Neighbors Magazine, November 2019 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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November/Winter 2019 | Volume 44 | Number 11 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate Editor Laura Unger | 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 Donald Hodge | New Market Donald Sewell | Southside Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Meador Jones | Gallion Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Sammy Gibbs | Atmore Chris Carroll | Ariton Jo Ann B. Laney | Phenix City Garrett Dixon | Salem 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. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001 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.

In This Issue 5 | Federation Awards AU Ag Scholarships

36 | Serving Up Classic

Cornbread Dressing

8 | Livestock Show Time At The Fair

11 | Alfa Donation Targets Outdoor Scholars

14 | Drought Dashes Hope For Good Harvest

On The Cover

Dry conditions and high temperatures combined to damage crops across Alabama. Shelby County farmer Terry Wyatt shows how drought reduced boll size for his cotton crop.

Photo By Marlee Moore

www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQAM

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

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November/Winter 2019

NEIGHBORS

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Auburn Students Score $123,500 In Farmers Federation Scholarships From left are Auburn University (AU) College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson, Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East, AU junior Victoria Dee of Pickens County, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and AU senior Sedrick Mack of Lee County.

County

Name

Major

Year

Baldwin

Grayson Bertolla

Ecological Engineering Option

Junior

By Marlee Moore

Butler

Chambers

he Alabama Farmers Federation invested in the future of the state’s No. 1 industry by awarding 80 Auburn University (AU) students from 55 counties $123,500 in scholarships. The students, who are pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry or related programs, were recognized during a scholarship reception Sept. 23 at Ham Wilson Livestock Arena. “It’s a pleasure of our organization to give back to you,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell, an AU agricultural economics graduate, as he addressed the recipients. “Auburn was an integral part of forming the Alabama Farmers Federation in 1921, and we’re committed to investing in Auburn alfafarmers.org

Autauga Baldwin Barbour Blount

Calhoun

Cherokee Chilton Chilton Clarke Clay

Coffee

Colbert

Conecuh Coosa

Covington Covington Covington Covington Crenshaw Cullman Dale

Daniel Carter Henry Bell

Griffin Fenn

Seth Ingram

Catherine Odom Korie Burgess Reynolds Carl

Wesley Rogers Bailey Price

Cory Powell Nick Pope

Michael Morrison Cody Davis

Katherine Davis

Alexandra Jackson William Pharr

Caleb Whitehurst Eli Russell

Emily Wismer Peyton Zessin Trent Warrick

Kacie Donaldson Clay Tew

Crop & Soils Science

Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Poultry Science-Production Agriscience Education Agricultural Science

Wildlife Ecology & Management Natural Resources Management

Wildlife Ecology & Management Agricultural Science

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

Senior Junior Junior Junior

Freshman Junior

Senior Junior

Sophomore Junior

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

Poultry Science-Production Forestry

Agricultural Business & Economics Crop & Soils Science Agricultural Science

Sophomore Sophomore Senior Junior

Senior

Sophomore

Agricultural Science

Sophomore

Agricultural Business & Economics Biosystems Engineering

Sophomore

Senior

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

Agriscience Education

Junior

Senior Junior

Senior

November/Winter 2019

NEIGHBORS

Dale

Hannah Welch

Poultry Science-Pre-Vet

Junior

DeKalb

Kailee Johnson

Pre-Agriscience Education

Junior

Dallas

Rickman Williams

Elmore

Andrew Palmer

Escambia

Crop & Soils Science (Production)

Ethan Mobley

Greene

Pre-Biosystems Engineering

Cal Logan

Hale

Forestry

Shelby Marsh

Henry

Animal Sciences

Clay Rippey

Henry

Crop, Soils and Environmental Sciences

Kaitlyn Chestnut

Henry

Agricultural Science

Katie Shadell

Henry

Horticulture

Wayne Brady

Houston

Anna Beth Freeman

Houston

Ashlyn Peters

Houston

Jacob Sizemore

Jackson

Agricultural Business & Economics

Jordan Doss

Jefferson

Wildlife Science-Pre-Vet

Micah Bartlett

Jefferson

Agricultural Business & Economics

Nathan Lewis

Lawrence

Crop, Soils & Environmental Sciences (Turf Grass)

Tanner Hood

Lee

Agricultural Communications

Jack Slay

Lee

Crop & Soils Science (Production)

James Dowdell

Lee

Agricultural Business & Economics

Julia Lawrence

Lee

Poultry Science-Production

Sedrick Mack

Lee

Agricultural Business & Economics

Jasey Black

Lowndes

Laura Jean McCurdy

Macon

Alyson Mann

Madison

Andrew Walker

Madison

Justin McCaghren

Madison

Luke Cheatham

Madison

Marissa Plunk

Marengo

Thomas Hargrove

Morgan

Zachary Watts

Pickens

Victoria Dee

Pike

McKenzie Houston

St. Clair

Ben Castleberry

Shelby

Clay Colley

Talladega

Baylor Arnold

Donaldson Memorial Award |

Pre-Agriscience Education

Agricultural Science

Nancy Jordan

Winston

Agricultural Business & Economics

Forestry

Josh Gunn

Wilcox

Environmental Science

Poultry Science-Pre-Vet

Noah Runyan

Washington

Agricultural Science

Agricultural Business & Economics

Carley Rehr

Walker

Pre-Forestry/Biosystems Engineering

Pre-Biosystems Engineering

Josie Williams

Tallapoosa

Agricultural Business & Economics

Agricultural Communications

Richie Price

Randolph

Crop & Soils Science (Production)

Clay Tucker

Montgomery

Crop & Soils Science (Production)

Will Miller

Monroe

Pre-Biosystems Engineering

Geospatial and Environmental Informatics

Nathan Cornutt

Mobile

Wildlife Science-Pre-Vet

Biology & Agriculture Technology Management

Max Norton

Marshall

Agricultural Communications

Wildlife Ecology & Management

William Yates

Marion

Agricultural Communications

Poultry Science-Pre-Vet

Ethan Jones

Madison

NEIGHBORS

Crop & Soils Science (Production)

