Neighbors Magazine, November 2021 by Alabama Farmers Federation

10% OFF

Sitewide!

-----WITH-----

PROMO CODE

1926 See details below.

SEND THE WHOLESOME, THOUGHTFUL & DELICIOUS GIFT OF ALABAMA AGRICULTURE . Item No. 18728

CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE GIFT BOX*

Alabama’s dedicated farmers are celebrated through this exclusive, heartwarming gift box. It’s packed with wholesome products from local farms and makers around Alabama. *Products included are subject to change based on seasonal availability. See our website for updates.

Enjoy and share a lot of flavor of the South. Priester’s Pecans is owned and operated by a farming family in the heart of Alabama. The business is located in Fort Deposit, Alabama and has specialized in assorted fine nuts, Southern treats & gourmet gifts for more than 85 years.

PRIESTERS.COM

U S E PROMO CODE 1926 TO R E C E I V E

10% OFF Sitewide! Offer valid from 09/27/21 - 01/15/22 11:59 p.m. CST.

Discount does not apply to previous orders, shipping and handling, sale merchandise or in retail stores. Discount cannot be combined with other offers. Exclusions: Cases of (24) 1lb. Bags, 30lb. Cases, Case Lots and Sale Merchandise.

November 2021 | Volume 46 | 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 Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville John Bert East | Leesburg Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Seminole Thomas Adams | Newville Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Brady Peek | Athens 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 | Helms Wins Inaugural Ag Innovation Challenge

7 | Cherokee County Couple Excels On, Off The Farm

32 | Tasty Takes On Turkey Day Dishes

11 | Ag Foundation Awards Scholarships At Auburn 14 | Food Bloggers, Educators Go Nuts On Harvest Tour 18 | A Century Of Legislative Wins For Rural Alabama

On The Cover

A southeast Alabama sunset provided a picturesque backdrop for Rehobeth farmer Keith White’s windmill perched atop a bluff overlooking fields of peanuts and cotton nearing harvest. Photo By Debra Davis

www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

alfafarmers.org

November 2021

NEIGHBORS

Call Alfa

for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Medicare Plans Contact Your Local Alfa Agent or Call 1-800-392-5705 Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7

Blue Advantage (PPO) provides both medical and prescription drug benefits, making it a smart choice for those who want comprehensive coverage in one simple, affordable plan.

BlueRx (PDP) is a great choice as a stand-alone prescription drug plan. It provides the prescription drug coverage you need, giving you value, peace of mind and security.

Alfa Insurance®

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

Blue Advantage (PPO) is a Medicare-approved PPO plan. Enrollment in Blue Advantage depends on CMS contract renewal. BlueRx (PDP) is a Medicare-approved Part D plan. Enrollment in BlueRx depends on CMS contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This is a solicitation of insurance. Contact may be made by an issuer or insurance producer or another acting on behalf of the issuer or producer. Alfa Services, Inc. is an independent authorized producer/agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Y0106_AlfaAd1_15 Accepted

Photo courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit

Left: Wade Helms and his father, Jimmy Royce Helms, are leaders in the Alabama Farmers Federation where Wade serves on the Houston County Farmers Federation Board, and Jimmy serves on the Geneva County board. Above, Wade demonstrates his invention that connects a strip till implement to a planter.

Clever Invention Wins Wade Helms Ag Innovation Award By Debra Davis ade Helms has a streak of W determination that’s typical among farmers. If he wants something

done, he’ll figure out a way. That, plus some divine intervention, led him to design an attachment that saves him, and other farmers, time and money during critical spring planting. Helms’ design is gaining popularity among Southeastern farmers and netted him $10,000 and the title of Alabama Farmers Federation Ag Innovation Challenge champion. Helms lives in Dothan and farms in Houston and Geneva counties, where he grows peanuts, corn, cotton and oats. He developed an attachment that connects a strip-till machine and a set of planters, allowing the implements to complete two tasks at once. The invention launched Helms Manufacturing Co. LLC. Helms won the inaugural contest sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, Farm Bureau Bank, Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit earlier this year at the Federation’s Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery. alfafarmers.org

Jefferson County’s Michael Lynch of CHONEX was first alternate and won $5,000. “Honestly, I cried when they called my name as the winner,” said 51-yearold Helms. “It is the grace of God that this happened to me. I knew this attachment was needed; I just had to figure it out.” The “figure-it-out” phase took several months and the talents of a master welder — a skill Helms perfected in machinist school. It began when Helms backed his planter against the wall under his barn near Slocomb, then backed the strip till in front of it. Every time Helms passed the two, he contemplated a solution. “Finally, it clicked and came together,” he said standing next to the heavy slabs of steel and hydraulic hoses connecting the machines. “I tried it, and it worked well. Then some friends tried it, and they liked it, too.” After receiving a provisional patent, Helms has a permanent patent pending. He took his prototype to Holland Manufacturing in Dothan, which built 15 units that sell for just under $5,000 each. Early in planting season, farmers

often use a strip till to prepare a seed bed and take advantage of earlier planting a few days later when the soil warms. But when delays happen, and tilling and planting need to be done quickly, Helms’ attachment can save farmers time and money. The two machines are linked, allowing them to cross the field in one pass. “Some implement companies tried to make a similar attachment decades ago, but the tractors back then were not strong enough to lift both pieces of equipment at once,” Helms said. “Today, tractors are much stronger.” Helms said he decided to enter the Ag Innovation Challenge after his mother saw it in Neighbors magazine and encouraged him to submit an application. What will he do with his $10,000 prize money? Helms said he gave 10% to his church and will apply some of it to his business loan. The rest will go toward building more units and advertising, he added. For videos and more information about Helms’ invention, find Helms Manufacturing Co. LLC on Facebook. November 2021

NEIGHBORS

Couple Exemplifies Excellence In Agriculture By Marlee Moore mutual desire to educate others A and invest in their community drives Landon and Lauren Marks.

That passion earned the Extension professional and veterinarian first place in Alabama’s Excellence in Agriculture contest. The Alabama Farmers Federation contest highlights Young Farmers ages 18-35 who are involved in agriculture but whose primary income isn’t subject to production risk. It includes an application and presentation highlighting ag involvement and leadership, in addition to examining three issues facing agriculture. “We want to be a credible resource for people in the agriculture and livestock industries,” said Landon, 33, whose doctorate focused on beef cattle and forage production. “People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.” After marrying in 2012, the couple put down roots in Lauren’s hometown of Leesburg in Cherokee County. Lauren spent the next two years completing vet school at Auburn University, while Cullman County native Landon built a network to serve northeast Alabama farmers. That included attending his first county meeting with Federation Area 3 Organization Director Kyle Hayes. Landon still attends board meetings as a regional Extension agent and updates producers on ag issues. He also chairs the Cherokee County Young Farmers Committee, which has helped revamp and quadruple attendance at the county’s annual Field-to-Fork Dinner.

Lauren and Landon Marks own Mountain View Farm, a picturesque 70 acres with Angus and SimAngus cattle.

alfafarmers.org

Landon Marks’ 4-H Livestock Club has earned multiple state and national awards.

