December 2010 Neighbors

No Time Like Christmas Schwerman Finds Fun In The Holiday Season Syrup Maker Joe Todd Keeps On Raising Cane

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Neighbors A Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 12

DECEMBER 2010

No Time Like Christmas

Roger Schwerman flies airplanes, blimps and hot air balloons. He holds a doctorate in environmental engineering, plays polo and has worked for the Missile Defense Agency. But the real excitement, he says, is every holiday season at his Christmas tree farm. • 16

Nothing But The Best

The Outstanding Young Farm Family contest at the 89th Annual Meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation features “the best Alabama agriculture has to offer.” • 5

Drive Now, Text Later

ON THE COVER Ready For Holidays — Roger Schwerman and wife, Patricia, join Santa Claus at Schwerman Christmas Tree Plantation in Lacey’s Spring.

A pilot, polo player and engineer, Schwerman says the 70-acre tree farm provides a fun-filled and exciting retreat for those times when life becomes boring.

— Photo by Darryal Ray NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation has begun a “drive now, text later” safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of accidents among teen drivers. • 9

Boiling Point

Fifth-generation syrup maker Joe Todd of Dothan says one of the secrets of good cane syrup is keeping a close watch on the kettle. • 12

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DEPARTMENTS 4

President’s Message

8

Federation Digest

24

Ag Briefs

26

Alabama Gardener

28

Country Kitchen

30

Classifieds

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President’s Message T

hose of us who grew up on a farm know a thing or two about “giving a good measure.”

Whether it’s counting out a “baker’s dozen” when selling sweet corn or packing cotton into a picking sack, farm folk seem to share a philosophy of going the extra mile.

Over the years, this idea of treating others with benevolence has been called paying-it-forward, social responsibility and the golden rule, but nowhere is this value better Jerry Newby expressed than in the Bible.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38 During the holiday season, we place special emphasis on giving.

We collect can goods and money for the food bank; we provide coats and blankets for the homeless; we write checks to our favorite charities; and we exchange presents with loved ones.

But what if this spirit of giving continued throughout the year?

What if our generosity involved not only material things but also the forgiveness and love Jesus talks about in Luke? Imagine how such an attitude might change our communities.

To reach this ideal, however, we must first calibrate our measuring devices. Is the bushel we use to pour out our gifts one that is fluffed with air and empty husks, or is it “pressed down” and “shaken together?” If you’ve ever picked peas or turnip greens you know the difference.

Our standard should be the very

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example of giving we celebrate each Christmas. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 While our level of giving can never match His, we’re at our best when we give selflessly to help others.

In the Farmers Federation, we see this kind of generosity when members leave their own chores undone to help a sick neighbor harvest his crops or gather hay. It shows in the way our county leaders rally around a family who has lost a loved one, and it is the reason thousands of our members volunteer to work in their churches, schools and communities.

We are blessed to have the same attitude of service among our Alfa employees. Our new advertising campaign, “Right there with you,” isn’t just a slogan; it’s part of the culture of our company.

Almost daily I hear stories of employees going the extra mile to help one of our policyholders.

Sometimes it is a customer service representative helping a policyholder find ways to save money; other times it is an adjuster making sure a family is taken care of after a storm or fire; and still other times it’s an agent comforting a family when he has to deliver a life insurance check.

Certainly, these simple acts of kindness don’t compare with the sacrifices some make, but it is encouraging to know the philosophy of providing “good measure” is alive and well within our organization.

As you gather with your family this holiday season, I pray that you are blessed with health, happiness and comfort, and that we will continue to share the gifts of love, joy and peace throughout the year. n 4

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 12

________________________________________ Darryal Ray, Editor Debra Davis, Associate Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jerry Newby, President, Athens Hal Lee, Vice President/North, Hartselle Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland Ricky Wiggins, Vice President/Southeast, Andalusia Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Joe Dickerson, Lexington Steve Tate, Huntsville Donnie Garrett, Centre Darrel Haynes, Cullman John E. Walker III, Berry Marshall Prickett, Wellington Richard Edgar, Deatsville Pat Buck, Emelle Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta Sammy Williams, Columbia Gloria Jeffcoat, Gordon Jeff Maze, Horton Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116. For information about member benefits of the Alabama Farmers Federation, visit the Web site 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.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Paul Hurst, Hurst & Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Phone: 800397-8908; Fax: (847) 438-8105. Classified ad and editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Ad­vertise­­­­­­­ ments contained in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation.

EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

ADDRESS editorial, advertising and change of address correspondence to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 361910001. www.AlfaFarmers.org A member of American Farm Bureau Federation NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

By Darryal Ray

you can be assured that the ones who make it to this level of competition have distinguished themselves as excellent managers, leaders and stewards of the land. We are honored to have these families as part of our organization, and are excited to recognize them at our annual meeting.”

The Henrys run a cowcalf operation in Montgomery County with a herd of 400 Angus, Charolais and Simmental cattle — a far cry from the 240 head Garrett started with just over six years ago. It’s an accomplishment that takes on greater meaning when one considers that a tornado in 2006 forced them to rebuild 95 percent of their operation.

The Wrights in the Dallas County community of Plantersville operate about two acres of greenhouse space, another 20,000 square feet outside and about two million perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs along with 20,000 hanging baskets.

It was only three years ago that the Whitakers got into the hay business in the DeKalb County community of Henagar, but now they bale for the public and expect to reach 2,700 rolls this year. With 200 acres of their own and another 50 rented acres, the Whitakers grow fescue and orchard grass for area cattle farmers.

By mid-August, they had sold 900 round bales and baled another 900 rolls for his seven word-of-mouth customers, all of whom he deals with on a “handshake” basis.

The Calverts operate a 20-acre family farm in the Bremen community. Three times a week, they can be found selling their goods — tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage, collards, onions, peppers, corn, peas, beans, squash, watermelons and numerous other crops — at the Walker County Farmers Market. They also have 3.5 acres of peach trees and two broiler houses.

The Willoughbys’ Houston County farm, which includes 850 acres of peanuts and 2,600 double-cropped acres of cucumbers (the cukes eventually become pickles at Burger King), has been in operation for more than a century. It’s a farm that has always been known for adapting to change, a trait that often takes shape in Colby’s innovative equipment modifications.

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ix families from six commodity divisions will be vying for Outstanding Young Farm Family of the year when the Alabama Farmers Federation holds its 89th Annual Meeting at Mobile’s Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center on Dec. 5-6.

About 1,200 Federation members from throughout the state are expected to attend the meeting which continues the “Agriculture: A Growing Story” theme from last month’s annual Farm-City Week.

Other highlights of the two-day event include a concert by country and bluegrass artist Ricky Skaggs, presentation of the Service to Agriculture Award to Dr. John Wheat of the University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Scholars Program, a briefing on current issues facing agriculture and the election of officers and board members from four districts.

The annual OYFF contest recognizes young farmers between the ages of 17 and 35 who do an outstanding job in farm, home and community activities. The winner will receive a John Deere Gator, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit, a personal computer package courtesy of ValCom/CSS Wireless, $500 cash from Dodge, use of a new Chevrolet Traverse for one year and other prizes. The winner also goes on to compete at the national level for a new Dodge Ram 3500.

The finalists, selected from 10 commodity winners, are: Garrett and Emily Henry, Montgomery County, Beef Division; Davy and Heather Wright, Dallas County, Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division; Jeff and Randi Whitaker, DeKalb County, Hay & Forage Division; Jeremy and Julie Calvert, Cullman County, Horticulture Division; Colby and Jaclyn Willoughby, Houston County, Peanut Division; and Josh and Jessica Turner, DeKalb County, Poultry Division.

“The Outstanding Young Farm Family seeks to honor the very best Alabama agriculture has to offer,” said Brandon Moore, director of the Young Farmers program.

“Our current slate of winners certainly fits that description. With the risk and uncertainty involved in farming,

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research efforts on programming to recruit, train and place primary care doctors in the underserved rural communities in Alabama.

Half of the Rural Medical Scholars (RMS) in practice are family physicians; 70 percent who graduated from medical school have gone into the primary care fields of family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine. More than 60 percent have entered primary care practice in rural Alabama after completing residency training, and 90 percent (including those in urban primary care practices and in rural sites in a non-primary care field) are in practice in the state.

