Neighbors Magazine, December 2017

Dear Santa, I’ve been extra good.

Savor the flavor of peanuts this Christmas.

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Merry Christmas

VOLUME 42,

NUMBER 12

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

December 2017

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Donald Hodge, New Market Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Rickey Cornutt, Boaz Joe Anders, Northport Dell Hill, Alpine Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Meador Jones, Gallion Garry Henry, Hope Hull Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Nell Miller, Snead Jerry Allen Newby, Athens

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In This Issue

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.

7

Federation Honors Aderholt

14 Miss Alabama Visits Farms

16

16 Bama Clay Busters 27 Ag Foundation Annual Report

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: , 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

36 Delicious Christmas Gifts

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com

On The Cover

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.

36

Limestone County’s Patty Marsh loves Christmas and cotton, making holiday decor an easy choice — a wreath of cotton grown on her family’s farm.

Photo by Marlee Moore

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December 2017

Farm Art Draws Fans

10 Fond Fair Memories

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

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

The Art Of The Matter

By Marlee Moore

A

s Heather Maples swirls a small-tipped brush through dots of cream, chestnut and black paint, a scene familiar to the Limestone County artist comes to life.

It’s a portrait of a cow, just one of many farm-centric images preserved through her Black Cow Art Studio.

“When I’m in nature and around the animals and I get to see my family work the land, it just lights a fire,” said Maples, who lives on an Elkmont beef cattle farm with husband Ben. “It gives me the inspiration to give back and share the gift God has given me with other people.”

Maples’ art pays homage to agriculture and the rural South, fitting for a Kentucky-farm-girlturned-Alabama-farm-wife.

The self-taught, impressionistic artist first put paint to canvas 15 years ago with a self-portrait.

“What came out didn’t exactly look like my w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

physical appearance, but it was how I viewed myself,” said Maples, who didn’t use a mirror for the portrait. “That was instrumental in inspiring me to keep painting.

I got to paint something that wasn’t necessarily there, but it was something I felt.”

Three years ago, she established Black Cow Art Studio. Maples occasionally teaches private lessons and hosts paint parties but concentrates on custom art, which is 90 percent of her work.

When creating a piece, Maples

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Artist Heather Maples, seated, shares her latest painting with "Simply Southern TV's" Samantha Carpenter.

starts with a photograph of her subject, sets up shop on her dining room table with brushes and hues of paint. She gets lost smudging, blending and creating barns, horses, cows and pets.

The busy mom to Jane and Lydia spends her spare time immersed in art, but helps on the farm, too.

“I think it’s the best way to raise our girls because they get to be free and enjoy my passion and Ben’s passion,” she said.

“Then they can also see how two worlds that are completely different can meet in the middle and go well together.”

Maples said though her love of agriculture in art began on her parents’ farm, it’s a trend invading pop culture. Cotton fields, barns and cows play into the rustic farmhouse decorating scheme popularized by Joanna Gaines on the hit show December 2017

captures the beauty and bounty “Fixer Upper.” of farm life.

“I think artists “The appreciation Heather specifically can appreciate has for farmers and agriculture beauty in all different comes through in her art,” aspects,” she said. “When Helms said. “You feel as they see farm animals or though you could step into her a beautiful sunset over a paintings and enjoy the sights, field, they want to translate smells and sounds of rural it into something other Alabama. Heather’s passion for people can appreciate on art and agriculture is revealed in the same level.” each brushstroke.”

The Alabama Farmers For Maples, her passion is a Federation appreciates way of life, just like farming is Maples’ work, too. The for her husband.

Maples family won “You see a calf with a cow the Federation’s 2016 The paintings that inspired the greeting cards will be used to raise money for scholarships and ag education through the Alabama and the feeling it provokes is Excellence in Agriculture just…it’s motherhood, and it’s contest. Federation leaders Farmers Agriculture Foundation. nature, and it’s beautiful,” she learned about Maples’ card sets can be purchased at the said.

“Normal, everyday scenes like work, they commissioned five Federation's annual meeting. that catch my eye and get me back paintings inspired by the awardOver the next few years, the to the canvas.” winning Farming Feeds Alabama™ paintings will be used to raise To learn more, watch "Simply videos. money for scholarships and ag Southern TV" episode 322 The paintings were reproduced education through the Alabama at simplysoutherntv.net and for a set of greeting cards and are Farmers Agriculture Foundation. find Black Cow Art Studio on on display in the Federation home Federation Public Relations n Facebook. office in Montgomery. Greeting Director Jeff Helms said Maples

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December 2017

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

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Federation Honors Aderholt With Service To Agriculture Award Debra Davis

T

he halls of Congress are a stark contrast to Alabama farmland, but it’s where many decisions are made which determine the success of farmers throughout the country.

