant growth. These Southeastern native grapes need ample room to spread lush foliage, so Powell recommends planting vines 20 feet apart on a single-wire trellis.
The vine’s trunk grows vertically supported by a post, while arms trail to the left and right along wire. Additional offshoots should be pruned, Powell said. This allows spurs to grow, eventually bearing fruit in the vine’s third fall.
Well-pruned, fertilized and watered
muscadine vines can last for decades, Powell said, with tender arms becoming thick, strong fruit-producers. That fruit ranges from dark purple varieties (Black Beauty is a classic) to burnished bronze favorites Darlene and Pam.
“The deeper the color, the riper they’ll be,” Powell said. “You’ll feel a little more give and know it’s time to pick them.”
Quite the Pear
Powell said a little-known fall-fruiting standout is the Asian pear, whose round, apple-like shape is a far cry from its curvy European cousin.
Asian pears’ green peel turns gold when ripening, with sun-dappled areas taking on an orange hue.
“You know you’re ready to harvest when you have a color change and size change,” Powell said. “You lift straight up on the pear, and it should snap loose. If it’s not ready, you’re going to wrestle with it.”
Asian pears have a long shelf life, lasting weeks in the refrigerator. The
juicy, sweet pears are versatile, too, and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Powell said a popular selling point is that Asian pears don’t oxidize, so the flesh stays crisp and white after it’s cut.
To facilitate fruit growth, pruning is vital, Powell said. Pear trees, along with persimmons and apples, should follow the modified central leader pruning method hailed by his father. This results in a more rounded tree, creates airflow and lets sunlight trickle down to low-hanging fruit.
Pleasing Persimmons
Similarly pruned, Japanese persimmon trees are landscape showstoppers. Their symmetrical shape displays red, copper and yellow leaves through the fall, while ripe fruit turns a vibrant bright-burnt orange.
“The persimmon is the easiest tree you could possibly plant,” Powell said. “From our perspective, it has everything going for it.”
That’s because Japanese persimmons are self-pollinating, have no common pests or diseases and are tasty throughout the season. Powell said the seedless persimmon’s flavor is reminiscent of cantaloupe, while its firm texture at peak ripeness is like an apple.
How ‘Bout These Apples
The poster child for fall fruit, apples
Persimmons
Asian Pears Apples
are best planted during autumn, too.
At Petals from the Past, some apples are trellised to create decorative property line boundaries. As the tree develops, arms are pruned to rest on wire spaced 2 feet apart, which helps support the fruit’s weight.
Using trellises, the Powells grow petite Southern heirloom Yates apples next to red delicious Cumberland Spurs.
The ripening fruit helps sell on-sitepropagated seedlings to customers, Powell said.
“The beauty of this time of year is we’re so close to planting that they can taste the fruit and know what they’re getting,” Powell said. “Where customers live determines what varieties they can grow. It’s fun to help them solve that mystery.”
By Marlee Jackson
Joel Sirmon has found the key to farming in Alabama’s second-fastestgrowing county: Flexibility.
Faith, Flexibility Fuel Farm of Distinction
“We love this way of life and have tried out a lot of different crops to make sure we can still farm here in Baldwin County,” Joel said. “We’ve never been scared to try new things and have tinkered with crops to see what sticks.”
That eye for innovation earned Sirmon Farms the Alabama Farm of Distinction honor. As the state winner, Joel, who farms with wife Patti and brother James, joins seven Southeastern farmers vying for the title of Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year.
Joel said he hopes his family’s history of adaptability resonated with judges who visited the farm in August. The winner will be named Oct. 15 in Moultrie, Georgia.
In the ‘70s, Joel and James expanded their family’s dairy and hog farm by planting what they call “A to Z,” with crops ranging from asparagus to zucchini.
The following decades heralded a shift away from livestock and produce, save for sweet potatoes. They simultaneously moved acres into cotton, corn and peanuts.
Paul Brown has known the Sirmons for nearly two decades. As the Alabama Farmers Federation Area 10 organization director, he’s seen the Sirmons graciously maneuver the difficulties of farming near the Gulf Coast. They’ve battled labor shortages, hurricane damage, depressed
commodity markets and land loss. They’ve also embraced opportunities such as selling sweet potatoes to Walmart, investing in grain storage and offering bagged corn to deer hunters.