Landon and Lauren work to emphasize youth education, whether building Book Barn ag literacy programs through Young Farmers, mentoring students at Marks Animal Hospital or co-coaching the Cherokee County 4-H Livestock Club. “We’re invested in this community,” said Lauren, 33, whose practice opened in 2019. “People gave us a start, and we want to do that for others.” The Markses own Mountain View Farm, a picturesque 70 acres with Angus and SimAngus cattle. They focus on improving genetics and bought their first heifers from Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East and his wife, Dawn. They implement the same practices Landon encourages across his eight-county Extension territory and often invite beginning farmers to learn new management methods. Landon develops adult educational programs for livestock and forages. A typical week could include pest control

Lauren Marks owns a mixed-animal practice in Leesburg.

recommendations, teaching artificial insemination classes, providing beef quality assurance trainings, coordinating alternative feed workshops, advice on forage selection and more. He coordinates county livestock shows, too, and helps with 4-H clubs. “You never know what the next call is going to be,” he said. That’s true for Lauren’s mixed-animal practice, too. In addition to helping pets, Lauren operates an ambulatory service for emergency calls and routine visits. She recently added a large-animal facility to the practice to accommodate haul-in livestock care, surgery and hospitalization. As her practice grows, Lauren, a local FFA advisory council member, hopes to increase involvement in organizations including the Farmers Federation, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Alabama Veterinary Medical Association. Landon is the local Farm-City chair, serves on Auburn’s Ag Alumni Club board, and earned multiple state and national awards through Extension. The Markses are active members at Macedonia Baptist Church. The couple scored their title in August at the Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery and will receive their prize — a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience and a computer package from Valcom/CCS Wireless — during the Federation’s centennial celebration in December. They’ll represent Alabama in American Farm Bureau Federation’s Excellence in Agriculture contest this January in Atlanta. November 2021

NEIGHBORS

Alfa Joins Samford University To Open New Alfa® Risk Management And Insurance Lab

Samford University held a ribbon-cutting for its new Alfa Risk Management and Insurance Lab Sept. 23. From left are Alfa Senior Vice President of Product and Data Management Chad Edwards; Alfa Executive Vice President of Operations Tommy Coshatt; Alfa President and CEO Jimmy Parnell; Samford Vice President of Marketing and Communication Betsy Holloway; and Brock School of Business Dean Chad Carson.

amford University’s Brock School S of Business celebrated with Alfa Insurance executives as they opened

the new Alfa Risk Management and Insurance Lab Sept. 23 in Cooney Hall. The lab is equipped with leading data analytics software used in the insurance industry, which will allow students to work on real-world projects and gain skills that will set them apart from other schools’ graduates. “Insurance is not boring. There’s a lot of wonderful opportunities in the insurance industry, especially at Alfa Insurance,” said Alfa Insurance Executive Vice President of Marketing Tommy Coshatt. “Whether it be information technology, data science, data analytics, finance, investments, sales, claims, legal — there’s a myriad of options when you talk about insurance. “We see this lab and partnership with Samford as a great pipeline and recruitment opportunity for talent.”

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

The lab is a the first step in a multipronged initiative to prepare Samford students for careers in the risk management and insurance industry. It was part of a plan developed by the Brock School of Business Risk Management and Insurance Advisory Board, created in 2019. “This lab was a major component of the advisory board’s vision for this initiative — to grow and develop a risk management and insurance program here at Samford,” said Alfa Senior Vice President of Product and Data Management Chad Edwards, who is a member of the advisory board. “In the insurance industry, we need professionals who have the skills to analyze data and bring business value out of the information we collect and store. “This lab and this initiative at Samford certainly fit the needs of the future of the insurance industry, and I

think it’s a great partnership.” For the ribbon-cutting, Edwards and Coshatt were joined by Alfa Insurance President and CEO Jimmy Parnell as well as Brock School of Business Dean Chad Carson and Samford’s Vice President of Marketing and Communication Betsy Holloway. Parnell said the partnership between Alfa and Samford made sense, particularly since both share a corporate culture centered on faith. “All companies are looking for people with values,” Parnell said. “Skillsets are important, but values are probably more important, and that background Samford students have is huge. “We’re thankful to have this partnership with Samford, and we hope this lab will be a benefit to the university as it continues to develop its risk management and insurance program.” Carson echoed Parnell’s sentiments. “The things our students will be able to accomplish with the addition of this lab will set them apart as they go seek out jobs within the risk management and insurance industry,” Carson said. “Alfa and Samford share the Christian values that are integral to our cultures, and that has made this partnership even more significant to us.” In addition to the lab, Brock School of Business will launch the 12-credithour Risk Management and Insurance concentration for business majors in Spring 2022, pending final approval. Samford’s Gamma Iota Sigma student chapter, another prong of the initiative, has been in place since 2019. This group, a subsidiary of the international risk management and insurance fraternity, allows students to engage with their peers and industry professionals across the country through conferences and seminars. Future goals of the joint initiative include a student-managed insurance company and a study abroad program which will focus on the London insurance market. alfafarmers.org

( Y O U) You just turned a $2 million research investment into $460 million per year in extra income. Yes, YOU did. All soybean farmers, including you, will soon ship larger export loads for higher profit margins. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.

Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward. 2021 United Soybean Board [61078-10 9/21]

Farmers Federation Awards $133,250 To Auburn Ag, Forestry Students From left are Auburn University (AU) College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson, Lee County Farmers Federation President Jamie Lazenby, AU student and Tallapoosa County native Ka’Shiya McKinney, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and AU College of Agriculture Associate Dean Amy Wright.

By Marlee Moore he Alabama Farmers Federation is T planting seeds for a healthy future by awarding $133,250 in scholarships to

Auburn University (AU) students seeking degrees in agriculture, forestry and related industries. Eighty students were honored during the organization’s scholarship reception at Lazenby Farms in Auburn Sept. 27. Federation President Jimmy Parnell encouraged students to make connections with fellow students — and future colleagues — during their time at Auburn. “While I was at Auburn, I built a network of friends all across this state,” said Parnell, an AU alumnus in agricultural business and economics. “That was probably the most important thing I got at Auburn. I encourage each alfafarmers.org

County Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Bibb Bullock Butler Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Chilton Clarke Clay Cleburne Coffee Colbert Conecuh Coosa Covington Covington Covington Covington Crenshaw Cullman Dale

Scholarship Recipients Recognized Sept. 27 Name Major Garrett Smith Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Rosemary Corte Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Garrett Springs Agricultural Science Regan Smart Environmental Science Hunter Cochran Wildlife Enterprise Management Taylor Edwards Agricultural Communications Justin Jacobsen Horticulture Sydni Bowers Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Will West Agricultural Science Gavin Rankins Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industry) Wesley Rogers Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Bailey Price Crop & Soils Science (Turfgrass) Lucas Jones Pre-Forestry Maggie Vick Horticulture Tanner Denney Forestry Kristen Mays Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Summer Parker Horticulture Katherine Davis Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Abby Dunn Agricultural Business & Economics Alli Broom Pre-Biosystems Engineering Anna Courson Pre-Biosystems Engineering Dawson Jernigan Pre-Biosystems Engineering Emily Wismer Horticulture Peyton Zessin Agricultural Science Kyndal Staley Poultry Science (Production) Rusty Yancy Agricultural Science Blake Carroll Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industry) November 2021