Walker Davidson

Limestone

Agricultural Science

Entomology Plant Pathology

Doston Nichols

Jefferson

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

Horticulture

Christian Baker

Jefferson

Crop & Soils Science

Pre-Biosystems Engineering

Julia Swanson

Jefferson

Pre-Forestry

Wade Gossett

Franklin

Agriscience Education

William Smith

Etowah

Agricultural Business & Economics

Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet

Biology & Agriculture Technology Management

Rusty Yancy

November/Winter 2019

Agricultural Science

Freshman Senior Junior

Senior Junior

Senior

Sophomore Junior

Junior

Senior

Senior Junior

Junior

Freshman Junior

Senior

Senior Junior

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Freshman Senior

Senior

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students. We’re working to provide for the next generation of leaders, who will make a huge difference for Alabama and agriculture.” The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation contributed $1,250 for each county Federation providing $500. Fifty-five students received the $1,750 scholarships. Some counties fully funded additional scholarships. They are Baldwin, Chambers, Chilton, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee and Madison counties. The R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship, named after a longtime Cullman County Farmers Federation member and cattleman, was also awarded to Rusty Yancy. Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East told students he appreciated their interest in agriculture, a $70 billion industry in Alabama. “It makes us proud that we can help you financially and see you mature and be successful,” said East, a cattle and row crop farmer from Centre. “This is an investment in Alfa’s future and your future.” Recipients included Greene County’s Cal Logan. The senior from Eutaw thanked the county and state organizations for support through scholarships and relationship-building. “It’s a great honor to be awarded this scholarship and represent the Farmers Federation,” said Logan, who studies forestry. “Being part of the Alfa Farmers community has allowed me to meet great people and be part of great things, in addition to easing the financial burden of my education.” As parents of scholarship recipient Noah Runyan, Walker County’s Russ and Linda Runyan shared thanks for Auburn, the Farmers Federation and scholastic efforts from their three children. “We’re proud, thankful, grateful and blessed — not just financially, but because our children have the desire to apply for honors like this and achieve their dreams,” Linda said. Russ echoed his wife. “I thank the county chapters and state level for paying it forward, investing in young men and women who will be in our field for years to come,” he said. For photos, visit the Federation’s Facebook and Flickr pages. alfafarmers.org

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November/Winter 2019

NEIGHBORS

Fall Fairs Signal Livestock Show Season By Marlee Moore

hundreds of youth across FthingorAlabama, fall fair season means one — it’s livestock show time.

That translates to family time for youth like Cole Eubanks of Cullman County, one of about 250 exhibitors to compete in livestock shows during the Alabama National Fair Oct. 4-14. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance annually sponsor shows at the Montgomery-based fair, along with the National Peanut Festival in Dothan Nov. 1-10. “I like showing livestock because I like to spend time with family, and I like to go places with my family,” said 10-year-old Eubanks, who showed Charolais cattle from his family’s Holly Pond farm. On the fair circuit, youth may exhibit beef cattle, goats, sheep, dairy cattle or swine, in addition to competing in showmanship contests. Preparing for the show ring is no small feat, with youth spending hours each day in the barn learning to fit their animals. “You fix their hair the right way and brush it until it’s right,” Eubanks said. “After that, you walk into the show ring and are ready to go.”

Cole Eubanks of Cullman County exhibited Charolais heifers in the Youth Beef Cattle Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 6 in Montgomery.

Students also compete in Premier Exhibitor Contests, which test livestock knowledge, evaluation skills and showmanship. Mary Hannah Gullatt of Lee County was named the Intermediate Division High Individual and echoed Eubanks’ thoughts on training. “We work the calves every day washing, drying and practicing,” said Gullatt, 15, who lives in Salem and was

During the Youth Goat Show Oct. 5, judge Jason Brashear of Kentucky shared wisdom with Paisley Kendrick of Montevallo, while Emma Gandy of Troy exhibited next to her. 8

NEIGHBORS

November/Winter 2019

inspired to show cattle because of her older sister, Grace. “We spend a lot of time in the barn and mainly learn about working hard.” Gullatt exhibited the Market Show Bred and Owned Reserve Grand Champion and Hereford Division Reserve Champion Heifer. Her 11-yearold brother, Silas, exhibited the Hereford Division Bred and Owned Reserve Champion Heifer. Gullatt said her experiences showing cattle encouraged her to pursue joining a livestock judging team in college. Lessons learned showing livestock will resonate throughout the lives of these youth, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Brady Ragland. “Responsibility, dedication and hard work are just a few of the traits students pick up through showing livestock,” said Ragland, the commodity director who oversees the Federation’s youth livestock programs. “They also get an up-close look at Alabama’s No. 1 industry, agriculture. It’s important to invest in these youth and help cultivate characteristics we need in future agricultural leaders.” View photos from the Alabama National Fair on the Federation’s Facebook and Flickr pages. alfafarmers.org

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Donation Targets Montevallo Outdoor Scholars The Alfa Foundation donated $10,000 in scholarships to four University of Montevallo President’s Outdoor Scholars Program students. From left are program director William Crawford with recipients Miller Spivey, Tyler Harless and Porter James. Recipient Kate Frederick is not pictured.

By Marlee Moore tudents who explore the great S outdoors are aiming for success at Alabama’s only public liberal arts

college, thanks to a $10,000 scholarship donation from the Alfa Foundation. The scholarship funds, split among four students, reward President’s Outdoors Scholars Program participants at the University of Montevallo. “The Alabama Farmers Federation has a long history of providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in agriculture and forestry,” said Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. “It’s encouraging to see the University of Montevallo broaden its scope to include programs like Outdoor Scholars, which complements the Federation’s other scholarship

alfafarmers.org

programs because it encourages good stewardship of natural resources.” Scholarship recipients are Kate Frederick of Montevallo, a junior in environmental studies; Tyler Harless of Helena, a senior in biology; Porter James of Russellville, a senior in interdisciplinary studies; and Miller Spivey of Tyler, a senior in marketing. “It’s a huge help to have this

President’s Outdoor Scholars Program participants are given hands-on activities to learn about careers and opportunities in the outdoor industry. Students hear from guest speakers; practice hunting and fishing; take educational trips; and volunteer in their communities. Miller Spivey, a senior in marketing and Alfa Foundation scholarship recipient, is pictured practicing bow hunting.

November/Winter 2019

NEIGHBORS

Crawford helps students hone interests and career goals in the outdoor industry. Then they modify degree programs to hit their target. Take James, who’s pursuing a custom-tailored, interdisciplinary degree in outdoor media marketing. He earned an internship with Buckmasters Inc. and gained experience shooting video for Outdoor Scholars TV, available on YouTube, Instagram TV and CarbonTV. “We actually take the students in the field and on the water to participate in these experiences,” Crawford said. “Industry professionals also invite students to go on trips, critique their performance and mentor them.” During their annual guest speaker

Above: Tyler Harless concentrates on fishing opportunities through the President’s Outdoor Scholars Program and said he hopes to pursue a career focused on pond management. Right: Porter James helps document Outdoor Scholars Program trips through videography and photography, and he also works with game cameras. He found his career niche in outdoor media marketing, a custom-tailored degree.