Their most defining characteristic, however, comes from “being neighborly,” Brown said.
The Sirmons welcome hundreds of visitors to their farm annually. Those include farmers and officials seeking educational excursions, plus families and students visiting the farm’s sunflower and zinnia fields. The trips are free of charge, with donations passed on to local charities. Through the years, the Sirmons have also donated over 1 million pounds of produce to food banks.
That faithful stewardship and generous spirit encouraged Brown to nominate Joel for the Farmer of the Year contest.
“Joel and Patti are two of the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Brown said. “If you ask Joel why he does these things, he will tell you he just feels like it’s the right thing to do. I am glad to call the Sirmons my friends and proud to nominate them for this honor.”
As Alabama’s Farm of Distinction, the Sirmons received an engraved farm sign from the Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama
Farmers Cooperative; and $1,000 from First South Farm Credit. During Farmer of the Year festivities, Joel will receive $2,500; a gift package from Massey Ferguson; and a branded fleece vest.
While their three children have built careers off the farm, Joel and Patti gather often with family. They enjoy celebrating milestones for their grandchildren, tailgating at Auburn University football games and reminiscing about adventures on the farm.
“Farming is tough, but it has provided a great way of life for our family,” Joel said. “When things seem bleak, we remember to zoom out and read Psalm 121.”
Joel Sirmon, left, shared his family’s passion for growing sweet potatoes and other crops with Farmer of the Year judges in August.
Paul Brown, right, nominated Joel Sirmon for the Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year contest. Brown has known the generous Baldwin County farmer for two decades through the Alabama Farmers Federation.
Sliding into Fall with Laurie Farms
By Maggie Edwards
Amega slide, corn maze and silo sand boxes are more than fall fun for the faces behind Monroe County’s Laurie Farms.
“It is our livelihood,” said owner George Laurie III. “Farming is our family heritage. The land has been in our family over 100 years. We’re trying to continue that.”
What started as a row crop farm has turned into an appealing agritourism attraction for locals.
“We knew we had to diversify the operation to continue farming,” Laurie said. “Three-dollar corn doesn’t pay the bills. Neither does 67-cent cotton.”
The Laurie family has raised row
crops for 27 years. Cotton and corn are among their crop rotations, but green peanuts are now a prized possession.
Value-added goods are a major seller, too. For 13 years, Laurie Farms has set aside green peanuts for boiling.
From start to finish, over 7,000 pounds of peanuts were planted, dug, shelled, sorted, washed, boiled and bagged on the farm this year. That’s less than average due to drought and limited ability to dig in parched fields.
“We’ve grown a lot from when we started,” Laurie said. “Boiling is an all-day process. It takes about 8 hours, including rinsing and salting. Typically, we boil about 12 times a year.”
The long hours pay off. The Lauries have perfected the recipe for a juicy
boiled peanut. Gallon bags of the perfectly salted snack are sold from their farm store.
“We were looking for a way to make it when we began the boiled peanut business,” Laurie said. “It was extra cash and helped me look toward retirement while still farming.”
Diversification also allowed another generation to work on the farm full time. That “still farming” mentality drives the elder Laurie and his son, George Laurie IV, to continue in production agriculture.
“This is what I have done since I was tall enough to drive a tractor,” said the younger Laurie. “The idea of carrying out generations of agricultural traditions keeps me going.”
The Lauries entered the world of
Laurie Farms Boiled Peanuts
agritourism last fall with a goal to share their love of farming with the public. The fatherson duo said they hope to educate others about agriculture, too.
“We see a lot of locals and some attendees from far off,” the elder Laurie said. “There are so many adults and children who don’t understand agriculture and where food comes from. It’s great to get people on the farm where they can see production agriculture firsthand.”
The Laurie Farms corn maze festival is open for visitors Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 5 to Nov. 3, but the fall fun doesn’t stop there. Field trips are a highlight for local elementary schools.
“We’ve had over 100 kids out here
at a time,” the elder Laurie said. “Adding the mega slide this year will help us accommodate even more. There is a lot of room to spread out, run, play and enjoy time with friends.”
This year’s corn maze design displays the Alabama Farmers Federation Farming Feeds Alabama tagline and showcases the Alfa Farmers logo etched in cornstalks. It shares the spotlight with the GreenPoint Ag logo, said Federation Area 9 Organization Director Cameron Smith.