For 21 years, state farmers have had a friend and a voice in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt. Public service and dedication to farmers and all Alabamians earned him the Alabama Farmers Federation’s highest honor, the Service To Agriculture Award. He'll receive the award at the organization’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 3.

“While I try to keep my head down and just do as good of a job as I can for Alabama, I have been fortunate enough to receive awards throughout my career,” Aderholt said. “This one, however, is different as it comes from the people I truly admire and try to keep at the forefront of my thoughts in Washington.”

Aderholt said his wife, Caroline, grew up in the Federation, adding the organization was especially important to his late father-in-law Albert McDonald, who was a farmer and active in the farming community. McDonald, a former Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, received the Service To Agriculture Award in 1987, which Aderholt said makes his award extra special.

“I always like to say that agriculture is one of the few issues that touches everyone," he said. “So, the subcommittee that I chair impacts everyone in America. I don’t know many people who don’t eat."

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District in 1996, Aderholt has been a strong supporter of Alabama farmers and forest landowners.

He's a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairman of the subcommittee on agricultural appropriations.

“Throughout his tenure, Rep. Aderholt has maintained close relationships with farmers in the district and seeks their guidance on issues impacting agriculture,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “He’s an advocate of fiscal responsibility, truth in budgeting and a federal government that operates within its means.”

Prior to his election to Congress, Aderholt was assistant legal advisor to Gov. Fob James and was a municipal judge for his hometown of Haleyville. Educated through Alabama's public school system, he received his B.A. from Birmingham Southern College and a law Top photo: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt speaks to farmers at a meeting in Cullman degree from Samford University's Cumberland County. Above: Aderholt talks to Colbert County Farmers Federation member L.O. School of Law. The Aderholts have two Bishop and Federation President Jimmy Parnell during a Federation barbecue in Washington, D.C. children, Mary Elliott and Robert Hayes. n

December 2017

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Forest Products Industry To Log Nearly $500 Million In Improvements

By Marlee Moore

A

labama’s No. 1 industry will log nearly $500 million in investments and improvements by 2019, thanks to new and revamped forest products mills across the state.

The $65 million Two Rivers Lumber Co. sawmill in Demopolis began accepting timber in September. That month, timber titan International Paper (IP) revealed a $300-million investment at its Riverdale Mill in Selma, and Georgia-Pacific (GP) announced a new $100-million lumber production facility in Talladega.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s William Green said the investments’ effect is twofold — workforce expansion and a much-needed market for timber producers.

“We’re pleased these companies support the forest industry in our state and have decided to invest in our people and natural resources,” said Green, the Federation’s Forestry Division director. “Alabama has 23 million acres of timberland, accounting for 69 percent of the state’s total land area. Private landowners own 87 percent of Alabama timberland.”

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

Two Rivers Lumber Co. in Demopolis is one of three mills logging investments in Alabama.

From left are Randell Robinson, who oversees production, and Roy Geiger, who founded Two Rivers with business partners at McElroy Truck Lines.

Timber production and processing have a $21.4 billion annual economic impact on Alabama.

Independently owned and operated, Two Rivers Lumber employs 57 workers and looks to add a second shift and over 30 jobs in early 2018. The mill accepts 60-70 loads of timber per shift, and annual production

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should reach 200 million board feet, said Randell Robinson, who oversees the mill’s lumber production.

Two Rivers, a partnership between McElroy Truck Lines in Cuba and Sumter Timber Co. in Jefferson, produces southern yellow pine dimensional lumber.

While much material is used in Alabama and surrounding states, lumber is also shipped to the Midwest, up the East Coast and internationally.

“We felt like there was a need for additional markets for the saw timber we’ve been growing,” said Roy Geiger, who’s owned Sumter Timber for 35 years.

“We’re familiar with the location and labor pool. We’re hometown people trying to develop a new chapter in our business.”

December 2017

Sixty miles east on U.S. Highway 80, IP is converting its No. 15 paper machine from producing uncoated freesheet to high quality whitetop linerboard and containerboard. The renovation will add 450,000 tons of annual capacity and will be completed by midyear 2019.

“This investment proactively repositions Riverdale No. 15 to serve our growing packaging business, while enabling us to optimize our North American Papers business,” said IP Senior Vice President Mike Amick Jr. Selma’s remaining machine will continue to produce uncoated imaging paper products.

GP’s 300,000-square-foot mill will replace a former company plywood mill that closed in 2008.

The mill will employ more than 100 full-time employees and generate an annual payroll of $5

December 2017

million.

The Talladega mill will receive 150 loads of timber daily and produce about 230 million board feet of lumber annually. GP plans to expand production to 300 million board feet.