NEIGHBORS

of you to build that network. “We’re excited to recognize an outstanding group of young people who have a very bright future in front of them. We’re glad to be a little part of that.” A matching program with the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations funded 57 scholarships worth $1,750. Local Federations in Baldwin, Chilton, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee and Madison counties provided 21 additional scholarships. Two students earned memorial scholarships honoring industry leaders. Clay Conway of Cullman County received the Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship, while Mobile County’s Cole Lincoln won the Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship. Conway is a senior studying poultry science, production track; Lincoln, a junior, is studying animal sciences, meat science track. During the program, AU sophomore Ka’Shiya McKinney thanked Federation leaders for their support. “Thank you for taking a little of the financial burden off us so we can be the future of ag and focus on our classes,” said McKinney, a poultry science student from Tallapoosa County. “We want to pour back into the industry that has supported us.” Lee County Farmers Federation President Jamie Lazenby commended students on their dedication to education and the state’s largest industry. “Of all the things we do in this organization, giving scholarships is one of my favorites,” Lazenby said. “This is a great opportunity for students.” The Federation began awarding AU students scholarships in 1983. In 2009, the AFAF was founded to provide additional support for agriculture education and is funded through Ag Tag sales. Scholarship applications for the 2022-23 academic year open in November at AlfaFarmers.org/ scholarships. See photos of scholarship recipients on the Alabama Farmers Federation Flickr and Facebook pages. 12

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

County Dale Dallas DeKalb Elmore Escambia Etowah Geneva Hale Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Houston Jackson Jefferson Jefferson Jefferson Lauderdale Lawrence Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Madison Madison Madison Marengo Marion Marshall Monroe Montgomery Morgan Pickens Pike Randolph Russell Shelby St. Clair Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Walker Washington Wilcox Mobile Cullman

Name Brittany Carroll Will Ingram Adrian Neeley Abigail Luster Nash Diercks Emma Stough Sara Green Shelby Marsh Bridgette Johnson Hayden McWaters Julia Holley Bryce Johnson Cason Stevens Gracie Woodall Annaleigh Poland Keith Evett Clayton Crump Gabe Hallmark Trey Reese Katie Connolly Tanner Hood Abbie Starr James Treadwell Sydney Spratlin Julia Lawrence Julia Bush Jasey Black Faith Lane Alyson Mann Reese Stogner Hunter Rials Jay Moore Johnathan Hampton Will Yates Madelyn Seaman Arnold Ramos-Martinez Nicholas Boone Mason Belcher Dustin Randolph Olivia Lewis Bailey Freeman Allie Johnson Will Johnson Collin Dorrill Rece Gleason Jessica Hazel Ka’Shiya McKinney Jackson Elsberry Emma Jewel Johnson Riley Hill Nancy Jordan

Major Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Natural Resources Management Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Forestry Applied Biotechnology Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industry) Environmental Science Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Crop & Soils Science (Production) Pre-Forestry-Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Business & Economics Fisheries & Allied Aquaculture (Pre-Vet) Crop & Soils Science (Production) Poultry Science (Production) Fisheries Agriscience Education Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Communications Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Wildlife Ecology & Management Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Poultry Science (Production) Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Economics Wildlife Science (Pre-Vet) Wildlife Ecology & Management Applied Biotechnology Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Horticulture Biology & Agriculture Technology Management Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Poultry Science (Production) Horticulture Pre-Biosystems Engineering Crop & Soils Science (Production) Agricultural Science Poultry Science (Production) Crop & Soils Science (Science) Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Wildlife Enterprise Management Agricultural Communications Crop & Soils Science (Turfgrass) Poultry Science (Production) Environmental Science Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet)

Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship Cole Lincoln Animal Sciences (Meat Science) Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Clay Conway Poultry Science (Production)

alfafarmers.org

Harvest Tour Helps Spread Good News About Peanuts Food bloggers and culinary experts, including Farmhouse Kitchen contributor Stacey Little, visited southeast Alabama peanut farms during the Alabama Peanut Producers Association Harvest Tour Sept. 19-22.

By Debra Davis group of food bloggers and A culinary experts learned about peanuts, from farm to flavor, during the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) Harvest Tour Sept. 19-22. The seven participants visited southeast Alabama peanut farms, toured the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, and experienced the inner workings of

Constance Smith, a food blogger from Hartselle with the social media handle Cosmopolitan Cornbread, takes photos of freshly dug peanuts on Ed White’s farm near Headland. 14

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

a buying and shelling facility in the area. They also heard from Dr. Samara Sterling of The Peanut Institute who discussed peanut nutrition and research relating to peanut consumption and cognitive benefits. “Learning that peanuts contain many nutrients that help support our immune systems certainly makes me want to incorporate more peanuts into my diet,” said blogger and recipe developer Stacey Little of Prattville. Little, a contributor to Neighbors magazine’s Farmhouse Kitchen, said the experience equipped him with tons of great information he’ll pass along to his readers. “Being able to share about peanut harvest and processing, along with the health benefits of adding peanuts to your diet, will certainly allow my readers to make better-informed decisions,” he said. “This tour has also helped me refocus on how important our farmers are. So many times, we lose sight of the work that goes into a product on the grocery store shelf. Seeing the level of effort and care each of these farmers puts into producing a healthy, nutritious and affordable crop has given me a new appreciation for something I often overlook.” Lynda Self, a food and travel blogger from Decatur, shared Little’s appreciation for the tour. “I might have seen peanuts driving

down the road, but I had never actually been in a peanut field until now,” Self said. “The entire tour has been a great experience for me. Learning about the nutrition and health benefits of peanuts was especially fascinating. If we can eat a handful of nuts instead of taking a pill to improve our health, who wouldn’t want to do that?” Auburn University’s Dr. Mark Traynor was on the tour. He is a culinary science associate professor and program coordinator in the College of Human Sciences. He said he was fascinated by the research that’s being done to improve peanut production and studies to determine the health and nutritional benefits of peanuts. “There’s a lot of work that goes into the humble peanut before consumers get them,” Traynor said. “It’s been interesting to profile the flavor from raw, fresh-from-the field peanuts as well as enjoying them prepared several ways.” Peanut farmer Ed White of Headland was a tour host. Attendees observed his GPS-guided tractor dig peanuts that they then picked from the vines. “I think they were especially interested in the technology we use on the farm,” said White, who is an APPA board member and Henry County Farmers Federation president. “I hope they help spread the good news about peanuts, and now they have some good, first-hand experience to share.” alfafarmers.org

Graysen Biensch Named Commodity Director

he Alabama Farmers Federation T welcomed Graysen Biensch as commodity director for Beef, Equine, Hay & Forage, and Sheep & Goat divisions Sept. 20. She will also provide leadership for the Federation’s youth livestock activities at the Jr. Beef Expo and Alabama National Fair. “I am looking forward to working with and supporting the members of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Biensch, 23. “My passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in my upbringing, and I am excited to give back to the industry that has had such an impact in shaping me as an individual.” Biensch is a native of Sonoita, Arizona, where her family raises Hereford cattle. She attended Blinn