“GreenPoint Ag’s Trey Colley, a Baldwin County Young Farmer, helped the Lauries with the planter technology for the corn maze,” Smith said. “GreenPoint Ag is a big resource to most all corn mazes in south Alabama.”
The corn maze and slides are a focal point, but the farm’s cow train, cotton wagon ride, pedal cars, duck races and corn pit deliver an array of activities for children of all ages. The concession stand stays stocked and ready to serve burgers, hot dogs and their now-infamous Laurie Farms boiled peanuts.
Smith said stopping by the farm in Uriah helps families make memories together while supporting local farmers.
“We brought my three sons here last year, and they loved it,” said Smith, whose family farms in nearby Conecuh County. “Some of the best fall activities are enjoying the crisp, outside air and family time. Laurie Farms is a great place to do that.”
Monroe County’s George Laurie III and George Laurie IV operate Laurie Farms in Uriah. Best known for peanuts that are planted, dug, sorted, salted, boiled, bagged and sold on the farm, the father-son duo opened a corn maze last year to entertain more guests.
Desselle Joins Federation as Legislative, Policy Assistant
The Alabama Farmers Federation
welcomed Morgan Desselle to its External Affairs Department Sept. 9. Desselle will serve as legislative and policy assistant.
In her new role, Desselle will monitor state legislative activity while helping advance Federation policy. She will also assist with administrative details, communication, correspondence and daily activities, including support for the Federation’s agriculture counsel.
team and start a new journey helping Alabama farmers.”
Desselle brings an extensive understanding of the state’s agriculture industry to the Federation.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with Alabama’s agriculture community,” Desselle said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Federation in other capacities, and I’m excited to join the
A native of Montgomery County, Desselle was raised on her family’s cow-calf operation and exhibited livestock across the South. She formerly served as executive assistant to Commissioner Rick Pate of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Prior experience includes serving as livestock production specialist for Purina Animal Nutrition and field services director at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.
Federation External Affairs
Department Director Brian Hardin said Desselle is a valued addition to the team as the organization prepares for next year’s legislative session.
“We’re excited to bring Morgan on the team, especially as we begin work to represent our members at the State House by encouraging important legislation like Alfa Health Plans,” Hardin said. “Morgan’s considerable knowledge of communications, agriculture and state government, as well as the relationships she has built over the years with Alabama farmers, is an asset to our organization.”
Desselle is a 2019 graduate of Troy University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in communication and was a member of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society. She and husband Tyler live in Pike Road with their daughter, Presley.
USDA Tags Nov. 5 as Start Date for EID Mandate
ADAI’s Dr. Misty Edmondson demonstrates how to read an EID tag using a special wand. A new federal rule related to EID goes into effect Nov. 5.
Thanks to advance work from industry partners, Alabama cattle farmers should be well-equipped when a federal rule requiring electronic ID (EID) tags for mature breeding animals that cross state lines goes into effect Nov. 5.
Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate said the state’s diligent, multi-year preparations are ahead of the curve.
“Our staff works daily to prevent foreign animal diseases in Alabama, while also preparing and practicing response plans in case of an outbreak,”
Pate said. “The use of EID tags increases traceability of cattle, which is a critical tool for our response plan. We have been preparing to meet the requirements for EID and are proud to be one of the few states that provides tags to livestock owners at no cost for cattle that require official ID for the next two and a half years.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will oversee implementing the Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison.
Under the new rule, animals that need EID tags when they enter interstate movement include sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older; all dairy cattle, including beef-ondairy crossbred animals; and cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows or exhibitions. This rule does not affect feeder cattle.
Cattle can maintain visual tags applied before Nov. 5 for the lifetime of the animal, said Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Division Director Chris Prevatt.
Prevatt said the rule will primarily affect stockyards and seedstock
producers, noting most genetic suppliers have already implemented EID for animal disease traceability.
The Alabama State Beef Checkoff is helping ease stockyards’ financial burden from the mandate. A checkofffunded grant program, which began five years ago in preparation for implementation, reimburses stockyards for purchasing an EID wand and panel readers, a special computer system and tag applicators.
It has been a worthwhile investment of producers’ checkoff funds to support stockyards in this partnership, said Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President Erin Beasley.