scholarship assistance from the Farmers Federation,” said Spivey, who was raised on a Dallas County row crop farm. Since its inception in 2015, the Outdoor Scholars Program has grown from eight to 60 participants representing nine states. That’s mostly due to its hands-on approach to educating students about outdoor careers, said program director William Crawford. “Outdoor Scholars keeps students involved in the outdoors while getting a college degree,” Crawford said. “We founded the program to answer this question from university President Dr. John Stewart, ‘What do high school students in Alabama enjoy doing outside of athletics?’” The answer? Hunting and fishing. It’s easy to track Outdoor Scholars success stories. Just look at James, a 12

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scholarship recipient whose shooting technique varies from his peers. “While I’ve been in the program, I’ve found a passion for outdoor photography and videography,” said the 21 year old. “On our trips, I’m capturing the other students’ excitement, and that’s pretty fun.” Outdoor Scholars expeditions range from hunting antelope in Wyoming to fishing for blue marlin in the Bahamas. Recipient Harless is angling for a career in the fisheries industry and said reeling in Louisiana redfish was his favorite learning experience. “I’ve always fished but had never caught redfish,” said Harless, 21. “It was neat getting to try out a different style of fishing.”

series, Outdoor Scholars network with industry leaders like marketing specialists, wildlife biologists, professional anglers and hunting lodge operators. They also participate in community service projects tied to environmental stewardship and taste the fruits of their labor during wild game cookouts. “People know of Montevallo as the public liberal arts university,” Crawford said. “They’d never guess we have an outdoor program. We’re providing an opportunity that’s offered nowhere else in the country.” To learn more, visit outdoorscholars. montevallo.edu. alfafarmers.org

MS AL

Drought caused Talladega County farmer Whit Lovelady to start feeding hay to his cows early — first in July and again in late September.

High Heat, Minimal Moisture Hurt Yields, Bottom Line By Marlee Moore

ero. Zip. Zilch. Z That’s how much rain Terry Wyatt’s 500-acre cotton crop received in

September. “Cotton likes hot weather, but you have to have some rain,” said Wyatt, 66, whose non-irrigated cropland in Harpersville was in the heart of Alabama’s most persistent drought based on the U.S. Drought Monitor. “We got in a pattern early. The heat index got extremely high at the end of May and stayed that way. We got intermittent showers in the summer and a 2-inch rain at the end of August. We didn’t have a drop the whole month of September.” Record-breaking heat and minimal moisture meant some cotton struggled to grow. In cotton that did take root, underdeveloped and knotty bolls became an issue. Wyatt said he expects to harvest around 600 pounds per acre,

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400 pounds less than 2018. The Oct. 10 Drought Monitor report showed 5.39% of Alabama in extreme drought, 14.45% severe drought and 54.08% moderate drought. Other areas were abnormally dry. Wyatt’s story shares a common thread among Alabama growers, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. “September and October are usually our driest months,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “Last year, farmers had a great growing season, but a wet harvest lowered yields. This year, yields will vary greatly. Some crops benefited from sporadic showers, but overwhelmingly, drought will lower yields again.” In the Wiregrass, problems persisted for producers like Ed White. The Henry County farmer and Alabama Peanut Producers Association board member

planted 900 acres of peanuts. Once prolonged heat and drought caused peanuts to separate from the shells, the clock was ticking to dig the legumes — which are packed in hard, parched earth. “I can add about $15 an acre to production costs because of the added expense of using so many plow points (long blades that cut dirt from beneath peanuts),” said White, who changed plow points nearly every 5 acres. “But we can’t wait on a rain. The peanuts are finished growing, and we need to get them out of the ground as quickly as possible.” White said his cotton fared better than peanuts, but the plants are shorter than normal. “That can make picking cotton a challenge since machinery has to get so low to the ground,” said White, 82. In northeast Alabama, Clay Hastings and his father, Billy Gullatt, harvested

alfafarmers.org

soybeans in early October. Drought dealt a blow to the late-planted beans, Hastings said. “We’re probably harvesting 50-60% of what we normally gather,” said Hastings, 24, a Jackson County farmer who serves on the State Soybean Committee. “Our soybean yields this year are anywhere from 30-40 bushels per acre.” They had a “decent corn crop,” but yields were below average, he said. “Our corn average is usually about 175 bushels an acre, and it’s down to 150 or lower,” he said. Hastings’ Scottsboro operation measured no precipitation in September. He said they plan to plant wheat following rain this fall. While drought caused some farmers to delay planting winter vegetables, conditions urged cattle producers to take action. On Whit Lovelady’s Talladega County farm, ponds dried up, and prime hayfields produced just half a bale an acre — a steep decline from the usual 3-bale average.

“I fed our first roll of hay the second week in July,” said Lovelady, who has 350 acres of hayfields in Alpine. “We caught a little rain shower or two, which spruced things up, and quit feeding. We started back the end of September.” Feeding hay this early could cause a shortage this winter and affect farmers’ bottom line. Lovelady, who has 175 head of cattle, usually sells 400-500 rolls of hay. He said he will most likely keep all the hay for his own herd. “I usually sell enough hay to help with feed costs, but I won’t be able to this year,” said Lovelady, 28. “It won’t affect us right now, but it will in January or February when hay gets scarce.” Drought conditions parched timber across the state, causing the Alabama Forestry Commission to issue a Fire Alert, urging delays in outdoor burning. Over 470 wildfires burned nearly 6,000 acres in September alone. That’s greater than the last three Septembers combined, including drought-ridden 2016. Despite the challenges, farmers like White remain optimistic.

Drought conditions and record-breaking temperatures through much of the growing season are affecting yields throughout the state.

“This has been a bad year for us; there’s no question about it,” he said. “But it’s not the end of the world. Bad years will happen if you stay in farming long enough.” For tips on managing drought, visit AlabamaDrought.com.

Governor To Address Alabama Farmers Federation 98th Annual Meeting labama Farmers Federation counties; and District A members from throughout the 11, which includes state will flock to Montgomery for the Baldwin, Clarke, 98th annual meeting of the state’s largest farm organization Dec. 8-9. Gov. Kay Ivey will address members, and former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, a “Fox News” commentator, will close out the general session on the final evening. The two-day meeting includes business sessions for the Federation’s Young Farmers Division and Women’s Leadership Division, in addition to electing leaders for the organization’s state board of directors. Board elections this year will be for secretary-treasurer (statewide); Central Area vice president; and Southwest Area vice president. District director elections include District 2, which includes Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties; District 5, which includes Bibb, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar and Tuscaloosa counties; District 8, which includes Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens and Sumter

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Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, Mobile and Washington counties. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., will receive the Service to Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor. Awards also will be presented to distinguished Ivey individual Federation members, as well as outstanding county Federations, Women’s Leadership committees and Young Farmers groups. Other events for the meeting include: n A concert by country music star Clay Walker. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.com n A silent auction to benefit the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF)

Gowdy

n AFAF tribute breakfast memorializing former county leaders who passed away in 2019 n Naming the Young Farmers Discussion Meet winner and recognizing other Young Farmers contest winners A new meeting app is available for those attending the conference. Instructions for downloading the app are available at cvent.com/d/dyq4d3. November/Winter 2019

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Over 100 ninth- and 10th-grade students attended the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference. From left are Alabama Farmers Federation Area 1 Organization Director Barrett Gilbert; Thomas Hartzog and Jacob Jones of Ariton High School in Dale County; and Alana Barnes of Brantley High School in Crenshaw County.