Earlier this year, GP announced a $50-million investment in its Brewton mill. The company has pumped over $1 billion in additional capital and acquisitions into Alabama in the last five years.

Green said the timber industry’s investment in Alabama and an aging workforce

9

should spur job prospects for younger workers. Geiger agrees.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for people willing to roll up their sleeves, apply themselves and learn the logic of the process,” Geiger said.

Visit TwoRiversLumber.com, InternationalPaper.com or GP.com for more information. n

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

Youth Stock Up On Skills During State Livestock Shows Marlee Moore

W

hile peers tackled sports like football, volleyball and cheerleading this fall, some Alabama youth scored life lessons through livestock shows on the fall fair circuit.

For brothers Casen and Connell Cornelius of Lauderdale County, friendships and skills learned through showing transcend the arena. The second-generation livestock showmen say they’ve learned about responsibility and made lifelong friends in the process.

“The competitiveness is great,” said Casen, the senior champion exhibitor at the Alabama National Fair Youth Sheep Show Nov. 3.

“We’ve met a lot of people and friends through showing.”

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored beef, dairy, swine, goat and sheep shows at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery and the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, both Oct. 27-Nov. 5, and at the National Peanut Festival in Dothan Nov. 3-12.

Casen, 17, and Connell, 14, have been showing since they were 3.

This year Connell took home the champion banner in the Alabama Bred and Owned Division of the sheep show, while his brother snagged reserve champion.

Clarke County’s Laura Grace Wilson won the Commercial Division Grand Champion title at the Montgomery District Dairy Show, a feat considering she’s new to the show scene. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored beef, dairy, swine, goat and sheep shows at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery and the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, both Oct. 27-Nov. 5, and at the National Peanut Festival in Dothan Nov. 3-12.

Above: Youngsters show lambs at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery.

Left: Paige Henry of Montgomery County watches the judge as she exhibits a heifer in the District Dairy Show, which was held at the Alabama National Fair.

“It’s been fun to learn about the responsibilities you need to have to take care of these animals,” said the 16-year-old. “It has taught me that how you hold yourself up is very important.”

4-H Chick Chain lured Wilson to agriculture, and last year, the Grove Hill native participated in district dairy showmanship. This year, she milked the show for all it was worth with two heifer entries.

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The Federation’s Nate Jaeger said sponsoring these events is an investment in the future of Alabama agriculture.

“These students, from preschoolers to teenagers, are stocking up valuable skills and knowledge that will help them in their personal and professional lives,” said Jaeger, the Federation’s Beef and Meat Goat & Sheep divisions director. “They’re the future of the livestock business, and investing in them at a young age will reap rewards for agriculture down the road.”

For more Alabama National Fair livestock show photos, including class winners, visit the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook and Flickr pages. n December 2017

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Farmers Join Miss Alabama To Fight Hunger

By Marlee Moore

Miss Alabama Jessica Procter, left, helped pack food distribution boxes with high-protein peanut butter, thanks to donations from the Cherokee County Farmers Federation and Alabama Peanut Producers Association. Below left, Procter delivers peanut butter to the Family Care Center and Thrift Store in Centre.

M

iss Alabama Jessica Procter is nuts about service. From volunteer work to public speaking, Procter routinely digs deep and spreads awareness to decrease food insecurity.

But digging peanuts?

That’s a new nut to crack for the 21-year-old who won the Miss America Quality of Life Award for her platform, Step Up To The Plate: Decreasing Food Insecurity.

“It’s amazing just how much it really does start on the farm,” said Procter, who picked up peanut production facts while touring Nick McMichen’s Cherokee County farm Oct. 31.

“These are the people w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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we really should be supporting…and showing the world what they do to begin the conversation about feeding others,” she added.

Procter’s passion for peanut products has deep roots, but it was the Tuscaloosa native’s first time seeing how the perfectly powerful peanut grows and is harvested.

“A lot of food that’s donated to local food banks and member agencies are canned goods, which are great, but they only have so many nutrients in them,” Procter said. “It’s good to have peanut butter, which has healthy fats and is a good source of protein.

December 2017

Miss Alabama Jessica Procter learned about cotton production in Alabama when she toured fields with Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East, right, and county board member Nick McMichen.

Everyone loves peanut butter, right?”

Procter’s farm-to-food-bank field day came full circle when distributing peanut butter at Centre’s Family Care Center (FCC).

The Alabama Peanut Producers Association and Cherokee County Farmers Federation donated six cases of peanut butter to the FCC, which serves over 500 families monthly.

“Having a public figure like Miss Alabama visit and donate to us was a real blessing,” said FCC Director Cindy McGinnis. “We have a lot of single, working moms who need nutritious items for their families. Peanut butter will definitely fill the gap for them.”