College before graduating from Texas Tech University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science (business concentration) and a minor in agribusiness enterprise management. At Texas Tech, Biensch was president of the livestock judging team and part of a national championship meat animal evaluation team. She organized and officiated 4-H and FFA livestock judging contests Biensch and has experience coordinating jackpot shows. Biensch interned with Rodeo Austin and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, in addition to Elanco Animal Health. Most recently, Biensch worked as a strategic sales representative and licensed agent for Pumpkin

Pet Insurance by Zoetis, where she managed 1,000-plus accounts and implemented pet insurance across 10 Midwest states. Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Brian Hardin said Biensch’s enthusiasm for agriculture will serve members well as she monitors policy for her commodity divisions. “Graysen is ready to put boots on the ground to meet our members, learn about their operations and advocate on their behalf,” Hardin said. “We look forward to seeing Graysen grow in this role as she serves producers and livestock show participants.” Biensch and her husband, Jonah, married this summer. They live in Auburn, where Jonah is Auburn University’s new livestock judging program coach. Outside of work, Biensch enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Federation Adds Swine Show To Spring Livestock Contests

he Alabama Farmers Federation T is strengthening the state’s premier livestock show presence

by adding another species to the weeklong competition held during the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. alfafarmers.org

This March, the inaugural Junior Swine Expo (JSE) will join the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) in Montgomery. The state hog show is an exciting addition to an already-impressive contest, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

“It’s our pleasure to invest in some of Alabama’s best and brightest students,” Parnell said. “I’ve often said, ‘If we had more young people like those who participate in livestock shows, we’d have a lot fewer problems in the world.’” Exhibitors will showcase hard work, dedication and sportsmanship during the showmanship contest, in addition to the breeding and market animal shows, at the Garrett Coliseum complex. The JBE is March 17-19, while JSE takes place March 19. Students earn prize money to help kick-start their agricultural enterprises and college educations through the contest. The slate of generous sponsors includes the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, local county Farmers Federations, the Alabama 4-H Foundation and Alabama FFA Foundation. Registration for JBE is open at JrBeefExpo.com; JSE registration will open in January. November 2021 | NEIGHBORS

Alabama Farmers Federation Announces 2022 Endorsements

ENDORSEMENTS Katie Britt U.S. Senate

Jerry Carl

U.S. House of Representatives, District 1

Barry Moore

U.S. House of Representatives, District 2

Mike Rogers

U.S. House of Representatives, District 3

Robert Aderholt

U.S. House of Representatives, District 4

Dale Strong

U.S. House of Representatives, District 5

Gary Palmer

U.S. House of Representatives, District 6

Terri Sewell

U.S. House of Representatives, District 7

Kay Ivey Governor

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell; FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Gov. Kay Ivey; FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate Katie Britt; and FarmPAC Chairman Steve Dunn of Conecuh County.

By Jeff Helms he Alabama Farmers Federation’s T political action committee, FarmPAC, has announced

endorsements for the May 24, 2022, primary elections in statewide, Congressional and Alabama State Board of Education races. Legislative endorsements will be announced later. About 100 Federation leaders including representatives for all 67 counties gathered in Montgomery to hear from candidates and make endorsement recommendations Sept. 28. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the endorsements are the culmination of months of study and relationship building among the candidates and county farm organizations. “These candidates have invested time in getting to know our county leaders,” Parnell said. “They’ve spent 16

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

time on our farms and attended meetings where they heard about the issues and concerns important to Federation members. “At the same time, our county leaders have studied the candidates and decided these individuals have the knowledge, experience and determination to help lead our state and nation in the right direction.” Endorsements approved at Tuesday’s meeting will carry through to the general election. FarmPAC Chairman Steve Dunn of Conecuh County said the Federation encourages voters to study the issues and candidates prior to the election. “It’s important for Alabama voters to be engaged in the electoral process,” Dunn said. “We encourage members to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political preference, and to consider these FarmPAC endorsements when they go to the polls.”

Will Ainsworth

Lieutenant Governor

Steve Marshall Attorney General

Wes Allen

Secretary of State

Young Boozer Treasurer

Rusty Glover Auditor

Rick Pate

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

Greg Cook

Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5

Kelli Wise

Alabama Supreme Court, Place 6

Jeremy Oden

Public Service Commission, Place 1

Chip Beeker

Public Service Commission, Place 2

Tracie West

Alabama State Board of Education, District 2

Yvette Richardson

Alabama State Board of Education, District 4

Cynthia McCarty

Alabama State Board of Education, District 6

Wayne Reynolds

Alabama State Board of Education, District 8 alfafarmers.org

1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1916 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 200 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1916 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1 1921 1955 1956 1957 195820211959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 197 By John Allen Nichols 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION

Legislative Victories Of The

February

Legislators attempted to weaken the structure of the Alabama Farm Bureau. In response, through its grassroots efforts, the Alabama Farm Bureau mobilized over 10,000 farmers. The crowd descended on Montgomery to attend a legislative hearing on the legislation. The crowd was so large, the hearing was moved to the Cramton Bowl to accommodate the crowd. This effort was successful in defeating the legislation.

Photo: Alabama.gov

1931

A McCormick Farmall tractor in a field.

June

After nearly a decade-long battle, the Alabama Farm Bureau achieved one of its first hard -ought victories — a gas tax rebate for farm tractor gasoline. Up to that point, farmers were forced to pay either a 6-cent tax per gallon for efficient highway gasoline or were relegated to using the less efficient farm gasoline at a low cost. The farm tractor gas rebate allowed farmers to purchase gas for their tractors free of the 6-cent tax, allowing them to purchase the more efficient gasoline at a lower cost.

Photo: Alabama.gov

1949 Cramton Bowl circa 1930.

July

March

In the early ‘30s, farmers recognized the burden that property taxes placed on landowners, especially on those who depended on the land for their livelihoods. Therefore, the early Alabama Farm Bureau supported the implementation of a state income tax, with the understanding that the income tax would eventually replace property taxes. The income tax was implemented in 1935.

1935

The Alabama Farm Bureau continued working for farmers across the state in the 1950s, culminating in the passage of a bill that exempted many agricultural inputs from sales taxation. The bill primarily exempted fertilizer from sales tax, but it additionally exempted insecticides, fungicides, livestock feed, chicks and poults, and livestock. This established the initial tax exemptions, which have been added to over the years.

1959

The Alabama Farm Bureau supported Bibb Graves in his effort to obtain what would come to be known as a “homestead exemption” on property taxes. The legislation, which was at first widely unpopular, helped farmers secure ownership of their property by reducing the financial burden placed by a 6.5 mill ad valorem tax on their properties.

Photo: Alabama.gov

May

1937

A fertilizer plant at Muscle Shoals.