The documented success of these programs brought national recognition to Alabama’s efforts to provide rural doctors, and Wheat was named the Distinguished Educator of the Year in 2007 by the National Rural Health Association.

He is active in several local and national medical societies, is past chairman of the North American Agromedicine Consortium and a bureau member of the International Association of Agricultural Medicine and Rural Health.

In addition to elections, Federation voting delegates will consider policy changes proposed at an Oct. 20 meeting at Federation headquarters in Montgomery. Leaders, including state board members, county presidents and state commodity chairmen, agreed to: • Support the creation of a study committee by the state Legislature to evaluate Forever Wild and support allocation of state oil and gas leases revenue (Alabama Trust Fund) on a renewable basis for improvement of agricultural, wildlife and renewable natural resources.

• Support measures affecting poultry production, including issue resolution, grower investment, building modification and contract concerns between integrators and producers.

• Support continuation of the fulltime National FFA advisor position.

• Support education of students at the Alabama Fire College to respond to on-farm emergencies.

• Support extension of planting season dates of all crops by 10 days for crop insurance purposes.

• Ensure federal food safety regulations do not overburden producers.

• Oppose local regulations that restrict transportation for agriculture and forestry products.

• Oppose local regulations that supersede state environmental regulations.

• Support dairy checkoff funds to encourage consumption of natural dairy products.

Convention-goers will also have an opportunity to sit in on an Ag Issues Briefing led by Steve Flick, board president of the Show Me Energy Cooperative in Centerview, Mo., and Dennis Wiese, a consultant in growth energy from Flandreau, S.D. Registration for the meeting opens at 1 p.m. Sunday in the convention center along with the State Young Farmers Committee’s Silent Auction that will benefit the Alabama Farmers Agricultural Foundation. n

The Turners’ DeKalb County poultry farm started with two old poultry houses Josh leased from his grandfather and great uncle when Josh was just 17 and still in high school. At 18, he was managing eight poultry houses for a retired ag teacher. Today, the first-generation poultry farmer has six houses — four 42-by-500-footers and two 43-by-510-footers.

Service to Agriculture Award winner Dr. John Wheat, who also oversees the Minority Rural Health Pipeline Program (MRHPP) and teaches Rural/Community Medicine to students in their third year of medical school, has become nationally known for his work in helping rural students who want to become primary care physicians serving rural areas.

Raised on a farm near Livingston in Sumter County, Wheat’s academic interests revolve around vulnerable and underserved rural populations, especially prevention in agricultural medicine, insurance and health care systems for uninsured rural children and educational and community developments needed for rural practice.

Since students from rural areas are more likely than other medical students to choose practice sites in rural communities, Wheat has focused his administrative and

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NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Federation Digest Obituaries John A. Garrett of Montgomery, a long-time board member of the Montgomery County Farmers Federation, died Sept. 26. He was 101.

In addition to raising dairy cattle and beef cattle, Garrett served as state director of commodity services for Alabama Farm Bureau in the 1950s.

In 1969, he was appointed by President Richard Nixon to serve as the director of the Alabama Farmers Home Administration, a position he held until 1977.

Garrett was well known for his contributions to Alabama’s agriculture industry and for his community service, especially his contributions to the Alabama Rural Water Association, Camp ASCCA, Montgomery Farmers Cooperative, Snowdoun Volunteer Fire Department and Montgomery Rotary Club.

He is survived by two daughters, Kitty Garrett Dawson and Mary John Garrett (Sim) Byrd; three grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren.

Grace Myers Wingard of Grady, a board member of the Crenshaw County Farmers Federation, died Sept. 26. She was 84. She served as chairman of the Crenshaw County Women’s Leadership Committee for more than 44 years and was an Alfa Insurance employee for 27 years, including five years as an agent.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Pat Wingard; two granddaughters, Nicki (Ray) Barber and Jessica (Neal) Hinton; four great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Myra Myers; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Farmer Of The Year Alabama Farmer of the Year Shep Morris, right, was recognized during the Sunbelt Ag Expo Awards Luncheon Oct. 19 in Moultrie, Ga. Morris, who is president of the Macon County Farmers Federation, received $2,500 and an engraved glass vase from Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock.

Morris Recognized At Sunbelt Ag Expo

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labama Farm of Distinction winner Shep Morris was recognized during the Sunbelt Ag Expo awards luncheon Oct. 19 in Moultrie, Ga. As Alabama’s nominee for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year, Morris received a check for $2,500 and a gift certificate from Southern States.

Morris is active in the Alabama Farmers Federation and serves as president of the Macon County Farmers Federation. The diversified farm owned by Morris and his wife, Rite, includes 3,000 acres of row crops in Macon and Montgomery counties.

Robert Dasher of G&R Farms in Glennville, Ga., was selected as the 8

overall winner of the 2010 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award. The award honors excellence in agricultural production and management and leadership in community and farm organizations. The award also recognizes family contributions in producing safe and abundant supplies of food, fiber and shelter for U.S. consumers.

As the winner, Dasher received $15,000 cash, use of a tractor of his choice for a year, gift certificates totaling $1,000 and a custom-made gun safe.

He also received a jacket, $500 gift certificate and $500 in cash from the Williamson-Dickie clothing company. n NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Alfa Announces Video Contest To Encourage Safe Driving

By Debra Davis

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lfa Insurance, along with the Alabama Department of Education and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), is sponsoring a contest designed to help raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and allows Alabama high school students to show off their creativity.

The New Alfa Drive Smart on-line video contest begins Jan. 1 and offers thousands of dollars in cash and prizes to students who submit videos aimed at discouraging distracted driving among teens.

The winning students’ schools will receive cash awards as well.

“Each day our agents and claims adjusters see the impact distracted driving is having with more and more accidents on roadways across the South,” said Executive Vice President of Marketing Herman Watts. “We care immensely for the safety of all drivers and believe this campaign promoting safe driving among teens is a good step in the education process. Alfa is proud to sponsor this along with the Alabama Department of Education and Alabama Independent School Association. If we save one life or prevent one accident by encouraging drivers to put down their phone it makes this all worthwhile.”

The official contest entry form and a list of contest rules are available online at AlfaDriveSmart.com.

Approved contest entries will be posted as they are uploaded to the site.

The first-place winner or group will receive one iPad (valued at $600) plus $1,500 in cash. The winning student (or group’s) school will receive $1,500.

The second-place winner will receive one iPod Touch (valued at $250) plus $1,000 in cash. The school of the second-place winner or group will receive $1,000.

The third-place winner or group will receive one iPod Nano (valued NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

at $150) plus $750 in cash. The school of the third-place winner or group will be awarded $750.

Educational leaders and students throughout the state have embraced the contest.

“As State Superintendent of Education, I have one primary concern that ranks above all others – the safety and well-being of Alabama’s young people,” said State School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Morton. “Safety in every form should be of paramount concern while driving.

“For years we have encouraged people to fasten their seatbelts and pay attention to the road while

driving passenger cars. The same amount of concern must go into discouraging texting while driving. I hope this contest challenges students to use their imagination and creativity to develop a message of safety that resonates across the state and the country.

“The prizes offered are exciting and generous; but the real prize comes from students becoming more aware of the dangers of being distracted while driving a vehicle.

One life saved, one family spared, one young person who lives to reach the full measure of his or her potential as a result of this contest makes it all worthwhile.

AISA Executive Director Don Oswald shared Morton’s enthusi9

asm and support for the contest.

“The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) is excited about the opportunity to participate in this awareness program, and we are grateful to Alfa for providing our students with an opportunity to express their creativity while communicating a muchneeded message to the community in an effort to save lives,” he said. “ Sadly, many of our member schools, students and families have been impacted by the unnecessary and avoidable incidents that result from careless behavior while driving. This program should serve as a wonderful outlet for students to express their thoughts and concerns with their peers.”

Sarah Bethea, a senior at Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, along with AISA Student Government Association President Katie Wendland, a senior at Autaugaville Academy and her brother, Drew, a junior at the school, serve as student advisors for the contest. All the teens agree the problem is rampant among drivers, but Katie is quick to point out that it isn’t just teens who text and drive.