The tour day was full of firsts for Procter. McMichen fired up a combine to show modern, high-tech machinery in action and helped the Miss America Top 7 finalist sample a freshly dug green peanut.

Earlier, they snacked on peanut

butter cake topped with roasted, Cherokee County-grown peanuts.

It’s McMichen’s first year growing peanuts, a decision, he told Procter, that adds nutrients into the soil and prepares it for the family’s main crop, cotton.

“Every decision we make takes stewardship and the future of our land, family and industry into consideration,” he said. “I’m proud to produce a naturally nutritious crop that nourishes families across the U.S. while enriching the land

on which our family depends.”

A trip to Cherokee Gin & Cotton Co. sewed up the farm field day, which Procter called one of her favorite events since being crowned in June.

“If everyone took care of all the little details like the farmers we were around, we would have so much more and so many more people would be helped,” she said.

Follow Procter’s adventures as Miss Alabama on Facebook and Instagram. n

Cherokee County farmer Nick McMichen explains how peanuts are grown to Miss Alabama Jessica Procter, who visited his farm Oct. 30.

December 2017

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The national champion Bama Clay Busters brought home first place in Junior Gold Squad Class C at the AIM youth trapshooting contest in Sparta, Illinois, last summer. Front row from left are Dustin Randolph, Zack Benefield and Garrett Robinson. Back row from left are Landon Sims and Cameron Boyd.

the void from Cameron’s brother.

The championships were at the country’s largest trapshooting complex — 108 trap fields spanning 3.5 miles. Each teammate logged 100 shots daily at the competition July 31 and Aug. 1.

Day 1, the Bama Clay Busters were in third place and down five clays. Day 2 was a different story. Cameron and Zack bagged 95, Garrett 96, Dustin 99 and 100 for Landon, who goes through a case of shells, or 250 rounds, during weekly practice.

“He shoots 100 straight,” Scott said.

“Two hundred straight,” Dustin corrected. “Actually, he’s at 250 straight right now.”

Sixteen shots separated Bama Clay and second-place Decatur Heritage Christian Academy of Morgan County, ironic since the sport is new to Alabama.

The team fires up practice each spring to prepare for the state 4-H tournament in April, which Bama Clay Busters won in 2017. They battled 30 mph winds in the national contest in Nebraska, placing in the top 15.

While the team also shoots skeet and sporting clays through 4-H, they zero in on trapshooting.

With trapshooting, five shooters form an arc before an oscillating thrower hurling 4 1/4–inch discs at 42 mph, simulating a bird’s flight path.

Shooters rotate through five stations with the squad leader, Cameron in this case, starting each round. After calling “pull,” it’s go time.

Pursuing perfection drives the team, especially Landon, who struck gold in several individual events at AIM. The teams’ journey to the top wasn’t overnight.

It’s taken years of target practice and countless cases of shells. When they started shooting, they visited ranges across north Alabama. Seasoned marksmen shared tips, and one even let then eight-yearold Dustin fire a $4,000 gun when his 20-gauge went awry.

“Hearing those old guys tell you how good you could be, it drives you,” Dustin said.

Team members say routine — and adjustable stocks fitted to each shooter — is a game changer. Cameron’s Browning Citori won’t do for Garrett, and Zack’s lefthanded Beretta 686 is custom-fitted.

“If you’re going to be on the top end of this game, it takes putting a lot of shells through the gun,” Scott said.

The Bama Clay Busters are at different stages of life — Cameron’s in EMT school; Zack is at Wallace State Community College; and Garrett, Landon and Dustin are Danville High School students. But they agree that unlike most sports, marksmanship will stay with them post-school.

“It’s a life sport,” Zack said. n

Busting Up The Competition

By Marlee Moore

T

wo nights before the Bama Clay Busters shot past the competition at the AIM youth trapshooting contest, the five teammates — more like brothers — left nothing to chance.

Fulfilling their ritual visit to the $3-movie theater, the Morgan countians left relaxed and ready to hit their mark in Sparta, Illinois.

“This first time, it’s really hard to believe some teenagers from Alabama could go up there and win like that,” said 16-year-old Dustin Randolph, a member of the Junior Gold Squad Class C Champion Bama Clay Busters.

It was Randolph and teammate Garrett Robinson’s first national win with the team, but hardly the group’s first victory. The squad brought home gold to Danville three times at the Grand Championships for AIM — Academics, Integrity, Marksmanship — the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA)

youth program.

Cameron Boyd ,21, Zack Benefield, 18, and Landon Sims, 16, round out the squad, which Boyd’s father, Scott, coaches.