Photo: Alabama.gov

August

Bibb Graves speaks to a crowd during picnic at a Montgomery park. 18

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

In perhaps one of the most controversial legislative battles in organization’s history, the Alabama Farm Bureau championed legislation known as the “Lid Bill.” After several federal court rulings, Alabama’s property tax system was deemed unconstitutional. Reform became necessary, but there were widely varying ideas about how to fix the problem. The “Lid Bill” established that land would be classified into various categories, each taxed at a specific rate. Farmland was set at 15% and was later lowered to 10%.

1972

alfafarmers.org

1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 05 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 72 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 2007 September 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Alabama Farmers Federation To finalize the property tax system in Alabama, the Alabama Farm Bureau championed the “current use” tax valuation system. Through the current use system, agricultural land is valued at its current use instead of the speculative market value. This classification helps many farmers remain in production even today, when they farm in fringe suburban areas where speculative land value would make property taxes prohibitively costly.

Photo: Alabama.gov

1978

A family farm in Montgomery County.

Several decades in the making, the Alabama Family Farm Preservation Act represented a monumental modern accomplishment of the Alabama Farmers Federation. In the late ‘90s and early 2000s farms across the country were seeing a surge in nuisance actions brought against them to stop their operation. Though there was supposed to be reliable “case law” that would prevent these types of actions, courts were finding new ways to skirt around established judicial precedent. In an effort to protect Alabama farm families from potentially losing their farms, the Alabama Farmers Federation helped draft the Family Farm Preservation Act. The act prevents an individual from bringing a nuisance lawsuit against a farm so long as they conform to generally accepted agricultural practices. Also known as a “right-to-farm law” Alabama’s has been reviewed as one of the stronger “right-to-farm” laws in the nation.

November October

The boll weevil had established itself as a formidable opponent to cotton farmers across the Southeast, including Alabama. There were several ideas of how to best deal with the pest. A popular one included growing peanuts instead of cotton. In the late 1970s, USDA launched the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. The program consisted of grower referenda (similar to the checkoff programs) where producers voluntarily paid into a fund dedicated to research geared at eradicating or at least suppressing the boll weevil. In 1984, at the encouragement of the Federation, farmers passed the Alabama component of the boll weevil eradication program into law. It made the voluntary contributions mandatory, to ensure the boll weevil would never again cause widespread destruction.

1984

2010

December

With a consumer base growing further removed from agricultural production, and with a growing effort in the farming community to be more transparent, many farmers in Alabama have opened their operations in various forms to the public. These operations became “agri-tourism” locations and gave the public a chance to get back to the farm and see where their food comes from. Though commendable, this effort put farmers at risk. If someone was injured while on the farmer’s property, the farmer could be liable for medical bills and expenses that could put the entire operation in jeopardy. In an attempt to protect both the public and farmers, the Alabama Farmers Federation helped draft legislation that resulted in a limitation of liability for Alabama farmers. Under this law, an Alabama farmer who wishes to open his operation to the public can put the public on notice with a sign in specific language warning the public of the dangers in entering a farm operation. The public is then given the choice whether to assume the risk of entering or to “watch from afar.” This results in clear communication and risk acceptance.

Photo: Alabama.gov

2012

The Boll Weevil Monument in downtown Enterprise.

October

By 2009, the catfish industry was well established in Alabama, making the state the 2nd largest producer of catfish in the nation. However, Alabama catfish producers were losing market shares to cheaper, imported fish products. The Federation Catfish Committee encouraged the Alabama Farmers Federation to find a way to distinguish U.S. FarmRaised catfish from its foreign competitors. Thus, in 2009, the Alabama Legislature enacted a labeling bill requiring restaurants to clearly signify the origin of their catfish. In 2015, the Legislature strengthened the bill by including all catfish species in the labeling requirement.

2009 /2015 alfafarmers.org

Pumpkins ready for fall activities on an Alabama farm. November 2021 | NEIGHBORS

Harris Joins Federation External Affairs Team

he Alabama Farmers Federation T welcomed Hayden Harris as External Affairs Department administrative

involved with the agriculture industry and help Alabama farmers.” The Federation’s Matthew Durdin assistant Sept. 20. said he looks forward The External Affairs to seeing Harris’s calm Department handles the demeanor and penchant Federation’s lobbying and for organization impact the public policy initiatives. department. Harris, 28, will maintain “We’re excited to schedules for the welcome Hayden to our department’s lobbyists and team,” said Durdin, the legal counsel; coordinate External Affairs Department paperwork for FarmPAC, director. “Her work and the Federation’s political organizational skills will Harris action committee; and create a firm foundation organize events such as the Taste of for our team to build on when we meet Alabama legislative reception. with stakeholders, legislators and public She joins the Federation from Foshee officials.” Residential in Montgomery, where she Harris will complete her bachelor’s was assistant property manager. She degree in human services from Troy previously worked in sales and interned University this fall. She’s pursuing a with Elmore County 4-H. minor in global general business. Harris “Growing up in Montgomery, I’ve lives in Pike Road, where she enjoys always known Alfa’s good reputation,” spending time with family and friends, Harris said. “I’m excited to work for being outdoors and playing with her a company with a family focus, be dog, Rylee.

Alabama BCIA Provides Proven Performance 26th Annual

Alabama BCIA Fall Round Up Bull Sale Friday, November 12 12 Noon Alabama Livestock Auction Uniontown

Choose a source of performance proven herd sires and replacement heifers Build comprehensive performance records with the Alabama BCIA Commercial Record Keeping Program

Performance Proven Coming 2 to 3 Year Old Bulls

North Alabama Bull Evaluation Center & BCIA Genetic Verified Heifer Sale Saturday, December 11 12:00 Noon Cullman Stockyards, Cullman Build Your Herd on 49 Years of Trusted Performance Data

Trichomoniasis Test Negative

49th Annual

Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Simmental & Simmental Composite Bulls

Angus, Chiangus, Hereford, Simmental & SimAngus Bulls

(205) 646-0115 elmormf@auburn.edu

Bred & Open BCIA Genetic Verified Replacement Heifers

AucƟoneer: Tommy Barnes, AL License #1024

WWW.ALBCIA.COM

AucƟoneer: Jarvene Shackelford, AL License #641

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

Need More InformaƟon? Michelle Elmore

alfafarmers.org

GRATEFUL BOYS

am on my porch, sitting. The sun is setting. Linus, former feral cat and rodent security patrol, is toying with a mouse. He’s holding it by the tail. Poor rat. Two neighbor kids ride bikes down my gravel road. They see me. And since childhood knows no privacy, they march up my steps, uninvited. Heavy breathing. The conversation drifts toward Thanksgiving. Their teacher has assigned writing homework. They’re supposed to list things they’re thankful for. They’re stuck. “You’re over thinking it,” I suggest. “Try starting with little things. Like GI Joe dolls.” “What’s GI Joe?” one asks. God help us. “What are YOU thankful for, Mister Sean?” Well, it bears mentioning, I am thankful for lots. Namely: biscuits. The kind cooked in skillets. Sometimes, I think I write too much about biscuits. I’m also grateful for baskets of pine cones. The cones on our cofee table smell like cinnamon. My wife bought them at Walmart for a buck. A buck. I’m grateful for the ﬁsh I caught. After an unsuccessful day, I tried one last cast. I snagged a trout the size of a baby cucumber. Not large enough to eat. Big enough to lie about. Feather pillows, I’m grateful for