“I’ve seen lots of adults that do it, too,” she said. “But hopefully, this contest will help get the message out to everyone – just don’t do it.”

Sarah said most all of her friends use texting as a way to communicate and she thinks anything that helps raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving is a good idea.

“At our age, a lot of our friends think they are Superman,” Sarah said. “They think it won’t happen to them. With these prizes, hopefully we’ll have lots of participation and drive home just how dangerous it really is.”

The contest ends April 1. For more details, email Marc Pearson, director of Integrated Marketing Communications for Alfa Insurance at MPearson@AlfaIns.com. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

New Benefit: Home Helpers Making Life Easier For Those In Need

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he Alabama Farmers Federation and Home Helpers is now “making life easier” by providing day-to-day non-medical care and companionship for loved ones in need, thanks to a new affinity partnership offered to Federation members.

Work, personal obligations and geographical distance can make caring for family and friends difficult, if not impossible. But Home Helpers, a home care agency that has been supporting clients in more than 500 communities across North America for over a decade, can lend Federation members a helping hand with 10 percent off its normal price. Log in to the Members Only area of AlfaFarmers.org for the discount code.

“Today, many families need help providing the day-to-day care and companionship their loved ones need,” says Mike Tidwell, director of the Federation’s Department of Organization. “Home Helpers can help determine what level of care is needed, and then provide care or companionship in a variety of ways.”

Home Helpers can provide non-medical senior care, care of new mothers, recuperative care and continuing care. Its experienced, dependable caregivers are carefully selected and thoroughly screened.

“Our goal is to deliver the same quality care that we would expect for our own families — and for ourselves. Each individual client receives services tailored to meet their specific needs, by caregivers who become an extension of their family,” said Woods Culpepper, Home Helpers’ director of operations in Dothan. “We carefully select our Caregivers to find the most compassionate, experienced and dependable people who truly enjoy helping others. Our caregivers are employees who are thoroughly screened and covered by workers’ compensation insurance. We do this to ensure our clients are fully protected.”

Home Helpers’ services are provided in homes, hospitals, retirement communities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Flexible care plans are tailored to meet clients’ unique needs, budgets and schedules, and every client relationship is managed by an experienced supervisor who makes ongoing recommendations as the client’s needs change over time A sampling of services might include conversation and companionship, such as going to the park or visiting with friends and neighbors. Caregivers may also read aloud, take loved ones for a visit with their children or grandchildren, schedule appointments, pick up prescriptions, light housecleaning, grocery shopping or meal preparation.

Home Helpers is affiliated with Direct Link, a provider of medical alert units, including an automated

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medication dispenser that simplifies medication management by predisposing medications at pre-set times.

With about 20 percent of seniors using about 50 prescriptions a year, keeping up with multiple medications can be a challenge, especially when there are certain prescriptions that must be taken at specific times during the day. Direct Link’s automated medication dispenser is a simple, affordable and reliable solution to managing multiple medications.

The Direct Link medication dispenser operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, utilizing microchip technology to dispense multiple medications at pre-set times. The unit can be loaded with up to 28 doses of medication. When dose is ready, the alarm sounds and a red light flashes. If dose is not taken, the 24/7 Care Center is alerted and will call to remind you. The unit is compatible with cable or VoIP phone service and comes with a 72-hour rechargeable backup battery for travel or power failures.

To learn more about Home Helpers or to locate an office near you, call (800) 216-4196. To receive the special promotional code, log in to the “Members Only” area of www.AlfaFarmers.org. n 10

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NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Opposite, Joe Todd stands in his sugar cane field outside Dothan. Above, Vince Lamb watches and learns as Todd makes another batch of golden syrup.

By Darryal Ray

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n the sweet days of late October, Joe Todd knows that a watched pot does indeed boil. He also knows enough about making cane syrup that he seldom ventures far from his syrup shed on Hall Road in Houston County once his cane crop comes in.

That’s because Todd, a fifth-generation syrup maker, knows that overcooked syrup looks dark and tastes bitter. “If you can’t see through it, it will be bitter and strong,” he says, as he checks the water content with a hand-held hydrometer.

“If it was anybody’s but mine, I’d have to stay right here with it,” says Todd. “But I’ve done it so long, I know exactly how to set my burners and when I can walk away for a few minutes, but I never go more than 5 or 10 minutes away.”

From about mid-March until midDecember, Todd and his wife, Edria, will plant, irrigate, cut, strip, grind, cook, bottle, label and sell around 1,200 gallons of cane syrup — all

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

from about three acres of sugar cane.

If the crop is good, they’ll spend four to six hours on each batch they make.

Such is the life of a syrup maker, a fast-fading art that once was part of life in rural communities all over the South.

“Dad and Grandpa were all syrup makers for the community, and we made syrup for everybody,” said Todd, who is 74 and retired from both the Montgomery Police Department and the Department of Corrections.

“Everybody in this area had a cane patch, and somebody in the community made syrup for everybody.

We sweetened tea with it. We made cakes, pies, cookies, teacakes. That was sugar for us. … I even remember Dad tearing everything down 13

and going to another community.

He came down almost to Ozark and stayed a week making syrup. But people had to have syrup ­— it was a part of life.”

For the Todd family, it’s always been a part of life. Today, Todd even uses some of the same hand-made tools his grandfather made from longleaf pine and old wagon parts. “My granddad said he and his granddad were stripping cane in October 1864 when they saw (my great grandfather) walking home from the war,” said Todd. “Grandpa said, ‘I’m ashamed to admit it, but I never had the thought that I’m glad my dad survived the war’ …he said, ‘All I thought about was I won’t be hungry no more.’”

It’s a tradition that Todd wanted to carry on himself, but wasn’t able to do so when he left home. “I moved out of the house up there with Mama and Daddy on Pea River Swamp, and w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

“All I ever wanted was to be a dirt farmer,” says Todd. Today, he keeps busy squeezing cane into syrup.

when I was 21, went to work for the Montgomery Police Department,” says Todd. “The first day on the force I put (civil rights leader) Rev. David Abernathy in jail. … All I ever wanted to be was a dirt farmer. But I didn’t own any land, I didn’t own a tractor and help was getting hard to get by then. I wanted a family and so I had to seek another way of making a living.”

It wasn’t until retirement in 1997 that Todd snatched up a peanut farm in danger of foreclosure and began pursuing his dream as a syrup maker.

Today, he’s regarded as one of the best around. Vince Lamb of North Augusta, S.C., goes even farther, calling him “the best in the United States.”

“Nobody knows as much about syrup making as Mr. Todd,” said Lamb, who frequently makes the 500-mile roundtrip trek just to spend the day watching Todd make syrup in hopes of picking up some knowledge he can use in making jams and jellies for his own gift basket business. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Many syrup makers, Lamb said, lack the patience to make the kind of syrup Todd turns out.

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have three people with buckets throwing the syrup up in the air trying to cool it off,” said Lamb. “By the time, they pour it up, I wouldn’t eat it. It’s syrup and to a lot of people who don’t know syrup, that’s good syrup. But THIS is good syrup. This is good stuff. It looks like honey.

There’s no sugar in it, no impurities. That’s what he’s got here — the knowledge and knowing when it’s cooking right and smelling right.

That’s something you can’t write on a recipe. That’s an art. … I really enjoy coming over here. I tell him, ‘I don’t want to interfere with you, but when you’re cooking, let me know and I’ll be here.’ I just come over to watch.”

So do the countless tours and school groups who visit the Todd Cane Syrup Farm as it is listed on the state’s agri-tourism list. “We’re one of the few that don’t charge anything; 14

that’s why we have so many visitors.

If you look at our guest book, we’ve even had people from Romania and Modesto, Calif.”

For those who can’t make it to the farm, the Todds also ship syrup.

“We ship a lot of syrup. Hall Road is a mile long, but we ship more syrup to Littleton, Colo., than all of our neighbors put together.”

“This is a free labor deal,” Todd added. “We try to get our expenses back. The going rate for cane syrup is $10 a quart, and our price is $6.50. ….