“The ACA leadership has been committed to ensuring any changes to technology within the animal disease traceability law should not affect the speed of commerce or the producers’ bottom line,” Beasley said. “Our goal with implementation is that cattlemen will not notice any changes taking place as a result of the new rule. By having the stockyards equipped and ADAI providing tags, the cattle industry in Alabama is prepared for Nov. 5.”
Desselle
Advice for what
matters most, when you need it most
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Frosts and freezes will be here soon to turn landscapes into shades of gloomy brown. Brighten your landscape this October by planting annuals that will grow and flower well over the winter. Luckily, Alabama’s winters are warm enough that the list of flowering annuals is quite long. There are many winter annuals to choose from, including pansies, violas, snapdragons and ornamental cabbage and kale.
Pansies and violas are the workhorses of the winter annual bed, reliably producing flowers all winter long. Pansies are sorted based on bloom size. There are extra-large, large and medium flowering pansies. Varieties with large and extra-large flowers are beautiful while in bloom but make fewer blooms overall than a variety that produces medium-sized flowers.
small flowers but reliably flower abundantly even in the coldest months.
Both pansies and violas come in a wide range of colors, including red, blue, yellow, orange, white and purple. Many pansies and violas produce flowers that are bicolor or have a face-like appearance. Mixing multiple colors of pansies together is a great way to make an annual bed more dramatic.
Mix yellows and oranges for a cheery look, or combine purples and whites for a calming feel.
Violas — also known as Johnny jump-ups — are another good annual for season-long color. These plants produce
Snapdragons will also flower well during winter, especially in central and south Alabama. They come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, purple, pink and white. They range in height from 8 inches to 3 feet tall, so they can fit into any spot. While snapdragons are considered annuals, they often live for a full year — blooming beautifully in fall, winter and spring but waning in the summer.
Another good choice is ornamental kale or cabbage.
Ornamental kale has ruffled leaves, while ornamental cabbage has large, smooth leaves. Both can be found in combinations of green, white, purple and pink. They hold their colorful foliage all winter and into the spring but produce no flowers. Occasionally, north Alabama will have a deep, sustained freeze or snow that will damage these plants. Otherwise, they perform well into spring. They are lovely as the center or filler plant in a mixed container, too.
Plant winter annuals in October while the soil is still warm enough for roots to get established before the cold of winter moves in. Annual plants expend a lot of energy on flowering, so make sure the soil is fertile and well drained. If summer annuals seemed to have poor nutrition, consider adding fertilizer at planting based on soil test results. After planting, cover the area with 1 to 2 inches of mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures.
No matter which flowering annual you choose, adding them to the landscape will brighten the gloomy winter to come. For more information on winter annuals, call your local Extension office or visit aces.edu.
By Katie Nichols
Precision agriculture has never been as important as it is in 2024. In addition to the traditional farm toolbox — filled with hammers, pliers and wrenches — producers today also have a precision ag toolbox.
Simer Virk, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s new precision ag specialist, said he looks forward to helping farmers make the most of their existing tools while adding precision ag technology.
Growing up on his family’s small row crop farm in India, Virk is no stranger to hard work.
“We didn’t have a lot of machinery or technology, so we did a lot of manual labor while harvesting wheat and picking cotton,” Virk said. “Because of that, I have a deep appreciation for modern machinery and technology in agriculture.”
Auburn Roots
Virk earned his bachelor’s degree in India in agricultural engineering, a goal since childhood.
His first stop in the U.S. was in 2010 at Auburn University (AU), where he was
Alabama Extension Welcomes New Precision Agriculture Specialist
under the tutelage of former precision ag specialist John Fulton.
“I was fortunate to get involved in precision ag as it was just taking off,” Virk said. “We were talking about GPS autosteer systems then, but that is all basic agricultural technology now.”
Virk was involved in various aspects of precision ag research at the time and has kept up with the industry during its evolution.
“My understanding and involvement in Extension also came from my time at Auburn,” Virk said. “How do we interact and share information with growers? How do we work with agents and share what we have learned? These served as important things for me to build my Extension experience on.”