those. Synthetic foam is a joke. I like sunny days so bright they make you tired. Black and white movies. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and John Wayne. “Who’re they?” the kids ask. Somebody, please save America’s youth. I’m grateful for Baptist hymnals. I have one dated 1928. Sometimes I thumb through it. And for Daddy’s old guitar. The ﬁnish has worn oﬀ, it looks awful, but old hymns sound nice on it. For the mountains in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and north Alabama. God lives up there. For soggy marshes in north Florida — his summer cottage is here. For the creek behind my house. For the fort I found while walking through the woods — it was made of old plywood. I’m glad kids still build forts. I’m grateful to be on this porch instead of ICU. I have a friend who died recently. He had a good life. I’m sorry his kids will grow up hating Father’s Day. We weren’t close. But I’m grateful I knew him as a boy. I’m grateful for boys. Little fellas who play hard, who catch frogs, who own puppies and think they’ll live forever. Who still cry when they get hurt. Who don’t know sorrow — or hate. Who call me Mister Sean and make me sorry the stork passed me by. But most of all... I’m grateful for GI Joe dolls. ■

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 2021

NEIGHBORS

By Lois Chaplin

Alabama

John Ruter,University of Georgia

BEAUTYBERRY

BUCKEYE BOTTLEBRUSH

ASIAN SPICEBUSH

hat comes to mind when W someone says, “fall color”? The Blue Ridge Mountains? A brilliant maple in the neighborhood? What about something closer to eye level, such as leaves of oakleaf hydrangea? Or purple fruit of beautyberry? Or the blooms of a sasanqua camellia? In a garden, fall color is a whole lot more than trees. It’s the sum of everything that happens during the change of season — from the turning of leaves to the appearance of flowers and coloring of berries. It can be a delightful time, like a second spring — if one plans for it. The next time you eye a plant at the nursery, check its seasons of interest, especially fall. For example, forsythia is known for yellow spring blooms, but

it also has yellow fall leaves. Oakleaf hydrangea has white summer blooms and red fall leaves. Shrubs that offer multi-seasonal interest can take a yard from ordinary to remarkable. This is a good time to plant, so here are a few to consider so you can enjoy these from the kitchen window, porch or deck. Include some natives because of their ecological value. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). A broad shrub with arching branches that sports purple berries and yellow fall leaves. Native. Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium). This has three features: white spring blossoms; purple, reddishbronze or crimson leaves in autumn; and blue-black berries in the fall. Native.

Blueberry. Brilliant red fall leaves — and you get blueberries! Plant two varieties for cross-pollination. Check with the local Extension office for the right pairing. Native. Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora). A big, tree-like shrub, this is a two-season show with white blooms in summer followed by red leaves in the fall. This is a nice understory shrub in the woods. Native. Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii). A small shrub with white flowers in the spring and red, orange and yellow foliage in the fall. Native. Goldflame spirea (Spirea bumalda ‘Goldflame’). Naturally chartreuse foliage turns a coppery orange in the fall. In late spring, it is covered with panicles of pink blossoms. Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii). Clusters of fragrant, white spring flowers are followed by leaves that turn various shades of red in the fall. Sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua). Sasanquas kick off camellia season in November with flowers in white or shades of pink and red. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Although reputed to be hard to transplant, its beautiful golden fall color is worth a try. It is also a larval host for the spicebush swallowtail and other butterflies. Native. Asian spicebush (Lindera glauca var salicifolia). This spicebush is known for beautiful orange-to-purple leaves that turn parchment brown and hang on through winter, like lingering leaves of a beech tree. It is adapted only to north Alabama. Sumacs (Sumac species). Several native sumacs are sculptural shrubs with brilliant fall shades of yellow, orange, red and purple. Female plants have flowers and berries. Native. Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica). A two-season beauty with white flowers in the spring and shades of bright gold, red, purple and orange foliage in the fall. Native. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Fall Into Savings At Your Local Co-op E ALAFARM.COM 22

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

alfafarmers.org

Five industry leaders were inducted into the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Sept. 16. From left are Bill Gilley of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Homer Tate of Meridianville; and Ron Smith of Auburn. The late David Yow Pearce and the late James Plaster were honored with Pioneer Awards.

Auburn Ag Alumni Group Honors Five Agricultural Leaders

uburn University’s College of Agriculture and Agricultural A Alumni Club recognized five industry leaders for their contributions to Alabama agriculture through the years during the 2021 Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Banquet, held Sept. 16 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National. Homer Tate of Meridianville; Bill Gilley of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and Ron Smith of Auburn were inducted into the Hall of Honor. The late David Yow Pearce and the late James Plaster were honored with the Pioneer Award. Tate, representing the production sector, began managing his family’s 50-acre farm at age 18, eventually growing it to an 18,000-acre operation that today includes cotton as well

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

as corn, wheat and soybeans. Over the years, Tate Farms has continually diversified and advanced its use of new farming technology. It remains in family hands to this day. Tate Farms has also expanded over the years to include an agritourism site, Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkins, which attracts about 60,000 visitors each fall. Gilley, Hall of Honor inductee in the agribusiness sector, spent much of his career with Conagra Foods, where he served as bird health director for all Conagra operations in Alabama and Georgia, among other roles. In one of his earliest positions with the company, he developed an environmental-controlled house for growing broilers and replacement pullets, producing management procedures that are still in use across the poultry industry today. Education/government sector inductee Ron Smith spent 50 seasons developing applied research and educational programs on insect management and control. He also influenced the early adoption of new technology and developed scouting techniques and economic treatment thresholds for new pests as they emerged. Smith has also been a leading scientist in designing successful insect management programs for cotton growers in Alabama and other cotton-producing states. Without a farming background, Pearce and his wife, Fran, moved to a cattle farm in the Dallas County community of Browns, but it was the farm’s five catfish ponds that soon became his passion. Pearce worked to turn the five ponds into a thriving business that now includes 121 ponds. Fifty years since the company’s inception, Pearce Catfish Farm today is one of the nation’s leaders. In addition to operating his farm, Pearce and a dozen other farmers built the Alabama Catfish Feed Mill in Uniontown, where Pearce served as president. Plaster was known for his numerous roles as an Alabama public servant while maintaining his family farm in Autaugaville. As a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, he was an influential member of several committees, including the Agriculture and Forestry Committee, which he co-chaired. He was also instrumental in establishing the Catfish Diagnostic Laboratory in Greensboro and the Alabama Crop Improvement Association Seed Technology Lab in Auburn. For more information on the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor, visit agriculture.auburn.edu/alumni/hall-of-honor. alfafarmers.org

Ranking Minority Member Of House Ag Committee Visits Alabama Farms U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, center, met with Alabama farmers Sept. 14, including Hale County catfish producers Bubba and Wallace Drury. Thompson is ranking minority member of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture.