We don’t want to be in the moneymaking business — we just want to be in the syrup-making business.” n

____________________________________ For more information about Todd Cane Syrup Farm, call (334) 677-7804. The farm’s fourth edition of “Todd’s Syrup Cookbook” is now available for $12 by writing 512 Hall Road, Dothan, AL 36301.

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

By Darryal Ray

H

e flies airplanes, gliders, blimps and hot air balloons.

He’s been an interior designer, environmental engineer and employee of the Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency.

“If it’s not fun, I don’t do it,” says Dr. Roger Schwerman. “I get bored very easily. You might say that’s my problem, my curse.”

But it’s also what spurred Schwerman to buy a 70-acre Christmas tree farm more Roger and Patricia Schwerman sell ‘tradition.’ than eight years ago when farm, a place where Santa Claus all he needed was two acres shows up with Donner and Blitzen for his two polo ponies. every weekend after Thanksgiving, “I figured this would give me where a Nigerian dwarf billy goat a place to play and enjoy,” he named Leroy serves as the “Reinrecalled. “I told myself, ‘I grew up deer in Training” and two donkeys on a farm. I can figure this out.

Plus, I know a little bit about trees.’ named Festus and Marshall Dillon bray at the scores of visitors who So, I just decided to do the whole come in search of just the right thing.” tree.

The “whole thing” is now It’s also where the thrill-seeking known as Schwerman Christmas Schwerman gets his kicks out of Tree Plantation, just off U.S. 231 in Christmas. “What I like most about the Lacey’s Spring area of Morgan the Christmas tree farm is the joy County. you see on the little kids’ faces each It’s a full-fledged Christmas tree season,” he says.

“There is always something new happening on the farm.”

He has 15,000 trees from which to choose — white pines, Virginia pines, Leyland cypress, Carolina sapphires, Blue Ice, Eastern red cedar and Murray cypress to name but a few. He’s sold Santa inspects a tree at Schwerman’s farm. w ww ww w .. A A ll ff a aF Fa a rr m me e rr ss .. o o rr g g

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trees almost as far north as Memphis and as far south as Tallahassee, Fla. “As I said, I’m always curious. So, yes, I’m always looking for new trees,” said Schwerman. “There’s one that I was reading about in a Christmas tree magazine the other day and it sounded really intriguing. So I’m going to see if I can find some of those. I always start with 50 or 100 and if they do well, I can plant more.”

On the average, he’ll sell about 2,000 trees this Christmas — a far cry from the 50,000-100,000 trees this farm cranked out in the 1970s when Dr. George Brown (who Schwerman calls “father of the Christmas tree industry in Alabama”) from Alabama A&M owned the place and before the industry became so saturated.

When Schwerman bought the farm from Brown, the only trees growing were Virginia pine, white pine and 50 Leyland cypress trees. “George said that nobody ever bought the Leyland cypress, but they were big, nice trees. So I shaped them, and George was right — nobody wanted them,” he said.

“I talked a friend into buying one, which left me with 49 that didn’t sell. Well, that fall, guess what?

Southern Living ran an article that said the Leyland cypress is the tree that the ‘true Southern belle’ has in her home at Christmastime. Do you know that Friday after Thanksgiving, we sold 48 Leyland cypress trees! We only had one left. So, on Saturday, everybody comes out wanting a Leyland cypress. So I ask them, ‘Why would you want a Leyland cypress? Last year I couldn’t give them away!’”

N NE E II G GH HB BO OR RS S •• D DE EC CE EM MB BE ER R 2 20 01 10 0

Alabama Christmas Tree Farms

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he following tree farms — except those listed in red — are members of the Southern Christmas Tree Association. For more information about SCTA member farms, visit SouthernChristmasTrees.org. This listing should NOT be considered complete, and customers should phone ahead to verify the farm’s supply and operating hours. For other possible tree farms in your area, consult with your local county Federation office.

He puts the knowledge learned from his environmental engineering studies to use in maintaining his trees, using herbicide only as a spot treatment and releasing beneficial insects like wasps and praying mantises to keep down flies and bag worms.

“I’m still learning,” Schwerman admits. “George and Webb Thornhill and Paul Beavers (fellow tree farmers in Pisgah and Birmingham, respectively) still provide me with guidance. It’s like all the tree farmers I know — we all do other things, but this is our passion.”

That’s why he’ll be open on Christmas Eve. “There’s always somebody who’s forgotten to get a tree,” he says.

“I sell tradition,” Schwerman added. “You can go pick a tree up in the grocery store, but the difference is mine are alive. When you look at a green Christmas tree and it’s rainy and cold or snowing, it symbolizes that there is going to be new growth in the spring. It’s NE E II G GH HB BO OR RS S •• D DE EC CE EM MB BE ER R 2 20 01 10 0 N

FARM NAME

COUNTY

CITY

PHONE

Fish River Trees

Baldwin

Summerdale

(251) 988-8114

Navonod Farms

Baldwin

Seminole

(850) 436-8989

Gillam Christmas Tree Farm

Calhoun

Alexandria

(256) 820-8095

Gilbert Christmas Tree Farm

Chambers

Lanett

(334) 499-4007

Neely Farms

Chilton

Thorsby

(205) 688-1826

James Martin Farms LLC

Coffee

Enterprise

(334) 494-0333

Stinson Christmas Tree Farm

Coffee

Jack

(334) 897-5515

Glasscock Tree Farm

Cullman

Vinemont

(256) 734-4589

Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm

Elmore

Wetumpka

(334) 567-6308

Promise Land

Houston

Cottonwood

(334) 677-3365

Thornhill Farm

Jackson

Pisgah

(256) 451-3640

Beavers Christmas Tree Farm

Jefferson

Trafford

(205) 681-4494

Valley Christmas Tree Plantation

Madison

Huntsville

(256) 851-9375

Tara Place Christmas Tree Farm

Marion

Hamilton

(205) 921-7680

S&W Tree Farm

Mobile

Eight Mile

(251) 649-8818

Excel Christmas Tree Farm

Monroe

Monroeville

(251) 765-2075

Schwerman Christmas Tree Plantation

Morgan

Lacey’s Spring

(256) 882-6155

Old Baker Farm

Shelby

Harpersville

(205) 672-7209

Zeigler’s Christmas Tree Farm

Talladega

Sylacauga

(256) 245-5674

Gandy Tree Farm

Tuscaloosa

Vance

(205) 553-6305

Murphy’s Christmas Tree Farm

Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa

(205) 752-9660

Clear Creek Christmas Tree Farm

Walker

Jasper

(205) 275-8523

a great thing. I know when I first bought the tree farm, we had lost several family members in December — December is a tough time for us — and we were standing up there on the porch when Santa Claus and his reindeer got here. And there was this little boy who’d gone inside our Christmas tree store with his parents, and when he came walking out and saw Santa Claus and his reindeer, his face just lit up! My son reached over and put his arm around me and said, ‘Dad, thanks for bringing Christmas back.’ So I don’t care if I make a buck on this place or not. It was

worth everything. That’s what it’s all about. It’s the magic of Christmas, the magic of the season.” n

Right, Schwerman and Santa take a stroll through the farm’s 15,000 Christmas trees.

1 17 7

w ww ww w .. A A ll ff a aF Fa a rr m me e rr ss .. o o rr g g

Good yields take time.

T

E

F

O

W

A

L

S

S

he roads and highways in Alabama connect us to where we need to go.

They may take us to the beach for a well-earned vacation; or to the local supermarket for tonight’s dinner. But some roads and highways take us to where we work. Most of us drive cars, trucks and SUVs, but some choose a different vehicle. They are farmers.

The many farmers of Alabama legally use the roads and highways to get from barn to field with their tractors, harvesters and combines. Typically, these vehicles travel well below the speed limit. This is where the sign comes in.

On vehicles that can legally share the road but cannot keep up with the flow of traffic, you will find an orange-and-red triangle called a “Slow-Moving Vehicle” sign. This tells you from a distance that the vehicle ahead of you is traveling at a slow rate of speed.

Please beScareful you see this sign on a vehicle. Many accidents and U R Vwhen IVE even deaths have occurred as a result of a fast-moving vehicle meeting a farmer tryingAtoSign get to work.