He completed his master’s degree in biosystems (or agricultural) engineering at AU before earning his doctorate from the University of Georgia (UGA) in 2020. Virk spent four years as UGA Extension’s precision ag specialist before returning to AU as an Extension precision ag and machinery systems specialist. Virk also serves as an associate professor in the AU Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Department of Biosystems Engineering
and is a researcher with the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.
Growing Forward
Getting started, Virk is traveling the state and visiting growers to understand how he can assist with their agricultural machinery and technology needs.
“Things are obviously different than when I left here almost 10 years ago,” Virk said. “I want to identify immediate needs and work to provide solutions.”
His interests and expertise include using new technologies such as planters, sprayers, spreaders and harvesters to improve field efficiency and crop productivity. He primarily focuses on row-crop technologies. However, Virk said he is excited to explore opportunities with colleagues in other crop disciplines.
Virk knows growers have different needs. He said he hopes to provide guidance to each farmer based on technology and other specific needs.
“We want to make sure that farmers are maximizing the value of the equipment and technology they already have before thinking about adding more technology into their operations,” he said.
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OBACON
nce upon a time, butter, eggs and bacon were considered health food. Our grandparents’ generation believed them to be the Holy Breakfast Trinity.
Old-timers believed farm eggs, pork bellies and hand-churned butter were the keys to longevity and happiness.
Long ago, I remember when my grandfather visited his longtime family doctor — a cross between Fred Mertz and Methuselah. He would finish each exam by shining a light into my grandfather’s ear canal and saying, “Hey, I see daylight on the other side.”
You had to love these men. They were from another generation. They worked hard, polished their car engines, wore high-waisted pants, used Old Spice and ate bacon.
As a younger man, my grandfather would visit the butcher on payday and buy a huge pork slab. Bacon was so vital back then that he would buy it before he spent money on anything else.
This was before the days of standardized testing and cellphones. Back when kids were walking to school, uphill, 40 miles, both ways, crossing rivers full of gators and doing their homework on the backs of shovel blades with charcoal.
So just to briefly recap what our grandparents believed — Bacon, butter and eggs: good. Communism and rock ‘n’ roll: evil.
But somewhere along the way, nutrition experts changed their tune. They started claiming bacon, butter, egg yolks and anything that tasted good would kill you. This was in every magazine, newspaper and talk show.
Soon, food companies were manufacturing bland, fat-free products that weren’t fit for thinning paint.
Around every corner was an expert telling us not to eat eggs but to eat some exotic “superfood,” even though it happened to look like a pile of beetle larvae. Quinoa, I’m looking at you. Things haven’t gotten much better. It doesn’t seem like experts can agree on what to eat.
Once at a party, I saw three doctors get into a heated disagreement over the subject of diet and nutrition. Keep in mind, these were actual practicing doctors who drove actual Lexuses. One claimed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet with low carbs was best. Another recommended low-fat vegetarianism. The third was actually a chiropractor and went around trying to crack everyone’s neck.
One friend believes Paleo is the way to go. He explains it is based on the carnivorous diet Stone Age humans ate during the Paleolithic era, back when the average life expectancy of a male was 22 years. My friend Tyler went gluten free last month. He says he feels great and has more energy. We visited his house for dinner. His wife served us pasta made of mung bean curds.
I get so confused. Should I eat bacon or not? Are eggs going to kill me? What’s the word on potted meat?
For answers, I turned to a retired doctor. He is a sweet elderly man with deep lines in his face. I trust him because he smells like Old Spice, and he wears his pants a little high on the waist.
I asked his opinion.
“Oh,” he said, “Do you know what I’ve found is the best health practice?
“Be happy, be nice, use moderation, and eat whatever you want.”
Then he shined a light in my ear canal and said, “Hey, I see daylight on the other side.” ■
Welcome back to my kitchen!
October is National Pork Month, and I have three incredibly versatile recipes for you to share with your loved ones. It doesn’t matter if it’s a potluck, family dinner, buffet or tailgate festivities, these pork dishes will be welcome at any party.
I’m particularly partial to Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas when it comes to bringing a little extra fiesta flavor to Taco Tuesday. A pork shoulder is seasoned with flavorful spices and slow cooked until it’s fall-apart tender. The meat is then shredded and crisped up under the broiler to use in tacos, burritos, quesadillas or burrito bowls. It’s also mighty fine just by itself. If you can’t find pork shoulder or if a sale makes it more appealing, Boston Butt is a perfect substitute.