“He’s the Nick Saban of trapshooting,” Cameron joked, comparing his dad to the University of Alabama football coach. “He has three national championships in about four years.”

Scott founded Bama Clay Busters 10 years ago when his sons discovered sport shooting through Boy Scouts. The team has evolved, with Randolph taking his brother’s position and 17-year-old Robinson filling w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

16

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Alabama 4-H Building On Success

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labama 4-H has a lot to celebrate. A banner club year in 2016-2017 saw enrollment for the largest youth organization in the state climb to more than 184,000 enrolled members and participants. That’s a 27 percent increase from the previous year.

“Alabama 4-H has experienced tremendous growth over the last three years,” said Dr. Paul Brown, associate director for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“We have taken what we value from 100 years of 4-H in Alabama and made it relevant for today’s youth. Our county 4-H teams work hard to provide active learning experiences for all youth ages nine to 18.”

Growth In New Programs

Alabama 4-H continues to expand the variety of its program offerings. While club members will find classic projects and programs including Chick Chain, Pig Squeal and livestock judging, Assistant Director for 4-H Dr. Molly Gregg said many new projects and learning adventures await Alabama 4-H

members. 4-H River Kids, Sport Fishing and Shooting Sports offer a ticket to the outdoors. 4-H Yoga is the newest program focusing on health. Other new programs, including drone and virtual reality projects, offer insights into possible careers.

“The virtual reality project is part of the 4-H Computer Science Playbook,” said Janet Lovelady, Lauderdale County’s 4-H Foundation agent. “Funded by a grant from Google, this project helps 4-H members develop problem-solving skills, improve digital fluency and develop creativity in addition to growing their computer science technical skills.”

4-H In 48 Percent Of Schools

Last club year, Alabama 4-H delivered in-school clubs, afterschool clubs and enrichment programming to 141,138 youth in 705 schools. 4-H is now present in 48 percent of all Alabama schools, a boost of more than 10 percent from the previous year. Out-of-school 4-H clubs, camps and educational programs involved an additional 42,883 young people.

“I am excited about the results

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

18

and the hard work of our agents this year,” Gregg said.

Growth In Many Categories •

4-H membership for in-school clubs grew 14 percent.

• Enrollment was up 50 percent in grades four through six.

• Enrollment grew 23 percent in grades seven through 12.

• Youth interest continues to grow in: §§ Science, Technology, Engineering and Math §§ Natural Resources §§ Animal Science “As a 4-H agent, my feet are on the ground every day,” said Izette McNealy, president of the Alabama 4-H Agents Association. “I see Alabama’s 4-H footprint getting bigger, and it’s exciting to see youth grow together as catalysts for positive change.”

Volunteers Are Valuable

In 2016-2017, more than 10,500 volunteers worked with Alabama 4-H members. Volunteers contributed more than 101,000 hours valued at $2.4 million. n

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Technology And Trials Help Keep Cotton King In Alabama

By Ellie Isbell

C

otton breeding technology is improving so fast, there’s new varieties available each year, and Alabama farmers count on field trials for valuable yield data.

Choosing the right seed in spring is critical because the choice can lead to fall harvests flourishing or failing.

Tate Farms in Madison County hosts on-farm variety trials with Auburn University to test for cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt, a problem for many north Alabama farmers.

As a result, farm partner Stewart McGill said they maximize yield by planting the top performer in the trials (ST 4747GLB2) in fields prone to the disease.

“New varieties on the market continue to ensure a better fiber, which increases profitability and allows us to produce more lint per acre than we ever could have 10 years ago,” McGill said. “All these characteristics allow Americangrown cotton to be the leading w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Madison County cotton farmer Stewart McGill values variety trials. Photo by Pam Caraway

product on the world market.”

With new successful varieties, Coffee County farmer Bobby Crutchfield understands the right selection makes a significant difference in harvest profitability.

“I run the cotton gin in town, so I am able to see lots of different varieties, fiber qualities and cotton grading,” said Crutchfield, who grows cotton and peanuts in Geneva. “Every 1-cent profit increase per pound on a bale of cotton adds up to $5. If you’ve got a fiber quality that yields a profit 5 or 6 cents better than a competitor, that’s $25 per bale. If you’ve got 1,000 bales of cotton that’s $25,000.”

A typical bag of cotton seed, including technology fees and seed treatment, is nearly $600, said Dr. Trey Cutts, an agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). He said it’s essential farmers review data from seed companies and universitysponsored trials.

22

“Extension trials compare multiple companies’ products side-by-side in the same field under identical conditions,” said Cutts, a cotton cropping systems agronomist. “Extension is the best unbiased source for producers.”

Cutts said trials are more important than ever, since the time from research lab to field is getting shorter, and varieties are constantly changing.