Watch out for farmers. Good yields take time.

Of Progress

Farmer At Work

A Sign Of Progress

Farmer At Work

A message from the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the AlabamaN EFarmers 18 I G H B O RFederation.

S • DECEMBER

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

2010

Commodity Organizational Conference To Set Priorities For 2011

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armers representing 16 commodities will meet at Birmingham’s Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Feb. 1-3 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Commodity Organizational Conference.

According to Jimmy Carlisle, the Federation’s director of Governmental and Agricultural Programs, the three-day event has a three-fold purpose: To elect state commodity committee members, set goals and priorities for 2011 and share concerns and ideas on current issues in the respective commodities.

“To effectively represent Alabama farmers, it is important that we have a broad-based representation of commodity leaders,” said Carlisle. “We will be discussing issues, setting priorities and electing four members to each state

commodity committee. It’s an important first step in starting a new year, and it helps us identify the issues that most need our attention. We continue to receive favorable comments from commodity leaders that enjoy having this three-day format that allows time to discuss issues and conduct business.”

While seminars and speakers are not yet confirmed, Carlisle said the agenda is one that promises to help producers on their farms. He urges all county commodity chairmen and vice chairmen from all 17 commodities to attend.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with commodity meetings beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding around 3:30 p.m.

The meeting date for each commodity is listed below:

Tuesday, Feb. 1 — Bee & Honey, Beef, Catfish, Horticulture, Pork and Wildlife Resources.

Wednesday, Feb. 2 — Cotton, Forestry, Hay & Forage, Meat Goat & Sheep and Poultry.

Thursday, Feb. 3 — Dairy, Equine, Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grains.

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association will meet in conjunction with the Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show on Feb. 10, 10 a.m., at Dothan’s National Peanut Festival. n

____________________________________ For more information about the organizational conference, contact the Department of Governmental and Agricultural Programs at 1-800-3925705, ext. 4735 or email CHornady@ AlfaFarmers.org.

TIMBER STUMPAGE PRICES

Statewide Average Th i r d Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 0 Pine $210 Sawtimber

Pine Pulpwood

Hardwood Pulpwood

MBF Scribner

$28

Ton

$22.66

Cord

$8.45

Ton

$29.63

Cord

$10.22

Ton

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

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w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

By Melissa Martin

F

or the better part of 47 years, Frank “Bud” Rogers has been elbows-deep in sawdust and wood shavings. But the husband and father of two wouldn’t have it any other way. While the talent was there all along, his interest in woodworking was engrained during childhood.

“Growing up, my daddy worked at a sawmill and he would bring small scraps of wood home, and we’d use those in a coal-burning stove,” recalled Bud, with the makings of a sheepish grin. “I’d keep out and hide the pretty scraps so I could make little boats or cars or whatever I could, using just a handsaw and a hammer. Eventually, I got to where I could make airplanes, and when I got older, I made model airplanes with the gasoline engines and flew them.”

Fortunately for Bud, this childhood hobby became quite the saving grace of his adult life… even though a life involving wood shavings wasn’t always in his best-laid plans.

“After I graduated from Livingston College and married Julia in ‘63,

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

we found ourselves in a house with no furniture,” he explained. “I would try to find something we could afford, but as the search for furniture continued, I’d look around and think, ‘You know, I can fix something close to that,’ and so that’s how I really got started.”

Living on a teacher’s salary in Mobile, it didn’t take him long to find out a career in education wasn’t what he wanted to do with his life.

After the school year was over — and at the urging of his parents — Bud and Julia moved back up to Jackson and he took a job at the paper mill… work that would carry him for nearly four decades.

“I stayed at the mill 37 years, but it seemed like that time passed away so fast, I guess because we were so busy,” said Bud. “I worked shift work most of the time, but I didn’t mind it because it seemed like I had more time with my girls. Having only one weekend off a month was hard, but that one weekend was sacred to us.”

Retirement has helped increase quality time with his girls — though instead of time with Julia and his 20

two daughters, the time is now shared with granddaughters Mary Kate (12) and Ivy (10), along with area children who are eager to get their hands dirty.

“I try to teach them basic safety steps and simple things in woodworking,” said Bud. “But it does my heart good to go out there and see the enthusiasm the kids have and their want to learn.”

Questioned by kids and adults alike about his techniques and tools, Bud is always happy to share his wealth of knowledge — most gained from trial-by-error exercises and hard work. During these conversations, though, one question never fails to make an appearance.

“A lot of people ask me where I get my wood from,” says Bud. “And I always tell them, ‘You’d be surprised by how much wood people give me.’”

So how’d he get started with ornaments?

“I used to get one or two woodworking magazines,” recalls Bud. “One day, a Christmas issue came in and it had an article in there teaching you how to make your own NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Christmas ornaments. I looked at Over 47 years and countless ‘em and thought, ‘I can do that.’ So I wooden works of art, Bud’s gifts made six.” have found a place in the hearts and While inspiration came from homes of many. But it wasn’t until the article, he’s made a few modirecently that he discovered how fications. “The article showed the beneficial woodworking can be for ornaments painted. After two failed the soul. “I’ve realized over the last attempts, I found out that I couldn’t few years that the most important paint those things and knew there thing in woodworking is sharing it had to be some other way to make it with somebody,” he says. While his work. Then one day, I saw in a magazine where they made this rolling pin with the laminated wood, and I got the idea for laminating the ornaments to get the different colors and patterns.”

On average, it takes Bud about two days to glue individual pieces of wood together before they are ready to be turned into an ornament. Once turned, it takes another day to be completely finished, requiring a lacquer coating. While ornaments are a favorite of Bud’s to make because they’re quicker to turn out and, like snowflakes, no two are ever alike, there’s an ulterior motive behind his favorite hobby.

“Believe it or not, I’m kind of a Christmas nut!” he explains.

“I put a tree in the den with colored lights covered in things Rogers’ creations are natural beauties. we’ve collected over the years.

Julia likes white lights, but I like the list of recipients isn’t bogged down colored lights because that’s what with celebrities or HGTV personI grew up with. So we put colored alities, one of the more memorable lights on the tree by my chair in the pieces he’s made belonged to a rather den, and I’ll just sit here and look at big name in Alabama — Gov. George it for hours. The tree in the living Wallace. room will have the white lights on it “I had a cousin who cut down a and is completely decorated with . . walnut tree, and I went over there . ornaments and a few other tidbits to help him clear it away. (Former I’ve made over the years. I think we Speaker of the Alabama House of put around 125 ornaments on the Representatives) Joe McCorquodale’s tree in there… it’s loaded!” wife, Betty — both of whom were

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

21

from Jackson — wanted me to do something special for George [Wallace] for a Christmas present. So I used some of that walnut to make a little newspaper stand for him, and they loved it because it was made out of local wood.”

Though Bud primarily gives away ornaments to family and friends or sells them from his home in Jackson, a few of his creations can be found in Black Belt Treasures — a non-profit organization developed to showcase and promote the arts of the Black Belt region. While his relationship with the organization originated from a familiar drive and an ad in the local newspaper, it’s a relationship that Bud is certainly proud of.

“When we go to Auburn, we go through Camden,” he said. “We had read about [Black Belt Treasures], so one day when we were going through there, we stopped in.”

Prices for Bud’s projects vary based on type and size. His most popular products are: ornaments, $10; wine stoppers, $14.95; small wooden Christmas trees, $15.95; and large Christmas trees, $19.95.

Products are available from Bud directly, by visiting Black Belt Treasures in Camden or BlackBeltTreasures.com.

For Bud, whose ties to a sawmill and his own retirement from the paper mill still echo in his pastimes, closing the door to the woodshed at the end of the day doesn’t close the door to planning his next project.

“I lay awake at night thinking about a different way I could laminate that wood to where it will have a different appeal to the eye,” he confesses. n

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Eufaula High School FFA Team Scores Another National Victory

By Darryal Ray

T

he Eufaula FFA Chapter, a 12-time national finalist, scored another victory and a third place at the National FFA Organization’s 83rd annual convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 20-23.

Under the direction of Eufaula High School agri-science teacher and chapter advisor Buster Padgett, the team placed third (behind two Texas teams) in this year’s Delo Tractor Restoration competition.