Alfa Leadership Conference Helps Youth Sharpen Skills wo days of learning at the Alfa Youth T Leadership Conference should help launch a lifetime of leadership success

for 119 ninth- and 10th-graders. Held in Columbiana at the Alabama 4-H Center Sept. 30-Oct. 1, the annual conference was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and county Federations. “These students aren’t the leaders of tomorrow; they’re the leaders of today,” said Wiley Bailey, the Federation’s Area 2 Organization director who helped coordinate the conference. “It’s important to energize young leaders and get them involved in agriculture at an early age so they can advocate for the industry and serve their communities.” Attendees hailed from 49 counties and worked to pinpoint potential, develop talents and discover a passion for service. The agenda included team-building activities at the 4-H Center’s challenge course; ag advocacy training with former National FFA officer Brennan Costello; high-energy leadership development with nationally renowned speaker Kelly Barnes; a political overview with Alabama Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster; and an interactive personal growth workshop with leadership consultant Nicole Pinkham. Bailey, also a former National FFA

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officer, said the network students formed will last through college and into their careers. That includes students like Alana Barnes from Crenshaw County, who created connections with fellow leaders from across the state. “I wanted to gain more leadership skills and learn how to encourage others

to become leaders, too,” said Barnes, a ninth grader at Brantley High School. During the conference, students amplified their patriotic pride during a flag-raising presentation with re-enactors from the American Village in Montevallo and snacked on s’mores during a fireside cookout.

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Bait Privilege License Enters Inaugural Year

all hunting season may take on a new Fstate’s look in many areas of Alabama as the new bait privilege license is used

for the first time. The law creating the bait privilege license was passed by the Alabama Legislature earlier this year and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey May 7. The law authorizes the sale of annual permits by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for hunting deer and feral swine over bait. “Sponsors of the legislation hope the new bait privilege license will eliminate confusion and enforcement differences related to Alabama’s deer feeding laws,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Wildlife Division Director William Green. The annual bait privilege license fee is $14 plus a $1 issuance fee for in-state hunters and $50 plus a $1 fee for out-ofstate sportsmen. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, and Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens.

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While Alabama requirements for hunting and fishing licenses have age exemptions and landowner exemptions, the bait privilege license does not. Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Director Chuck Sykes said one of the most common questions about the bait privilege license is who is required to purchase it. The short answer is anyone who hunts over bait. “If the 7-year-old grandson is sitting

in a shooting house with Granddaddy, and there’s a 30-06 and a .223 in that box, and there’s a feeder in the middle of the field, Granddaddy and his grandson both need to have a bait privilege license,” he said. Many people falsely believe the new bait privilege license is required only for hunting over corn. Some people are calling it the corn stamp, Sykes said. “That’s not true,” he said. “It includes a protein feeder, mineral blocks, juices and sprays. All of that is considered bait if you’re going to hunt over it. If you are going to do that, you have to buy a bait privilege license.” A hunting license and a bait privilege license can be purchased online through the ADCNR at OutdoorAlabama.com or from an Alabama-approved agent or probate office. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources contributed to this story.

November/Winter 2019

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Alabama-Made Barrels Bring Taste To Tennessee Whiskey By Dennis Sherer

n Alabama factory plays a big A role in producing the whiskey that has made the tiny Tennessee town of

Lynchburg world famous. Many barrels used to age Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to perfection are made in Lawrence County. “We produce the No. 1 ingredient used in making Jack Daniel’s whiskey,” said Darrell Davis, plant director of the Trinity cooperage. “The barrels give the whiskey its taste and color. Whiskey goes into the barrel as clear as water and comes out at the end of the aging process with a rich, nutty taste and a light caramel color.” Since 2012, employees at the Jack Daniel Cooperage in Alabama have crafted American white oak into barrels used for aging the popular whiskey. The facility, located on U.S. Highway 72 west of Decatur, produces about 1,300 barrels a day. The staves — vertical wooden planks used to make the barrels — come from Jack Daniel’s sawmills in Stevenson, Alabama, and Clifton, Tennessee. Wood for the sawmills is cut throughout the Tennessee Valley, Davis said. American white oak is the preferred wood for making whiskey barrels. Experts say it gives distilled spirits a nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla. Jack Daniel’s master distiller Jeff

Jack Daniel Cooperage plant director Darrell Davis said the facility produces the No. 1 ingredient in making the popular whiskey. He said the barrels give whiskey its taste and color. The plant churns out about 1,300 barrels a day.

Jack Daniel Cooperage in Trinity, Alabama. 20

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November/Winter 2019

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Barrels are made from American white oak milled into vertical wooden planks (staves) from Jack Daniel’s sawmills in Stevenson, Alabama, and Clifton, Tennessee. Steam softens the staves, helping curve the shape of the barrels before they’re toasted to help give them a unique flavor.

Arnett said the 53-gallon barrels are responsible for all the color in the famous Tennessee whiskey and more than half the flavor. “The barrel couldn’t be more important to our whiskey-making process,” he said. Around 200 people from throughout north Alabama and south Tennessee work at the Trinity plant. Raw lumber arriving from the sawmills is dried in kilns before heading inside the plant, where it is planed to the correct thickness and then cut to the proper length and width. Lumber for barrel staves is cut with a beveled edge, and about 30 are used in each barrel. Barrel heads are made from tongue-andgroove edge wood. Steam softens the staves, forming them into the distinctive curved shape of a whiskey barrel. Assembling the barrels is called the raising process. Staves are held together with a series of temporary hoops until permanent metal hoops are installed near the end of the production process. Six permanent hoops encase a finished barrel. After the barrels are formed, those produced at the Trinity plant are toasted — a long, slow heating of the wood. The process is a closely guarded secret. No alfafarmers.org

cameras or cellphones are allowed in that part of the plant. Toasting contributes to the unique flavor of Jack Daniel’s, Davis said. After toasting, the inside of the barrels is charred using an open flame. A 1,500 F flame heats the inside of the barrel for 13 seconds. A jet of water then cools the inside of the barrel and extinguishes embers. Charring adds to the color of the whiskey. It also filters the whiskey as temperatures fluctuate during the aging process, drawing the whiskey into and out of the wood. In addition to the Trinity plant, Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel’s, operates a cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the only whiskey maker that produces its own barrels. Barrels produced at the Trinity plant are marked with a J, for Jack Daniel’s, on rivets that hold the metal hoops together. Those produced in Louisville are marked with a B, for Brown-Forman. All the barrels produced in Trinity are used at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Barrels produced at the Louisville

cooperage are used for aging Jack Daniel’s and other Brown-Forman products. No glue or sealants are used on the barrels. Precise cutting of the staves and the cooperage’s skilled workers allow the barrels to hold whiskey without any leaks. Each barrel is tested for leaks before leaving the plant. Davis said transforming wood into barrels is a dying art. “There used to be cooperages all over the country,” he said. “Everything from flour and crackers to whiskey used to be shipped in wooden barrels. But as plastic and cardboard containers started to gain popularity in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the need for wooden barrels declined, and most of the cooperages went out of business.” By federal law, a barrel can be used only once for aging bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. Barrels often find a second shot at life as furniture and flower planters or are used in Scotland to age Scotch, proof that the bottom of the barrel isn’t so bad after all. November/Winter 2019