By Debra Davis

them to call with future concerns. He also asked farmers labama farmers are hopeful to help surface solutions to they laid a foundation for problems facing American future stability and protection agriculture. from overbearing government “This trip isn’t a one-andregulations when they met done for me,” he said. “I’ve with U.S. House Committee on walked away with a lot of Agriculture leaders Sept. 14. great information and with U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, new contacts. I also want to R-Pa., is ranking minority push farmers to help provide member of the committee and homegrown solutions.” toured catfish, cattle and row Moore, who joined U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa.; Macon County Farmers Federation crop farms in Alabama, along Thompson in Shep Morris’s President Shep Morris; and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., discussed with operations in Mississippi cotton field, said he appreciated pressing ag issues on Morris’s cotton farm Sept. 14. and Georgia. On his multi-day Thompson’s focus on building trip, Thompson discussed issues relationships and visiting farms and concerns with farmers that included for American agriculture, and different throughout the country. Moore also areas of the country have different environmental regulations, tax laws and expressed optimism about Republicans crops. trade. regaining control of the House, which “There are no cotton fields in U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., who would elevate Thompson to chairman of Pennsylvania, and we don’t grow also serves with Thompson on the the Agriculture Committee. peanuts or raise catfish. But the House Agriculture Committee, attended “We only need to flip four seats in regulatory concerns farmers are facing portions of the tour. the House during the next election cycle and their fear over tax changes and “Trips like this are extremely to make that happen,” Moore said. “It’s other issues are common threats to important to me as a leader on the very important for our state and for our every American farmer, rancher and Agriculture Committee, and it’s farmers to have a voice in the process, forester.” always great to work with committee and with G.T. as chairman, we will Thompson shared his personal cell members like Congressman Moore,” have influence about what happens in number with farmers and encouraged Thompson said. “I see myself as a voice agriculture.”

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

alfafarmers.org

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

alfafarmers.org

Simply Southern Spotlight Bancroft Helps Lotus Business Bloom

etired biology teacher Laura Bancroft now has a second career as manager of Ten Mile Creek Nursery in Hartford, where she specializes in growing ornamental lotuses. The company sells dormant lotus tubers direct to customers online and sells in bulk to garden centers and botanical companies.

Alabama Stations and Times

Saturday, Central Time Market Station Time Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM

RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central ALWAYS ON: www.SimplySouthernTV.net

Lotus flowers are pretty unique. How did you get into this line of business? Laura Bancroft: We started the nursery in 2005, but we didn’t get into lotuses until 2010 when we were contacted by a professor at Auburn University. We started growing live plants in greenhouses. Now, we’ve changed our focus. Instead of live plants, we sell dormant tubers. What does a typical homeowner need to grow a lotus? Does it require a pond? LB: No. They are bog plants, so they have to stay very well saturated with water, but all you need is a pot, water, some sandy loam — which is just a fancy name for top soil — and fertilizer. Lotuses are voracious feeders. If you don’t give them enough fertilizer, you won’t get enough flowers. They are full sun plants. You can put them on your patio in the middle of summer, and you’ll get these beautiful blooms when a lot of other things have stopped blooming. What do you enjoy about growing lotus plants? LB: Well, there’s something addictive about it. You wait for the plant to come up out of this pot of mud, and then you get these big beautiful leaves. Then the bud comes up, and it can take three weeks for the bud to open, so you’re waiting and waiting. Then it opens to this most beautiful perfect flower, and once the petals fall off, the seed pods are beautiful, too.

Simply Southern TV is sponsored by alfafarmers.org

How are lotuses classified? LB: By size, color and number of petals. Sizes range from minis, or bowl lotus, which can be just a couple inches tall, to small, medium and large, which can grow as tall as a person. There is a fairly small spectrum of colors with lotus: white, yellow, pink, red and brilliant red with variations in between. The traditional lotus that people love is usually white with pink on the tips. What they call single-petal has less than 25 petals; semi-double has 25 to 50 petals; double- or multi-petal has more than 50; and thousand-petal has considerably more than that. You grow ornamental lotuses, but how are lotuses used in other places? LB: Lotus is one of the largest food crops in the world. In Asia, they eat more lotus tubers than Americans eat potatoes. They’re high in antioxidants and vitamins, plus they have an extremely good texture. The seeds are also edible. The pollen and dried flowers can be used to make tea. Plus, when you break open the stem, there’s silk that comes out. People use that and weave it into a very expensive cloth. Simply Southern’s segment about Ten Mile Creek Nursery will air on broadcast stations Nov. 6 and 7 and on RFD-TV on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV.net. Catfish Checkoff

Soybean Checkoff

Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff

November 2021 | NEIGHBORS

Cate Newberg of the Soybean Research Information Network recently talked with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady on the Alabama AgCast.

research information?

CN: We have a monthly email newsletter people can sign up for. We’re also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. There are lots of ways to get this information, without even having to go to our website. CH: How do you get the information for the website?

Hornady

Newberg

Carla Hornady: Tell us about the Soybean Research Information Network.

Cate Newberg: First, we created the National Soybean Research Database, which is a compilation of research projects from every soybean state or organization in the United States. The Soybean Research Information Network is where we communicate information from that database. You can find it online at soybeanresearchinfo.com. 30

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

CH: Why do you think it was important to create this website?

CN: Before this, there wasn’t one place where you could find all the soybean checkoff-funded research from different states. It’s also created opportunities for collaboration among states. We’ve also had some researchers notice repetition in projects, which has allowed them to reduce redundancy by changing their funding to a different research project. CH: How else are y’all sharing this

CN: We reach out to the states and ask them what projects they think we can write articles about. We want stories that have impact. We try to have five to 10 articles per state per year, but it’s all based on how many projects are in the database. We want to make sure farmers know that checkoff-funded research can have a direct impact on their bottom lines. Catch the entire interview on the Alabama AgCast. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit alfafarmers.org/agcast. New episodes available every Wednesday. alfafarmers.org

Extension Gardening Outreach Programs Change Lives a year,” O’Rear said. “Fall and winter gardening is productive and helps fill nutritional gaps when packaged foods become the bulk of what food banks and community kitchens have to share by default.” GMGM donations are important because fall and winter markets are not as full of local, more affordable produce as during the height of the summer season.

4-H Grows

Master Gardeners of North Alabama have donated produce from the Demonstration Vegetable Garden at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens to the Grow More Give More campaign. From left are Lynn Myers, Diane Rodgers, Eileen Tully and Susan Parker.

By Katie Nichols spirit-lifting mentorship. A box of A fresh produce. Fresh vegetables to help a struggling family eat nutritious

meals. Outreach is a pivotal part of Alabama Extension’s land-grant mission. Through community projects and outreach programs, local gardeners, 4-H members and Master Gardeners (MG) are making a difference. For colon cancer survivor Helen Bretz, Harvest for Health — a partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Comprehensive Cancer Center — helped her find herself again after 24 rounds of chemotherapy. The program matches survivors with a ready-to-go gardening kit and an MG volunteer-mentor so survivors can experience the benefits of gardening with expert advice. “I had two incredible and uplifting mentors,” Bretz said. “The relationships with them are special. They helped me find my love of gardening, and it

alfafarmers.org

breathed life into my tired body as I worked alongside them.”