ACES conducts variety trials on research stations and private farms across the state.

December 2017

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Cutts said farmers should review trial data from several locations, whether from a seed company or a university.

“It’s tempting to look at trial results from a nearby location and pick one based on that location,” he said. “Conditions can vary so much from field to field, it’s important to look at high-performing varieties that show stability over multiple locations.”

The real test results come at harvest, which began several weeks ago on most Alabama farms.

Cotton is the state’s most abundant row crop and is grown ® ® in 59 of Alabama’s 67 counties.

The cotton industry has over a for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama $290 million impact on the state’s for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama economy, and 345,000 acres were grown in 2016.

Contact Your Local Alfa Agent or Call 1-800-392-5705 To view the latest ACES Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7 cotton variety trials, visit Contact Your Local Alfa Agent or Call 1-800-392-5705 AlabamaCotton.com. n

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

24

December 2017

New Alabama State Directors Appointed To USDA Positions

U

.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue named David McCurdy and Chris Beeker Alabama state directors for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD), respectively.

Both men serve as appointees of President Donald J. Trump. The announcement was Nov. 3.

McCurdy, of Pike Road, began his career with FSA in 1987 and served in various roles throughout the agency, including county executive director and district director. The Lowndes County native is involved in his family’s third-generation cattle, row crop and timber farm.

FSA state directors help implement U.S. Department

of Agriculture (USDA) policies in planning, organizing and administering programs. They also run daily activities of the state FSA office in Montgomery.

The FSA administers farm commodity loan and purchase programs; farm ownership and operating loans; and the conservation reserve program. It also provides disaster assistance and administrative support to the Commodity Credit Corporation, which funds most USDA commodity and export programs.

FSA programs include farm loans, conservation, disaster assistance, energy and financial management.

Beeker, of Tuscaloosa, grew up on a catfish and cattle farm in

Greene County. His experience includes working on the family farm and other businesses.

RD offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services such as housing; economic development; health care; first responder services and equipment; and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the state’s largest farm organization welcomes the appointments of McCurdy and Beeker.

“Alabama, and particularly rural Alabama, is poised for growth,” Parnell said. “FSA and RD both play important roles in the future of Alabama agriculture and improvements to our rural economies. We look forward to working with David and Chris as they implement programs through USDA that will achieve both those goals.” n

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

Board of Directors Wayne Bassett Terrie Channell Rhonda Hughes Lester Killebrew Tommy Martin Keith McCurdy Jimmy Parnell Paul Pinyan Raleigh Wilkerson

Income Statement INCOME UNRESTRICTED CONTRIBUTIONS AG IN THE CLASSROOM REVENUE AG TAG REVENUE SCHOLARSHIPS SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK EXPO UNREALIZED GAIN INTEREST INCOME ANNUAL SKEET SHOOT DAIRY SHOW TOTAL INCOME OPERATING EXPENSES AG IN THE CLASSROOM EDUCATION EXPENSE SOUTHEASTERN LIVESTOCK EXPO AG SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON SCHOLARSHIP EXPENSE DAIRY SHOW BANK FEES OFFICE SUPPLIES LEGAL & AUDIT FEES MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE POSTAGE SPONSORSHIP EXPENSE AG TAG ADVERTISING SCHOLARSHIP SUPPLIES ADVERTISING EXPENSE INVESTMENT FEES FARMING FEEDS ALABAMA MEETINGS ANNUAL SKEET SHOOT CONTRIBUTIONS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EXPENSES TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES NET INCOME

$291,914.00 1,000.00 243,848.93 62,000.00 27,190.00 91,940.13 36,728.31 62,480.00 4,800.00 $821,901.37 $119,455.21 1,750.00 44,751.81 6,793.53 98,798.26 3,965.69 604.43 2,513.07 2,300.00 6,323.57 1,408.20 41,697.39 3,060.00 8,920.18 111,145.17 3,302.61 199,479.53 217.42 22,468.91 5,039.77 2,164.39 $686,159.14 $135,742.23

NOV. 1, 2016 –OCT. 31, 2017. NOTE: THESE ARE PRE-AUDIT FIGURES AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Foundation Fundraisers Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) activities are funded by Ag Tag sales; auctions; a skeet shoot; and contributions from individuals, businesses and county Farmers Federations. Almost 6,000 vehicles have Farming Feeds Alabama™ license plates, which generated over $243,000.

Live and silent auctions at the Alabama Farmers Federation (AFF) annual meeting and Young Farmers Conference raised $28,000.

Fifty-nine county Federations each donated $500 toward $1,750 scholarships for students studying agriculture and forestry at Auburn University.