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Federation Welcomes Attorney Nichols As Agriculture Counsel he Alabama Farmers Federation T welcomed John Allen Nichols to its External Affairs Department in

September. Nichols, who interned with the Federation since May 2017, serves as agriculture counsel. Nichols graduated from Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law in 2019 Nichols and is admitted to the Alabama State Bar. He earned a bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Auburn University (AU) in 2016. “I’m excited to put my talents and training to work for Alabama farmers,” said Nichols, 25, a Trussville native. “My education in agriculture inspired a drive to help those who pursue one of the most noble callings — farming. I want to help ensure that pursuit has as few obstacles as possible.” In his new role, he will provide legal advice and service to the Federation; draft legislation; monitor and review regulations to ensure compliance; draft, review and negotiate contracts; and research issues. “John Allen has energy, enthusiasm and a passion for agriculture and law,” said External Affairs Department Director Matthew Durdin. “He’s a familiar face our members recognize and trust. He understands the challenges facing our farmers and organization and is prepared to address those issues.” While at AU, Nichols was Ag Ambassador president, Poultry Science Club treasurer and a member of the Block & Bridle Club. He also was a Jefferson County Farmers Federation scholarship recipient. Nichols and wife Lucy live in Auburn. In his free time, Nichols enjoys spending time with his wife and friends, training his dog and reading. They attend Grace Heritage Church. 22

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November/Winter 2019

New Benefit Helps Members Avoid Costly Water Damage

labama Farmers Federation and A StreamLabs® are partnering to help members avoid damage,

inconvenience and costly repairs from water leaks in their homes. Federation Member Benefits Director Paul Brown said the organization’s newest affinity program makes water leak detection and control affordable. “Homeowners are 10 times more likely to suffer water damage than a fire, and an average claim costs more than $9,000,” Brown said. “StreamLabs offers easy-to-install monitors that can pay for themselves by saving money on water bills and insurance deductibles resulting from claims.” Federation members save 10% on StreamLabs Monitor, which retails for $169, or 20% on StreamLabs Control, a savings of $119.80 off the $599 retail price. The control unit marries StreamLabs’ leak detector with an automatic shut-off valve. Both units offer 24/7 leak detection, custom smartphone alerts, real-time insights through a handy app, and integration with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. “The StreamLabs smart home water monitor introduces homeowners to the first truly intelligent water system,” said Jeff Long, director of marketing and operations for StreamLabs. “This technology, combined with an easy installation method, helps

our customers take control of their household water systems without undertaking extensive re-plumbing.” According to StreamLabs, two in five homeowners will experience water damage from a leak. Additionally, about 12% of all water entering a home daily is wasted due to leaks. The most common culprits are leaky toilets, 48%; broken pipes, 15%; and dripping faucets, 10%. While many homeowners will want to use a plumber for the StreamLabs Control unit, the StreamLabs Monitor can be installed in five minutes with no specialized tools. The Alabama-made product is ideal for primary residences, as well as lake homes, beach houses and other properties where leaks could cause extensive damage. The StreamLabs app automatically detects water usage patterns and notifies the user of abnormal water use or potential freeze conditions. Alerts may be customized to adjust sensitivity, and there are modes for when residents are home and away. StreamLabs Control can automatically shut off the water to a house within 15 seconds of detecting a leak. There’s also a manual shut-off and remote shut-off option. To take advantage of the savings, Federation members should visit StreamLabsWater.com and use the promo codes ALFAMonitor or ALFAControl, based on the unit they purchase. alfafarmers.org

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To The Point: He’s A World Champion n Auburn University (AU) freshman from Geraldine, A Alabama, proved when it comes to computers, he’s world class.

Last December, Seth Maddox was a senior at Geraldine High School when he stumbled across a contest for students 13-22 years old sponsored by Certiport, a company that trains people for Microsoft Office program certification. He entered the PowerPoint portion of the contest almost by accident. “I sort of entered the contest on a whim,” said Maddox, who used the Microsoft program at school and for his church, Baltimore Avenue Church of God in Albertville. “In fact, it was the last day to enter the contest. About a week later, I received an email saying I was the Alabama state champion and was eligible to compete in the national contest in Orlando.” In June, he clinched the national championship by outscoring top competitors from across the country in a series of tests using the popular presentation software. He won $3,000 and an invitation to the international contest in New York City in July. The three-day competition, which was designed by Certiport, was held near Times Square. Maddox competed against students from 50 countries. While his contest focused on PowerPoint, other students competed in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Two other U.S. students were top-three finishers in their contests, but Maddox was the only American to win first place. Maddox said he thought he did well in the competition, but when he was announced the winner, his family’s reaction is what he remembers most. “My family was way more excited than I was,” said Maddox, who was accompanied by his parents, Crossville Alfa Insurance Agent Dan Maddox and his wife, Tara; and older brother Luke, also an AU student. “My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders through all of this. Whether I won or lost, they were going to be there to coach me along this journey.” As the international winner, Maddox took home a $7,000 cash prize, a Surface Laptop 2, a medal and a trophy. Less tangible things, like the friends he made from around the world, will last a lifetime. “In addition to the contest, there was a dance and social events where the students had the opportunity to meet each other,” Maddox said. “There was a group of students from New Zealand that I particularly enjoyed meeting. Hearing them talk and interact with each other was fun. Listening to others from around the world talk in different languages was an interesting experience, too.” After a world championship, adjusting to life as a college student has been pleasant but challenging, said Maddox, who is an Alfa Foundation scholarship recipient studying computer engineering.

alfafarmers.org

By Debra Davis

From left are Don Wagner and Nancy Jerdee of Pearson VUE, the parent company of Certiport; PowerPoint World Champion Seth Maddox; and Anthony Salcito and Jennifer Filarski of Microsoft.