The team picked up $1,500 for its restoration of a 1948 Farmall.

Eufaula FFA won the event in 2008 with a restored 1946 Case A model.

All entrants to the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition are required to submit a workbook detailing the entire tractor restoration process, from mechanical overhauls of the engine, transmission and auxiliary and ancillary systems, to the external appearance of the tractors.

The 2010 entries were narrowed to 12 finalists. These finalists were invited to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to present their projects to a panel of five professional tractor restorers.

Projects were graded on restoration process, results and documentation, as well as oral presentation and safety precautions.

A new component of the tractor restoration competition was Delo’s new online video contest.

More than 10,000 votes were cast, and the video made by the Eufaula FFA team for its restoration of the 62-year-old tractor was selected as the winner. The winning video can be viewed online at www.youtube. com by searching for “2010 Eufaula FFA Tractor Video.”

This year’s Eufaula team members are Jackson Harris, Zack Padgett, Allyssa Milner, Scott Bonner, Leeann Potts, Chad Williams and Kaylan Tyre.

“Of course I am extremely

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

This 1948 Farmall was resurrected by the Eufaula High School FFA. Not only did the tractor place third nationally, but a video of the project took first place.

proud of the students, but I can’t believe the support of the community as they voted on the video,” said Padgett. “I am really proud of our school and community for all the votes and the continued encouragement that was given to this team. I think we led the voting from the beginning and every time another team got close, the votes started coming in and we were able to keep the lead. It is both incredible and humbling at the same time.”

Eufaula began entering the Delo competition in 1997. Since that time, Eufaula FFA teams have been national finalists 12 times. “Any national competition is tough,” said Padgett. “If you make it to that level, you are competing with nothing more than the best in the nation. What an honor!”

22

Alabama State Rep. Richard Lindsey of Centre was presented an Honorary American FFA Degree during the convention.

“This is truly an honor for me,” said Lindsey. “As one who treasures agriculture and those Alabamians who make farming their livelihood, to be honored by this young group of men and women is very humbling. The familiar blue corduroy jackets worn

by FFA members is a mark of greatness in character and leadership in both their personal lives and their careers.”

Honorary American Degrees are awarded to teachers, superintendents, partners and others to recognize their support of agriscience education programs and the National FFA Organization. The National FFA Board of Directors must approve nominations for the Honorary American FFA Degree.

The national FFA gathering drew more than 53,000 members, advisors and supporters to participate in competitions, workshops, NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

convention sessions and other activities.

Also attending from the Alabama Farmers Federation were Executive Director Paul Pinyan and Young Farmers Director Brandon Moore.

Four members of the Alabama FFA also received American FFA Degrees, the highest honor that the National FFA Organization offers to its members. This degree is bestowed upon individuals who meet certain criteria that substantiate their growth as productive members of society.

The Alabama recipients and their respective FFA chapters were: James Paul Bailey and Dexter B. Vines, both of the Sand Rock FFA; William Brandon Smith of the Slocomb FFA; and Cory Terry of the Lawrence County FFA. Alabama had several Career Development Event (CDE) Teams representing the state in national competition. The Douglas FFA team, bolstered by a gold emblem from Kyle Kubik, a silver emblem

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Rep. Richard Lindsey receives the Honorary American FFA Degree from Alexandria Henry, vice-president of the FFA’s Eastern Region.

from Josh Williams and bronze emblems by Zack Scott and Caleb Weeks, took the silver in agricultural mechanics. The Holly Pond FFA took a silver in livestock evalua-

23

tion, largely behind silver medalists Shayne Pinyan, Payden Smith and Brooke Roberts. The Pell City FFA took a bronze in horse evaluation, thanks to a gold from Kasey Blore and bronzes from Benjamin Grogan, Heather Howell and Cody Parks.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 520,284 student members (and counting) — all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture — as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. n

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Ag Briefs 4-H Volunteer Recognized At National Event

P

atricia Bryant of Epes in Sumter County has been selected as the 2010 National Salute to Excellence Lifetime 4-H Volunteer, the highest honor 4-H bestows on volunteers. The award was made during an Oct. 9 ceremony at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md. “Patricia is one of those rare individuals who works tirelessly and quietly to better the lives of youth,” says Gaines Smith, director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. “She does it because she has a true passion for youth development, and we are grateful to her.”

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of 4-H and Patricia is a wonderful example of selfless dedication,” says Lamar Nichols, assistant director for 4-H and Youth Development. “She has dedicated her life to ensure children throughout Alabama receive the best learning opportunities that can be experienced in 4-H.” A passionate 4-H volunteer for 19 years, Bryant engages youth, recruits volunteers and raises funds to support 4-H. In west Alabama, Bryant leads clubs and mentors other adult volunteer leaders. She was nominated by Alabama 4-H and in 2010 was named the Southern Region Outstanding Volunteer.

She was one of eight regional winners who become nominees for the national award. n

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Adopt-A-Mile The Coosa County Women’s Leadership Committee recently adopted a mile of highway along U.S. Highway 231, south of Rockford, as part of its community service mission. From left, Coosa County Farmers Federation Member Pat Windsor and Coosa County Women’s Leadership Chairman Glenda Cardwell were joined by Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby in their cleanup efforts.

FFA Foundation Creates H.N. Lewis Scholarship Fund

T

he Alabama FFA Foundation is seeking to develop future agricultural leaders while honoring one of the state’s pioneers in agriculture education through establishment of the H.N. Lewis Scholarship Fund.

Doug Rigney, past president of the Foundation, said the endowment will fund scholarships for third- and fourth-year university students enrolled in agriscience education. “Mr. Lewis spent his career mentoring students and developing programs to strengthen Alabama farms,” Rigney said. “The recipients of these scholarships will follow in his footsteps by going 24

back to Alabama high schools and teaching students about agriculture, leadership and civic responsibility.”

Lewis, who served as an Alabama livestock specialist for 37 years, remains active in ag education through the National Peanut Festival Committee, the executive committee of Alabama State FFA Officers Alumni Association, the Alabama FFA Foundation, Alabama FFA Career Tech Committee and Alabama Adult and Young Farmers.

Donations to the H.N. Lewis Scholarship Fund are tax deductible. Make checks payable to Alabama FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL 36130. n NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

‘Dirty Jobs’ Host Mike Rowe To Address AFBF’s Atlanta Meeting

M

ike Rowe, the creator and executive producer of Discovery Channel’s Emmy®nominated series Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, will deliver the keynote address to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting Jan. 10 in Atlanta.

More than 5,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation will gather in Atlanta Jan. 9-12 to hear from distinguished leaders and participate in a grassroots policy setting process that will guide the American Farm Bureau through 2011.

The AFBF event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, right along with the AG CONNECT Expo 2011. The co-location will provide Farm Bureau members attending the 2011 AFBF Annual Meeting with the added value of convenient access to AG CONNECT Expo show floor on January 8-10. The 5,000-plus attendees expected at the AFBF Annual Meeting will have the opportunity to participate in an event that offers the best in technological advances and showcases innovative agricultural equipment, inputs, components and services.

In other events, government leaders and agricultural specialists from both the public and private sectors will be featured during a full slate of special issue and outlook conferences. There will also be the Farm Bureau Showcase and innovative program and idea displays from state and county Farm Bureaus and their members, along with a full slate of competitive events featuring Young Farmer and Rancher participants.

The final two days will be devoted to the business session of voting delegates, when members set Farm Bureau policy positions on major national and international issues for the coming year.

A champion of farmers and ranchers and other hard-working Americans, Rowe has spent years NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Mike Rowe, right, will deliver the keynote address at the 92nd AFBF annual meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center.

traveling the country, working as an apprentice on more than 250 jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid.

Rowe knows how to get his hands dirty and has worked in just about every industry, including many agriculture jobs.

“We are excited to have Mike Rowe as our keynote speaker,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

“Like farmers and ranchers, he’s not afraid to roll up his shirt sleeves and get his hands dirty. Mike understands that most things that contribute to our standard of living — such as abundant food — are the result of someone else’s hard work, dedication and skill, not magic. I think Farm Bureau members will get a lot out of his message.”