Grow Another Row

As many Alabamians found themselves at home for long stretches during the pandemic, Alabama Extension home grounds agents looked for a way to bring communities together to meet a need. Food insecurity is an issue many Alabama families face. Extension is helping communities meet that need with fresh produce from a neighbor’s backyard garden through Grow More Give More (GMGM). GMGM provides tailored gardening instructions through webinars, seminars and online publications. Home gardeners work to grow bumper crops and share their bounty with others. Bethany O’Rear, a home grounds agent in north Alabama, said produce donations through GMGM are plentiful during summer but more difficult to come by during fall and winter. “Food insecurity is an issue 365 days

In addition to Master Gardeners and others making a difference through GMGM, Alabama 4-H is digging into communities to provide locally grown produce. The four-tier program includes container gardening (Tier I), raised-bed gardening (Tier II), a produce business (Tier III) and a community-focused gardening program where 50% of garden produce is donated to a food assistance program (Tier IV). Doyle Keasal, 4-H Grows program coordinator, said by investing their time in growing a garden and donating a portion of produce, 4-H youth are becoming leaders in their communities. Providing opportunities to help others who are less fortunate allows 4-H members to engage in civic-minded activities, pursue healthy living and develop life skills.

Helen Bretz, left, is a colon cancer survivor who reaped rewards of the Harvest for Health program. Her daughter, Billie Crawford, is a Montgomery County Master Gardener who participates in gardening outreach programs in her hometown.

November 2021 | NEIGHBORS

Bacon Mushroom Cornbread Dressing Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 8 slices bacon 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced 1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms (about 3 cups) 6 green onions, chopped 6 cups crumbled cornbread 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup 3 cups chicken broth Salt Pepper

Instructions

I don’t know about you, but Fwe’veolks, it’s been quite some time since needed Thanksgiving as much

as we need it this year. Whether you’re gathering with your entire family or keeping it more intimate, I bet you’re looking forward to it just as much as I am. In our neck of the woods, Thanksgiving marks that time when summer heat is finally behind us, cooler days are setting in, the beauty of fall is in full swing and our hearts are craving time with those we love most. With that in mind, I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes for a delicious and memorable meal. Turkey is the star of any Thanksgiving table, and each year, great efforts are made to avoid a dry turkey. My Spatchcocked Turkey recipe will yield the absolute juiciest turkey you’ve ever tasted with gorgeous, crispy skin in under two hours! I know it sounds too good to be true; your guests won’t believe it either, which is all the more reason to add this to your menu this year. Future generations will thank you! To make sure we don’t overcook our turkey (which can cause drying), you’ll want to have a meat thermometer on hand. They are available in most grocery stores and are relatively affordable.

NEIGHBORS

November 2021

Squash casserole is a requirement on my Thanksgiving table and has been for generations. While it’s hard to improve on a classic, Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole does just that. I’m not asking you to take my word for it; this is coming from my own grandmother. Last, but certainly not least, I can’t wait for you to try this kicked up cornbread dressing! The mushrooms, green onions and bacon really give the dish a punch of flavor. Don’t like mushrooms? Leave them out. Don’t like green onions? Omit them. This recipe is easy to customize to your family’s taste, but the core ingredients and flavor still hold true to that traditional cornbread dressing we all love and anticipate. I hope you’ll consider adding one or all of these recipes to your menu this year. But more than that, I pray you are able to have the Thanksgiving your heart longs for. It’s so easy to be consumed by all that is going on in the world today, but a few years back, a dear friend shared some timeless wisdom with me, “What you water grows.” I keep this in mind when it comes to what I give the most attention. If I focus too much on the problems of the world, they can easily occupy the bulk of my thoughts throughout the day. It is vital that I use intention when it comes to making sure

In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels before coarsely chopping the bacon. Carefully pour away all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings. Return pan with reserved drippings to medium heat and add celery. Cook about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Add green onions and cook until they are wilted and soft, about 2 minutes. Heat oven to 375 F. Spray a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine crumbled cornbread, chopped bacon, cooked vegetables, cream of mushroom soup and broth. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour into prepared dish and bake uncovered 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and set. my family knows how much I love them. Therefore, when the people I love are near me, they are all that matters. The news is turned off and the cellphones are put away as my focus is on living in each precious, irreplaceable moment. I pray this Thanksgiving we all are able to focus on — water, if you will — the true blessings in our lives: family, friends, health and home. 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

Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 3 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter) 2 pounds yellow squash, thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick) 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced 1 teaspoon salt Stacey’s 1/2 teaspoon black pepper R e c ipe Notes 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of T h is isn’t a can chicken and mushroom of mushroo of cream condensed soup m and a ca n of cream of 1/2 cup sour cream chicken. It’s one can tha 2 cups shredded sharp t is cream of chicken cheddar cheese and mushroom About 30 buttery crackers, . crushed (such as Ritz) 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.   In a large skillet over medium heat, add bacon grease. Once

Juiciest Spatchcocked Turkey Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 20 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 4 carrots 1 large onion 4 ribs celery 1 (12- to 13-pound) turkey, completely thawed 1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Very coarsely chop the vegetables and scatter over the pan. Set aside.   alfafarmers.org

melted, add the squash and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes. Drain squash mixture well in a colander to remove excess liquid.   In a large bowl, stir together undiluted cream of chicken and mushroom soup, sour cream and cheese. Fold in the drained squash mixture. Spread into prepared dish.   In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with the melted butter until cracker crumbs are coated. Sprinkle mixture over the top of the casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to rest about 10 minutes before serving. Place turkey on a large cutting board, breast side down. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to make it easier to handle. Use a large pair of sharp poultry shears to cut the backbone out of the turkey. Start at the tail and cut up one side of the backbone, then proceed to the other side. Some bones may be a little tougher to cut through, so you may have to use both hands on the shears. You can also use a chef’s knife for this, but I find the shears safer and easier. (You can discard the backbone or use it to make stock for gravy.) Then flip the turkey over and place both hands firmly in the center of the breast and press down with considerable force to break the breastbone and flatten the turkey — the flatter the better. Place turkey on top of vegetables.  In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, poultry seasoning, pepper and salt together. Dry the turkey again with a few paper towels then liberally brush the entire turkey (including the inside) with the mixture. You can rub some under the skin of the breasts for even more flavor. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey to keep them from burning.  Heat oven to 450 F. Allow the turkey to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats. Cook turkey for 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes (rotating the pan about halfway through cooking) or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 F (the breast should read about 155 F) when tested with a meat thermometer. Residual heat will continue to cook the bird once it’s out of the oven, so the temperature will rise more even after being taken out. If you find the turkey starting to burn, you can always reduce the heat a bit or cover the darkest part of it with aluminum foil. Each turkey and oven is a little different, so you may need to make minor adjustments as it’s cooking to make sure it’s cooked completely without drying out.  Allow the turkey to rest 15 to 20 minutes so the juices redistribute before carving. November 2021 | NEIGHBORS