He’s already contemplating life after college graduation. “I would really like to design computer components,” he said. “The whole idea of creating a circuit and making things work is awesome to me. Maybe I could work for a big-name company like Microsoft one day or even a small company. As long as I’m working on computers and building things, I’ll be happy.”

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Holmes Served Federation Members Nearly Half A Century

Throughout nearly a century, Linda Holmes was Morgan County Farmers Federation secretary and moved up at Alfa Insurance as CSR, district supervisor and agent. She and her husband, Gerry, live on their farm in the Gandy’s Cove community.

By Marlee Moore or 45 years, Morgan County Farmers Fcounted Federation (MCFF) members on a constant — secretary Linda

Holmes. “My best memories are of the people we helped and the people I worked with,” said Holmes, 77, who retired as secretary in August. But Holmes didn’t just serve members by paying bills, handling correspondence, taking minutes, keeping financial reports and organizing over 500 meetings in nearly half a century. In 1972, she began working at Alfa Insurance, then Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance, as a customer service representative (CSR) in Hartselle. After supervising a team of CSRs for 14 years, she became an agent in Decatur. Holmes retired from Alfa in 2002. “I was always proud to work for Alfa,” she said. “It was like a family.” Outside work, Holmes was rooted

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November/Winter 2019

in agriculture. She and husband Gerry married in 1960 and raised four children on the farm where she grew up. Hillview Beefmasters in Gandy’s Cove was one of Alabama’s first Beefmaster herds, said Gerry, an MCFF board member. Holmes had a front-row seat to change within MCFF. When she took the reins as secretary in 1973, annual meeting invitations were hand-labeled — all 8,000 of them. They eventually transitioned to automation with the printing company addressing postcards. She also worked with four Alabama Farmers Federation area organization directors and five county presidents, including current leader Mark Byrd. Byrd said Holmes has been the face of Alfa in his county for as long as he can remember. “I’ve known Linda all my life,” Byrd

said. “Her son, Rodney, and I were best friends in high school, and I knew she was connected to Alfa before I was active in the organization. She’s one of the best people I’ve ever known. It says something about her that she continued to work for the Farmers Federation after her retirement from the insurance company.” Evolving technology tweaked her daily duties at Alfa, too. “When I was hired, they asked if I liked math,” Holmes said. “I said ‘yes,’ which was good because we figured rates by hand.” Eventually, the office added a calculator to its resources, which all three staffers shared. “Then we each got a calculator and thought we were uptown!” Holmes recalled. Helping others was a priority, whether registering members for conferences or filing customer claims — like when a joyride ended with a crash into a police cruiser. Today, Holmes impacts others by volunteering at a medical clinic and food pantry. She plants seeds of change for children overseas through a women’s mission group, sewing dresses and packing shoe boxes filled with supplies. She and Gerry also travel, spend time with their four grandchildren and attend Mount Zion Baptist Church. When bumping into former customers at the grocery store, Holmes said their hugs and stories remind her of good times at Alfa. Customers trusted his wife, Gerry said. “For several years after she retired, people would call Linda at home and ask what they should do about their insurance,” he said. “She made a lot of good friends in the business.” alfafarmers.org

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November/Winter 2019

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Lamb Launch

Alabama Farmer Debuts Game-Changing Sheep Breed

By Marlee Moore ender, consistently tasty, melt-in-theT mouth cuts of lamb are changing the game for sheep — all because of a

breed that debuted at Fagerman Farm in Morgan County and attracted farmers worldwide. Daniel Fagerman is the sole distributor and registrar of Australian White sheep in the Americas. Known for its non-gamey flavor and often called the “Wagyu of lamb,” the meat retails for around $50 a pound. “My main goal is to show people how good this lamb is,” said Fagerman, 34, who hosted the debut symposium in Hartselle Aug. 14. “This product is more consistent in delivering the same standards over and over.”

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Australian White fat has a lower melting point than most lamb, which means it dissolves immediately when eaten. Those flavors keep consumers coming back for more, said Huntsvillebased chef Rick Vonk. During the debut, sheep farmers from South American countries mingled with producers from places like Mexico, Mississippi and Minnesota. The 30-plus growers were eager to learn about the Australian White and sample lamb during an after-party, which Vonk catered. Vonk and a team of chefs took a less-is-more approach to the six-course tasting menu. They used light seasoning and sauces to enhance the meat’s natural flavor and fat, while an open fire flamekissed the lamb. Cuts ranged from

Morgan County farmer Daniel Fagerman is the sole distributor and registrar of the Australian White sheep in the Americas, which is often called the “Wagyu of lamb.” Top: Fagerman and Graham Gilmore of Tattykeel, the farm Down Under that bred the Australian White, check out a flock. Bottom left: Gilmore and Fagerman, center, organized the breed debut in Hartselle.

leg of lamb to sirloin and ribs to rack of lamb. Vonk noted lamb is traditionally gamey with a distinct aftertaste. Replacing that taste with a meaty, consistent flavor is a game-changer, he added. At his day job, Fagerman is chief technology officer at LiDARUSA in November/Winter 2019

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A team of chefs led by Huntsville-based Rick Vonk, bottom right photo, prepared six tasting courses of Australian White lamb on an open fire during the debut dinner in August. They used light seasoning and minimalist sides to enhance the meat’s natural flavor and fat. Cuts included leg of lamb, sirloin, rack of lamb and ribs, top right photo, which were served with homemade potato dumplings.

Hartselle, which specializes in unmanned aerial vehicle and mobile mapping systems. Fagerman and his father, Jeff, broke into the revolutionary technology industry years before demand was fully there — an approach Fagerman is mimicking on the farm. “Like with the Australian White, there was no market for our technology until we made it,” said Fagerman, whose hobby farm has grown to nearly 700 head of Katahdin sheep. Fagerman first keyed into the Australian White during a meeting in Mexico in 2018. The breed was developed seven years earlier by Tattykeel, a farm in New South Wales, Australia. “Our aim was to design a breed of sheep that was easy to raise with 30

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November/Winter 2019

no wool — only hair — and that would grow quickly with exceptional carcass traits and eating quality,” said Graham Gilmore, whose family owns Tattykeel. The Australian White, which requires limited maintenance, combines traits from Poll Dorset, Texel, White Dorper and Van Rooy sheep. The breed has been successfully produced from the extreme cold of Mongolia to the dry heat of Australia and now the humid Deep South. “It’s with great pride and gratitude that we have the opportunity to bring the Tattykeel Australian White to Alabama and then the whole U.S.,” Gilmore said. “We will always have doubters, but our aim is clear — to produce quality meat for the chefs who are now demanding the best product available.” After a year of research and red tape, Fagerman’s dreams became a reality when his first Australian White lambs were born this spring. A team implanted the embryos in Katahdin sheep, a less expensive alternative to importing live animals from Australia. Fagerman said he hopes to double his farm over the next year while encouraging farmers to invest in the