Some of Rowe’s Dirty Jobs have included apprenticing as a big animal veterinarian, cow feed lot worker, dairy cow midwife, rice plantation worker, egg producer and a farmer for goats, pigs, turkeys, potatoes and sugar cane.

While Dirty Jobs showcases 25

some of America’s toughest occupations, Rowe’s work doesn’t stop at the job site. He’s launched a Web site called mikeroweWORKS.com, where skilled labor and hard work are celebrated in the hope of calling attention to the steady decline in the skilled trades and dwindling enrollments in trade schools and technical colleges.

In furtherance of his support of farming, Mike is highlighting the issues facing America’s farming community through his Web site and specifically on his blog “The Future of Farming” (www. mikeroweworks.com/2010/08/thefuture-of-farming/).

Rowe was the keynote speaker at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis last year. n

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Alabama Gardener

By Lois Chaplin

D

id you know that houseplants can clean the air in your house?

Well-sealed houses may contain pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene that originate from synthetics, paints, finishes, building materials, cigarette smoke, cleaning products and other everyday sources. With all the windows closed for winter, a few houseplants could be your best air purifier. Just one or two in each room can help.

The fact that forests serve as the “lungs of the earth” inspired the National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) to look at the value of houseplants to filter the air more than 30 years ago. In the late 1970s, NASA discovered that Skylab had dozens of volatile organic compounds in the air.

Research scientists began investigating the use of living plants to aid long-term survivability in closed environments, which ultimately lead to the discovery that the same could be used in our homes and offices to cleanse the air.

Tests found that synthetics taken in by the plants were metabolized and turned into oxygen.

Although no one claims that a few plants can completely cure “sick building” syndrome, it is believed that the more plants you have, the healthier the environment is going to be. That is assuming, of course, that you don’t use chemical pesticides to kill mealybugs, scale or other typical houseplant pests.

Houseplants can be breath of fresh air.

Of 12 plants tested by NASA, the best at removing trichloroethylene were gerbera daisy, Dracaena marginata, spathiphyllum (Peace lily), Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ and bamboo palm.

For removing benzene, the top performers were gerbera daisy, potted florist’s mum, spathiphyllum, bamboo palm, Dracaena Warneckii, English ivy and mother-in-law’s tongue.

The top plants for removing formaldehyde are bamboo palm, Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’, mother-inlaw’s tongue, Dracaena marginata, spathiphyllum, green spider plant and golden pathos. The research suggests that two plants per 100 square feet of interior space would be enough to help air quality. If you have high ceilings, you’ll need more.

Notice that super-easy bamboo palm and spathiphyllum ranked for all three of the tested pollutants; these are “brown-thumb” houseplants. Anybody can grow them. In

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fact, with the exception of gerberas and pot mums, all of these are relatively easy plants that live a long time with proper placement and routine care.

Consider tabletop plants and large floor specimens, too.

Although they were not tested, chances are that almost all houseplants contribute to indoor air health. The ones mentioned here are just the ones that were in the research, but don’t let that keep you from using other popular houseplants such as Benjamin fig, lady palm, kentia palm or others. You can see a clip from the Today Show and learn more about which plants are recommended at O2foryou.org.

Take care of your houseplants by making sure that they get enough light and some fertilizer, especially during the spring and summer. You might even rotate them outside to a shady porch in summer so that they can enjoy the humidity, which most of them like. Keep the foliage clean and check them for insects, especially scale, which looks like little brown lumps on the stems and midribs of the underside of the leaves.

As for plants that you already have, give them a shower this time of year to rinse off dust as the days get shorter and light dimmer through the windows. Houseplants make really good Christmas gifts, too. n ____________________________________ Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author.

Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

W W W. A L A FA R M . CO M 26

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Orange Beach Elementary Teacher Honored With Alfa Award Kimball will receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance.

Her school, a division of Baldwin County Public Schools, will receive a matching award from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

“My aspirations as I enter my classroom every day . . . are best described in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; . . . to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.’”

A graduate of the University of West Florida, Kimball received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2004 and is pursuing her master’s degree in educational leadership through Arkansas State University.

During 2010, Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation are honoring one outstanding teacher from each of Alabama’s eight state board districts, two principals and two private school teachers. Application information is available under Ag Links in the Ag Resources section of AlfaFarmers. org. n

By Melissa Martin

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favored chestnut among educationalcritics, “those who can’t do, teach” remains a common misunderstanding among career-seekers. To combat this criticism, one fifth grade teacher is proving the opposite – that those who can, teach . . . and produce lifelong learners and community activists along the way.

Kimball

Kate Kimball, fifth-grade teacher at Orange Beach Elementary, knows that fostering a love for learning is critical to promoting a passion for knowledge.

While her students aren’t of the age to think about what colleges they should attend or how much to invest in a Roth IRA, she knows that there aren’t age requirements on learning that the things in life that really matter are true measures of success.

“While it is vital to teach academic skills to my students, what is equally important is teaching them to live and be productive members of society,” explains Kimball.

Kimball’s personal outreach, enthusiasm for education and her ability to encourage Alabama’s youth to give back helped her earn her place as December’s Teacher of the Month. As December’s honoree,

Resistant Weed Conference Set

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resistant weed conference will be held Dec. 2 to apprise north Alabama row-crop producers about two herbicide-resistant weeds that pose an increasingly serious threat to row-crop farming.

The meeting will be held at the Aerospace Building at Calhoun Community College in Decatur beginning at 8:30 a.m. with registration and exhibits. Lunch will be provided. The conference will conclude at 2:30 p.m., though the exhibit area will remain open afterward.

The conference is a response to the rapid spread of glyphosate-resistant horseweed and Palmer pigweed throughout northern Alabama this year, says Charles Burmester, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System agronomist who is planning and organizing the meeting.

Speakers will discuss how weed resistance occurs, how it spreads and how it can be managed. “The main focus of this conference is to connect producers with the people who have had first-hand experience with these weeds, including researchers, consultants and farmers,” Burmester says.

The conference has been approved for pesticide certification and certified crop advisor points. The conference is free to the public. More information is available at AlabamaCrops.com, AlabamaPrecisionAgOnline. com or contact Burmester at (256) 353-8702, ext. 14. n

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

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Country Kitchen

For this month’s Country Kitchen, Sheryl shares several of her family’s favorite recipes, like Lazy U Chocolate Cake and Calico Bean Pot, as well as some treats she often makes for the holidays, such as Crockpot Candy and Putting on the Ritz.

By Kellie Henderson

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“

he best thing that happened to us and our marriage was buying this farm,” says Sheryl Childers of Morgan County.

Now married for 43 years, Sheryl and husband Mike actually started their beef cattle operation because of their children.

“Our kids were involved in 4-H and showed calves, so we really started very small by buying show steers for them. Over the years we bought more calves and eventually some cows,” explains Sheryl, adding that although her children are now grown, show calves are still part of the farm.

“We breed Chi-Angus crossed cattle with the intention of making some available for show calves, so show cattle are still an important part of our operation,” she says.

Sheryl says she still loves calving season every year, but their grandchildren have led Mike and Sheryl to a different sort of livestock showing: goats.

“Two of our grandkids started showing goats last year at the county fairs, and it’s been fun to see the little ones enjoying that,” she said.

In addition to spending time with her family on the farm, Sheryl says she still enjoys cooking for her family as well.

“I don’t do as much day-to-day cooking as I used to. Now I do more cooking on the weekends than I do during the week, and I still like to have any of the children and grandchildren that can be here for Sunday lunch at my house,” she says. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

HAMBURGER STROGANOFF

Sheryl Childers still cooks by ‘feel.’

Sheryl learned to cook as a young girl, preparing meals for her father and stepmother who worked in a cotton mill.

“As soon as I could reach the stove, I had to have their lunch in the oven before I could go swim at the Y,” recalls Sheryl, adding that she learned to cook mostly on her own.

“I watched my grandmother, and home economics in high school helped some, but mostly I just got in the kitchen and tried to cook,” she explains.

Today her cooking by “feel” continues, sometimes causing her family to tease her about her inability to share many exact recipes.