County Federations also made contributions allowing AFAF to donate $92,400 for wildfire relief in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado. Meanwhile, Federation members, county organizations and Alfa employees gave $120,000 to Children’s of Alabama.

Corporate and individual donations funded over $11,000 in prizes for hundreds of students at the Alabama Junior Beef Expo.

This year, AFAF and the Federation accepted an expanded leadership role in the show and will coordinate all aspects of the 2018 event.

The Foundation’s Skeet Shoot at Selwood Farm in Talladega County, raised over $40,000 after expenses.

Annual Meeting Silent Auction

Skeet Shoot at Selwood Farm

Donation of $120,000 to Children’s Hospital at Commodity Conference 28

December 2017

Activities & Accomplishments

AITC Mini Grants Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) awarded $9,098.61 in mini grants for agricultural education.

Peggy Baggett, Conecuh County Junior High Growing Gardens Together Project Barbour County Extension Seed, Soil and Sun Education books for Barbour County Ag Day Ginger Boyd Mulkey Elementary in Geneva County Dirt Day Soil Festival Rachel Chastain Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind AIDB/JTA Ag Center Chicken Coop Lisa Compher Central Elementary in Coosa County Third Grade in the Garden Project

Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute included farm tours near Tuscaloosa

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Alabama Junior Beef Expo December 2017

Agricultural education and promotion continued to be the focus of AFAF activities.

Eighty-four teachers attended a three-day Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute, where they learned how to incorporate agriculture into their classrooms.

Farming Feeds Alabama™ television commercials aired statewide during the first quarter of 2017, and 1,000 teacher resource guides were distributed to FFA and FCCLA classrooms statewide.

Each guide contains a thumb drive of the Farming Feeds Alabama™ videos, student activity sheets and a teacher answer key.

Hundreds of students practiced leadership and responsibility at livestock shows and rodeos sponsored by AFAF, including the Alabama Junior Beef Expo.

AFAF scholarships for students pursuing degrees in agriculture and forestry topped $100,000.

Applications for 2018 will be accepted Nov. 15 through Jan. 31.

AITC also awarded over $9,000 in mini grants for agricultural education projects.

Meanwhile, AFAF helped direct funds to worthwhile causes including western wildfire relief and Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

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Meredith Curtis, Glenwood School in Lee County Glenwood Education Garden Laura Dailey Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation Conservation Education Program Books Kathy DeFoor, Eva School in Morgan County The Thing About Luck Farming Project Robin Hopper West End Elementary in Etowah County Elementary Garden Shelley Jones, Bibb County High School Growing a Salad in a Raised-Bed Garden Kimberly Kirby Stevenson Elementary in Jackson County Outdoor Classroom Jerrie Mattox Pearson Elementary School in Tallapoosa County Super Soils Project Wendy Moore, Clay County Christian School Clay County Outdoor Classroom Ally Moscona, Autauga Academy Raised-Bed Gardening Kelly Parker Tanner Williams Elementary School in Mobile County First-Grade Garden Jena Perry, Amanda Lolley and Allie Johnson Southern Choctaw FFA, Choctaw County Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders Project Kimberly Quigley, Gulf Shores Middle School Class Library Books Deborah Turner, Pine Level Elementary School Outdoor Classroom Abra Wallis Riverchase Elementary in Jefferson County Aeroponics Agriculture Project Deb Widner Cullman County Soil and Water Conservation Conservation Education Program w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Contributors Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Catfish Producers Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Alabama Cotton Commission Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. Alabama Farmers Federation Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Alabama Peanut Producers Association Alabama Pork Producers Alabama Power Company Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers Alan & Patty Marsh Alfa Foundation Alfa Insurance Company Amanda Stovall Angelia & Randy Kerr AT & T Auburn Sports Properties Autauga County Farmers Federation Autauga County Young Farmers Baldwin County Farmers Federation Baldwin County Young Farmers Barbour County Farmers Federation Barry Scott Bailey Beck’s Turf, Inc. Bibb County Farmers Federation Blount County Farmers Federation Blount County Young Farmers Brandon & Teresa Harlan Brian Glenn Bullock County Farmers Federation Butler County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Young Farmers Chambers County Farmers Federation Cherokee County Farmers Federation Cherokee County Young Farmers Chilton County Farmers Federation Chilton County Young Farmers Choctaw County Farmers Federation Clarke County Farmers Federation Clay County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Young Farmers Coffee County Farmers Federation Coffee County Young Farmers Colbert County Farmers Federation Colbert County Young Farmers Conecuh County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Young Farmers Coosa County Farmers Federation Covington County Farmers Federation Covington County Young Farmers Crenshaw County Farmers Federation