Australian White. “These sheep are more appealing to producers because of their conversion of feed, rapid rate of growth, uniformity and ability to adapt to their environment,” he said. Farmer Ely Valdez attended the sheep debut in Hartselle and said he hopes to add the Australian White to his flock, which grazes on a solar farm near San Antonio, Texas. “We’re looking for something with more consistent, better meat quality,” Valdez said. “We want to be one of the first ones to get into the business.” Fagerman admits introducing a breed to the U.S. has challenges. They’re working to improve the embryo success rate, identify processors and increase farmers supplying product for high-end chefs. The end goal is to develop demand for Australian White lamb on menus across the U.S., from Las Vegas to Atlanta to Washington, D.C. “There is no other breed of sheep in the world that has been developed with these improved traits to provide a better consumer dining experience,” Fagerman said. Learn more at tattykeel.com.au or australianwhites.com.au. alfafarmers.org

THANKSGIVING

Sunday school teacher once told me that Thanksgiving was about loving your neighbor as yourself. But I think what she really meant to say was: pilgrims and Indians. That year for our pageant, we crafted white paper collars, feathered headdresses and flat-top hats. I ran around shirtless, carrying a tomahawk. Things were going fine until Jimmy Dickie smuggled a BB gun into school. Jimmy lowered his musket at me and said, “Run like hell, Kaw-Liga.” The teacher confiscated his weapon, stripped him of his pilgrim duties and gave him the role of watermelon in our pageant. I don’t know if pioneers of the New World had watermelons, but they did that year. My friend Abe once told me he thought Thanksgiving was about family. I met Abe through a friend. Abe explained that his pregnant wife and 2-year-old had died in an auto accident several years earlier. Abe is a Cuban immigrant, so was his wife. Long ago, they arrived in Miami clutching a raft. My wife invited him for Thanksgiving. He declined. “No thanks,” said Abe. “I volunteer at a shelter in Pensacola. People who have no families need me. I understand them.” Abe texted me this morning. He always does that during the holidays. If you would’ve asked my uncle, he

would’ve told you Thanksgiving was about fun. Then he’d toss back a sixpack to prove it. He hand-rolled his cigarettes and carried tobacco in a leather pouch. He used words like “hot almighty” and “yeah boy.” I remember sitting on the porch with him one autumn night. He blew smoke at the stars and said, “Don’t ever stop having fun, boy, or smiling. Not even if your wife leaves you.” God rest his soul. Yesterday, I asked a 9-year-old what she thought Thanksgiving was. “It’s about happiness and like, well, turkeys, uh, I dunno, just good stuff.” Well said, kid. As it turns out, good stuff is hard to come by. And some of us have wounds too deep for turkey and cranberry sauce to heal. This world is painful. Sooner or later, even 9-year-olds figure that out. Besides, happiness is a myth. The moment you think you have it, your transmission dies, your house blows up, and your loved ones leave. It doesn’t matter what I think. But if you were to ask me, I’d tell you squarely. I believe Thanksgiving is about one thing. Just one. I’m talking about a thing so big and bright, people can’t even agree on a word for it. I don’t care what you call it. I only hope we give as much of it to our neighbor as we do ourselves. ■

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Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org

November/Winter 2019

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Extension Focused On Quality And Value By Maggie Lawrence n a world of rapid change, the ISystem Alabama Cooperative Extension continues to be a leader of

cutting-edge research and problem solving. Alabama Extension Director Gary Lemme said the organization’s educational outreach spans the state. “Alabama Extension creates economic opportunities for residents, provides the latest resources for improving lives and offers practical solutions to real-world problems,” Lemme said. One in three people in Alabama participate in Extension programs. That’s 1.62 million people in 2018 alone. Lemme observed this participation in Extension programs is due in part to issue-focused programming developed with — and for — communities. “Our professionals work with advisory groups to meet individual counties’ needs,” he said. “Statewide, we work closely with the Alabama Farmers Federation, the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association to create programs beneficial to farmers and producers.”

Focused On Return On Investment

Alabama Extension is committed to delivering programs with a strong return on the investment of public funds and grant dollars. “We measure our service by your successes and profitability,” Lemme said. “For example, if an Extension program costs $1 but allows beef producers to earn $10 in additional profit, that program has a return on investment (ROI) of 10:1.”

More Information

For more information on Alabama Extension and its impact on the state, visit aces.edu/impact.

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Here are samples of ROI for a few Extension programs: Farmers involved in season-long cotton and soybean insect integrated pest management efforts reported an average economic benefit of $19.74 per acre across a total of 145,111 acres resulting in $2,864,515.

ROI = 13:1

178,884 total 4-H enrollment (34% are minorities) 2,580 adults increased knowledge of banking, credit, financial decisionmaking and budgeting through family financial management programs. Extension personnel responded to 9,000 calls and 20,000 emails while making 400 field visits to assist produce and fruit farmers for a reported economic impact of $18 million. ROI = 67:1 1,648 who participated in programs promoting employment readiness significantly improved their interview, dress and job search skills. Iron chlorosis on high pH Black Belt soils reduces soybean yields. A variety trial evaluated varietal differences among common soybean varieties. Using the top varieties would result in an additional $100 per acre in gross revenues across the 11,200 acres of Black Belt soybeans resulting in additional $1,170,400 in revenue. ROI = 172:1

675 landowners reduced wild pig damage on 321,000 acres saving $1.6 million in damages to cropland and forestland. ROI = 176:1 10,585 young people and adults were educated through Water Wheels Conservation Lab, a mobile water conservation classroom. As a result of water conservation efforts, ninety-seven 60-gallon rain barrels were installed. Participants conserved 350,000 gallons of water. Alabama utility companies charge consumers an average of $32.80 per 5,000 gallons of water, so participants saved an estimated $2,296 in water utility costs. ROI = 44:1

Stocker cattle operators reported a 19% increase in knowledge and an average economic impact of $6,450 per farm because of Extension programs specifically for this industry sector.