“My daughters-in-law say I sabotage a recipe if I share it with them because I’ll forget I didn’t follow a recipe exactly, so I don’t include the changes I made. When they try to make something I’ve cooked and it doesn’t turn out the same, they’ll kid me that I changed the recipe on purpose, but I really don’t,” Sheryl says.

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1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup butter 1 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional) 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken or mushroom soup 1 cup sour cream

In a deep-sided skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter. Add meat, and brown. Add flour, salt, pepper and mushrooms. Stir and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.

Add soup; simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Heat thoroughly and serve over egg noodles.

CALICO BEAN POT 1/2 pound bacon 1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup onion 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons white vinegar 1/2 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1 (1-pound) can green lima beans 1 (1-pound) can chili hot beans 1 (1-pound) can pork and beans

Fry bacon and set aside. Brown ground beef and onions. Add remaining ingredients and put in slow-cooker. Heat on low for 2-3 hours. Sprinkle bacon on top just before serving.

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

LAZY U CHOCOLATE CAKE 2 cups self-rising flour 2 cups sugar 2 sticks margarine 1 cup water 4 tablespoons cocoa 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla ICING: 1/2 cup margarine 4 tablespoons cocoa 6 tablespoons milk 1 box powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans

Sift flour and sugar together in large mixing bowl; set aside. Mix together margarine, water and cocoa in a saucepan, and bring to a rapid boil. Pour over flour mixture and beat well with a wooden spoon; do not use mixer.

Add buttermilk, eggs, soda and vanilla; mix well. Pour into a 9-inch by 13-inch pan, and bake at 375 degrees 30 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done with a toothpick.

Icing: Combine first three icing ingredients and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add last three icing ingredients; mix well. Pour over hot cake.

Note: This has been one of the Childers family’s favorite cakes for more than 30 years.

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls 1 pound sausage 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese 2 cups mozzarella cheese 4 eggs 1/4 cup milk Salt and pepper to taste

Press one can of crescent rolls in bottom of greased 9-inch by 13-inch glass dish. Cook sausage; drain and crumble over crescent rolls. Layer cheese over sausage. Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over cheese, and bake 20 minutes at 425 degrees.

NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

DIRTY RICE 1 cup regular uncooked rice 1 (10.5-ounce) can beef broth 1 (10.5-ounce) can French onion Soup 1 (2.5-ounce) jar of mushrooms 1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine

Layer in glass baking dish (9-inch by 13-inch or smaller) beginning with rice, do not stir.

Bake uncovered 1 hour at 350 degrees REDEMPTION COOKIE 2 boxes Betty Crocker yellow (pudding in the mix) cake mix 1 (12-ounce) package toffee chips (not chocolate) 1/4 cup water 3/4 cup margarine, softened 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 3 eggs

Mix one cake mix with all ingredients, then gradually add other cake mix. This will be very stiff. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

PUTTING ON THE RITZ 8 ounces chopped dates 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chopped nuts 1 box Ritz crackers

In a saucepan, slowly heat dates and condensed milk. Add nuts when thickened. Cool. Spread on crackers. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool before serving.

CROCKPOT CANDY 1 (16-ounce) package dry roasted salted peanuts 1 (16-ounce) package dry roasted unsalted peanuts 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate bits 1 (4-ounce) German chocolate bar 1 (32-ounce) package white almond bark

Put peanuts in bottom of crockpot; add other ingredients. Cut almond bark in medium size pieces.

Cook on low setting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir and place rounded spoonfuls on wax paper and allow to cool.

Note: 2 cups pecans can be substituted for peanuts.

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HAM BALL 1 (8-ounce) cream cheese 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 (5-ounce) cans chunky Hormel ham 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon parsley flakes 1 tablespoon hot sauce Chopped pecans

Mix cream cheese and mayonnaise. Add ham and next 3 ingredients and mix well. Chill. Roll into a ball and then roll in chopped pecans.

Serve with your favorite crackers.

MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD 1 (3-ounce) orange sugar-free gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup cold water 1 (8-ounce) crushed pineapple (in own juice) undrained 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, rinsed and drained 3/4 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk 1 cup lite or sugar-free Cool Whip

In a large bowl, combine dry gelatin and boiling water. Stir in cold water and pineapple with juice. Add oranges. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and dry milk powder. Blend in Cool Whip. Gently fold yogurt mixture into gelatin mixture. Pour into an 8-inch by 8-inch dish. Refrigerate at 4 hours.

SOUR CREAM CHIVE POTATOES 5 pounds red potatoes 1 (8-ounce) cream cheese 1 (8-ounce) sour cream 1 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon paprika 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 cup chives

Peel and dice potatoes, then place in a boiler and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook potatoes until soft. Cream with mixer and add remaining ingredients.

Pour in casserole dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes uncovered. n ____________________________________ Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Look for more “Country Kitchen” recipes online at AlfaFarmers.org.

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Neighbors Classifieds Classifieds Facts

Escorted Tours Since 1952

MISCELLANEOUS BIRMINGHAM – Rent nice condo. Walk to Bottegas, Caldwell Park, close to hospitals, UAB. Gated & pool.

(251) 422-4042.

ATTN: PUBLIC LAND HUNTERS and Hunting Club Members! www.HuntingSafetySigns.com

For just $2 per word, your classified Panama Canal Cruise & Tour. ad in Neighbors reaches more than Vacation Packages $995-$1295.

95,000 subscribers. Ads must be reCall 1.800.CARAVAN. Visit Caravan.com.

FOR SALE ceived by the first day of the month prior to publication. NO changes ALABAMA PRODUCED 2.25w.1h4C8.21.10.Farmers.indd 1 10/12/10 3:46:54 PM WEIMARANERS – excellent hunting dogs after closing. PRE-PAYMENT REor family pet. www.wiregrassweimaraners.

QUIRED FOR ALL ADS. Minimum com, credit cards accepted, and shipping.

10 words per ad. No fax, phone Call (334) 684-1124. orders or credit cards accepted. For questions, call Paula Culver at (334) REGISTERED BRANGUS CATTLE, Grow 1/2-dollar size muscadines 613-4410. Send your ad with payBULLS & HEIFERS – 8-12 months old. & blackberries. Over 200 varieties Call (334) 376-2454. ment, payable to Alabama Farmers of fruit, nut, and berry plants.

Federation, to Neighbors ClassiIson’s Nursery & Vineyard LAND IN WALKER COUNTY/165 fieds, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, ACRES - $225,000, timber appraised for P.O. Box 190, Brooks, GA 30205.

AL 36191-0001. $100,000. Good hunting land. Call Call for free color catalog (205) 672-2469.

800-733-0324 www.isons.com

com

PEANUT HAY ROUND ROLLS with net and plastic wrap $35 per roll. Square bale of peanut hay $4; per bale. Coastal Bermuda – horse quality – stored in barn $4. Delivery available or will load your truck. Large order discounts. Call Michael at (334) 534-0994 in Grangerburg, AL. VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S DOWNTOWN GATLINGBURG 2 bedroom/2 bath condo sleeps six; block from aquarium. www. downtowngatlinburgcondo.com or (256) 509-8301.

GATLINBURG – Elegant 4 bedroom/3 bath, back porch over creek, 10-minute walk to aquarium. (800) 435-3972.

ALWAYS $65 – Beautiful, furnished mountain cabin near Dollywood. Free brochure. Call (865) 453-7715.

PIGEON FORGE, TN – Log cabins in the Smokies, (251) 649-3344 or (251) 6494049 www.hideawayprop.com www.vacationsmithlake.com – Beautiful lake living, two gas log fireplaces, affordable - $75 per night; $500 per week.

(256) 352-5721. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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NEIGHBORS • DECEMBER 2010

Announcing Something For The Whole Family

Alfa has dental.

Did you know Alfa has dental insurance? All Alabama Farmers Federation members qualify for this dental plan. Alfa dental is underwritten by Delta Dental Insurance Company, a member of the nation’s largest dental insurance organization. For detailed benefits or quick and easy on-line enrollment, go to Convenient Monthly Rates Single Family alfadentalins.com. Or contact your local Alfa office $33.22 $75.72 or call 1-800-392-5705.