My White BBQ Sauce is delicious on just about any kind of meat. You can use it as a baste near the end of cooking, a dipping sauce or pour it over pulled pork sandwiches. It’s awfully good on chicken, too. You don’t often see it used as a marinade, but this all-purpose,
quintessentially Alabama sauce shines in that department, too. My recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin is sure to strengthen your love of this tangy, creamy sauce.
This month, I am honored to share Sweet-and-Sour Sausage Links from beloved Alabama Farmers Federation family member Cheryl Lassiter. Cheryl and her husband, Jeff, have a farm in Choctaw County where Cheryl is known for simple, Southern recipes that are just plain good cooking. I recently made these sausage links as an appetizer for a potluck, and after the first taste-test, I had to talk myself into actually sharing them with others.
While the Lassiters are cattle and hay farmers, they’re friends with hard-working Alabama farmers who are in the pig business. If you’d like to purchase Alabama-grown pork available near you this National Pork Month, visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.
I hope you are enjoying one of our favorite times of year. As the weather cools and we get back into our fall routines, take notice of every moment
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Prep Time Cook Time Servings 10 mins 8 hrs 5 mins 8
Ingredients
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 (4-pound) pork shoulder
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 orange, juiced
3 limes, juiced
Instructions
In a small bowl, make dry rub by combining salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder and oregano. Place the pork shoulder on a baking sheet or tray, and coat with the rub.
Spray the crock of a large slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, orange juice and lime juice to the crock. Place the pork shoulder inside. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours (or high for 4 to 5 hours).
Remove pork from slow cooker, and shred meat with two forks. Return meat to slow cooker with the juices. Mix to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
When ready to serve, heat oven to broil. Put about half of the shredded pork on a large, rimmed baking sheet, then place under the broiler. Watch it closely for 3 to 4 minutes or until the meats starts to get crispy. Repeat with remaining meat. Serve in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, etc.
spent with those we love so we can cherish this time as the treasure it is.
Until next time,
Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com.
RecipeStacey’sNote
Most grocery stores sell pork tenderloin in a vacuumsealed bag with two tenderloins per package.The package should be between 2 and 3 pounds total weight.
White BBQ Sauce Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Creole or spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 (1- to 1.5-pound) pork tenderloins (not pork loin)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, make white sauce by combining mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, garlic, vinegar, pepper, salt and paprika. Set aside. The flavors will continue to meld over time.
Use paper towels to pat the tenderloins dry. Trim excess fat and silver skin if present. Place tenderloins in a gallon zip-top bag, and add about half the white sauce. Seal and toss to coat. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Cover remaining sauce and refrigerate.
When ready to cook, allow pork to come to room temperature so it will cook evenly. Heat the grill to medium-high. Grill tenderloins for 20 to 25 minutes (turning occasionally) or until an instant-read thermometer placed in the center of the loin reads 145 F.
Remove from grill and tent with foil. Allow to rest about 5 minutes. Slice and serve with remaining white sauce.
Sweet-and-Sour Sausage Links
By Cheryl Lassiter, Choctaw County
Ingredients
1 (1-pound) package sausage links or cocktail sausages
2 tablespoons cold water
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Place sausage in a large, cold skillet. Add cold water. Cover and cook over medium heat 8 to10 minutes. Remove sausage and drain off all liquid. Return skillet to medium heat and cook sausage, turning frequently, until evenly browned. Remove sausage, and place on paper towel. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from skillet. Add onion and cook over medium heat until onion is tender. Blend in flour. Continue stirring until mixture bubbles. Remove from heat. Add hot water, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Return skillet to heat, and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes while stirring. Return sausage to skillet. Cook over low heat 10 minutes. Serve as a main dish over rice or as an appetizer.
YOUR SOYBEANS ARE THE RIGHT FEEDSTUFF FOR
ANIM ALS
Alabama’s 2,500 family poultry farms are our state’s No. 1 agricultural industry. And they count on over 2.3 million tons of your soybean meal a year as a high-protein ingredient in their feed. That’s 98 million bushels of your soybeans every year. As your Alabama Soybean Checkoff, we’re working with the Alabama poultry industry to make sure this stays one good-looking figure. Learn more about the story of soy at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