ROI = 32:1

November/Winter 2019

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By Lois Chaplin here’s a tree in many street and T commercial plantings that you might think is a young pecan or golden

raintree. Although it has pinnate leaves similar to those trees, Chinese pistache is easy to distinguish in the fall. There is no mistaking its almost fernlike top blazing in orange, red and yellow. Always dependable for autumn brilliance, a Chinese pistache is like a torch. Peak color is in November for north Alabama, while south Alabama will be closer to December. Late fall and winter are the seasons to plant. As its scientific name, Pistacia chinensis, indicates, this tree is related to the edible pistachio and is from China. Both are in the cashew family, although Chinese pistache doesn’t have edible nuts; it’s strictly ornamental. Female

Alabama

trees produce bright, reddish-pink berries that later turn to dark blue. Because the berries can be messy, the nursery industry offers a male selection called Keith Davey, a good choice for patios or other places where dropping berries would be a nuisance. Unnamed seedlings may be male or female, so unless you buy Keith Davey, assume the tree may produce berries, which birds really enjoy. An excellent medium-sized tree for urban settings, Chinese pistache tolerates dry conditions and poor, varied soils. It does want full sun and well-drained soil. I’ve seen it growing in harsh places such as interstate interchanges, sidewalk medians and

parking lots. Because of its very hard, decay-resistant wood, horticulturists in windy states of Texas and Oklahoma observe fewer problems with breakage in wind and ice. Chinese pistache grows 30 to 45 feet high, which provides good shade on a small lot. The canopy isn’t too dense, creating light shade, which is easy on grass or other plants in its shadow. Young trees are a little lanky but fill out as they grow, especially if pruned the first few winters. Growth is slow at first, but after the tree becomes established, it grows 2 to 3 feet per year. Make sure the tree doesn’t have a v-shaped trunk, which creates a weak point. Train to a single leader. Each winter, prune new branches to about 2 feet from the previous year’s cut. After three years or so, the tree should be well on its way to creating a full, rounded canopy. Newly planted trees need regular watering during dry weather, then become more drought tolerant as their roots grow. Chinese pistache grows a taproot first, which is why it’s slow to get started. If the soil is heavy clay, raise the level of the rootball by planting in a mound 6 to 8 inches high and 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Mulch the area with wood chips to create a circle around the tree. Be careful not to pile the chips next to the trunk. Enjoy this great tree along with natives such as dogwood, redbud, sweetbay magnolia, hawthorn and other hosts for local fauna. Chinese pistache seems to behave like a native tree, as it’s well-adapted to our growing conditions. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Fall Savings Just Around The Corner E ALAFARM.COM 34

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November/Winter 2019

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What do you like about farming and forestry? Working in and witnessing ﬁrsthand the miracle of God’s creation.

Rick Jones For Rick Jones, forestry is his tie to a love of the land. He’s worked in forestry for 41 years and helps manage private, non-industrial timberland as a forester. Jones, 66, graduated from Auburn University in forest management in 1977 before earning an MBA at the University of West Florida in 1988. Jones is 1st vice chair of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Forestry Committee. He and wife Kathy have been married 40 years and live in Andalusia in Covington County. They have three sons and ﬁve grandchildren.

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How do you spend time outside your job? I like to play golf, hunt, ﬁsh and read and am part of the Andalusia Rotary Club. We attend First United Methodist Church of Andalusia, where I’m on the administrative board and co-teach the Men’s Fellowship Sunday school class.

Thoughts on rural medical scholars? Our son Patrick graduated from medical school in 2013 and was a Rural Medical Scholar. That’s a good program the Farmers Federation supports. It helps rural kids have more opportunities and gave Patrick a built-in support group.

What’s something few know about you? I’m uncle to cotton, peanut, cattle and poultry farmer Tommy Thompson. We both serve on the Covington County Farmers Federation board.

November/Winter 2019

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Southern Cornbread Dressing Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time Servings 45 mins About 8

Ingredients 7 cups crumbled cornbread 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of celery soup 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 2 cups chicken broth 1 small onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.

t’s hard to believe that in just a few weeks, we’ll be making the trek to Igather with family and friends to give

thanks. I’m left with that, “Where did this year go?” feeling again. I’ve always been told the older you get, the more quickly time passes. The problem is until you get older, you just don’t have the perspective to realize how very true that statement is. And while the food gracing your table is important, the connections you’ll share with loved ones holds even greater significance. If you’re doing the cooking, prep all you can in advance. Opt for dishes that won’t have you in the kitchen all day so you’ll actually have time to spend with your family. This recipe for classic Southern Cornbread Dressing is one my mother and grandmother have been using for a long as I can remember. But there are a few things to keep in mind. The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth, some of which can be turkey drippings if you’re roasting one this year. You can just add enough chicken broth to equal the 2 cups you’ll need. Also, there’s 36

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November/Winter 2019

no sage in this recipe. That’s not an omission. I never saw any member of my family add sage to dressing. I know that can be a little controversial, so you’re welcome to add some in. About 1 teaspoon of ground sage works just fine. In all honesty, I’m not sure where I came across Pineapple Cheese Casserole for the first time, but it has stayed a staple on our Thanksgiving menu ever since — at the request of my wife. It’s one of her favorite things. This version is heavy on the pineapple and cheese and is the perfect sweet and savory component to add to the list of casseroles for your Thanksgiving spread. Another dish that just has to be on the table this time of year is my mom’s recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Praline Topping. While folks often vary in their love between pecan topping and marshmallow topping, most of my family firmly rests on the pecan team. That said, I’ve been known to make this casserole where half has the pecan praline topping and the other half is topped with toasted

marshmallows — just to make everyone happy. It’s certainly not Turkey Day without dessert! For us, that dessert has to be pecan pie. Rather than the traditional pie, switch things up this year, and try my Kentucky Pecan Pie. The original version of this pie found its fame in being associated with a famous horse race up in Kentucky, but this version has been a family favorite since my wife brought it to a gathering back when we were dating. We love this served slightly warm with a big ol’ scoop of vanilla ice cream. As the year draws to a close and these special holidays bring families from near and far together again, I hope we all set aside some time to take stock of the gifts we’ve been given in the past 365 days. In doing so, we will surely be blessed with the perspective of seeing what a gift it truly is to find ourselves surrounded by family and friends. Y’all enjoy! 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. alfafarmers.org

Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Resting Time 10 mins

Servings About 6

KIM BOX PHOTOGRAPHY

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Praline Topping Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Casserole Ingredients 3 pounds medium sweet potatoes 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 4 ounces evaporated milk 1/4 cup butter, softened

Topping Ingredients 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup butter, melted 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes, place in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Mash well with a potato masher or hand mixer. Add sugar, vanilla, eggs, evaporated milk and butter. Mix very well. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine topping ingredients. Spoon mixture over the potatoes. Bake 30 to 40 minutes. alfafarmers.org

2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks with juice 1 cup sugar 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed (I use about 1 3/4 cups crushed Ritz) 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F and spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Drain pineapple very well, and reserve 6 tablespoons of juice.   In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour and the reserved juice. Add the pineapple and mix well. Pour into the prepared dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top.   In a medium bowl, stir the crushed cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes, allowing the casserole to rest and thicken for about 10 minutes before serving.

Kentucky Pecan Pie

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Servings About 8

Ingredients 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie shell, unbaked

Instructions Heat oven to 325 F. In a large bowl, combine chocolate chips, pecans, eggs, sugar, butter, flour and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 1 hour or until set. Allow to cool before slicing.

November/Winter 2019

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