Crenshaw County Young Farmers Crimson Tide Sports Marketing Crop Production Services (CPS) Cullman County Farmers Federation Cullman County Young Farmers Dale County Farmers Federation Dale County Young Farmers Dallas County Farmers Federation David Heflin David Patrick Dean Wysner Debra & Allan Lamberth DeKalb County Farmers Federation DeKalb County Young Farmers Eddie Lundy Elmore County Farmers Federation Elmore County Young Farmers Eric Lovvorn Farms Inc Escambia County Farmers Federation Escambia County Young Farmers Etowah County Farmers Federation Etowah County Young Farmers Fayette County Farmers Federation First South Farm Credit Franklin County Farmers Federation Fred Bowman Bear, Jr. Fred Helms Fuller Supply Company, Inc. Garry Henry Geneva County Farmers Federation George Jeffcoat Glenn Fuller Golden State Foods Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. Greene County Farmers Federation Greenway Plants, Inc. Hale County Farmers Federation Hale County Young Farmers Hayden McDanal Henry County Farmers Federation Houston County Farmers Federation J & R Feed Service J. David Wilson J. Everette’s Cattle Ranch Jackson County Farmers Federation Jackson County Young Farmers Jackson Thornton & Company James & Terisa Benton James L. Parnell Jeff Helms Jefferson County Farmers Federation Jerry & Dianne Newby Jerry Allen Newby Jimmy & Marsha Carlisle

Joann S. Mashburn Joe Lambrecht Joe Roberts John Deloach, III John Flowers Kyle Hayes Lamar County Farmers Federation Lance Miller Larry Kirkland Lauderdale County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Young Farmers Leanne Worthington Lee County Farmers Federation Lee County Young Farmers Limestone County Farmers Federation Limestone County Young Farmers Lori B. James Lowndes County Farmers Federation Lowndes County Young Farmers Macon County Farmers Federation Madison County Farmers Federation Mahlon Richburg Marengo County Farmers Federation Marion County Farmers Federation Marshall County Farmers Federation Marshall County Young Farmers Matthew Durdin Michael & Deborah Dick Mike Tidwell Mobile County Farmers Federation Mobile County Young Farmers Monroe County Farmers Federation Monroe County Young Farmers Montgomery County Farmers Federation Montgomery County Young Farmers Morgan County Farmers Federation Morgan County Young Farmers Nathan Jaeger National Christian Foundation Alabama Oakview Farms, LLC Pat Norred Patricia Zorn Paul Brown Paul Looney Peoples Choice Award Perry County Farmers Federation Perry County Young Farmers Pickens County Farmers Federation Pike County Farmers Federation Pioneer PowerSouth Price Transport, LLC

R. W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship Fund Ralph Golden Randolph County Farmers Federation Randolph County Young Farmers Randy Price Regina Carnes Rex Vaughn Rhonda Hughes Rickey Cornutt Ricky & Glenda Cardwell Robert & Sylvia Byrd Robin & Phillip Hunter Rocco Arnold Roger Morgan Chapman Roland & Peggy St. John Ronald Bozeman Russell County Farmers Federation Samuel Gibbs Selwood Farm, Inc. Shelby County Farmers Federation Shelby County Young Farmers Smith Tractor Company Special Touch Restoration, Inc. St. Clair County Farmers Federation St. Clair FFA Alumni Stephen W. Hurst Steve Stroud Sumter County Farmers Federation Sysco Central Alabama, Inc. Talisa Shikle Talladega County Farmers Federation Talladega County Young Farmers Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Young Farmers Terrie Channell Terry Oakley Thomas & Faye Williams Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation Tuscaloosa County Young Farmers Walker County Farmers Federation Walker County Young Farmers Wallace Drury, Jr. Wallace Drury, III Washington County Farmers Federation Well Fargo Wendy Golson Wilcox County Farmers Federation Will Ponder William & Karen Green William Mark Harris Winston County Farmers Federation Wiretwisters Manufacturing, LLC

Donate Online at AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org Support the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Make Checks Payable to: Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191 Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________ State ________ Zip _____________ Phone ___________________ Email ____________________________ In Memory / Honor of: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gifts to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For questions, contact Terrie Channell, (334) 613-4657 or tchannell@alfafarmers.org. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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December 2017

Alabama Young Farmer Wins $10,000 Soybean Contest

By Debra Davis

M

att McMichen is only 13 years old, but he’s already making a name for himself in Alabama’s farming circles. He’ll soon have a $10,000-check from the Alabama Soybean Producers to boost that reputation.

A soybean crop planted on his family’s farm in Cherokee County near the Alexis community set an official state record when the harvest broke the 100-bushel-peracre yield mark this fall. That record earned him the prize money from the soybean producers.

“I was so excited that I wanted to stay out of school when harvest time came,” said Matt, an eighthgrader at Centre Middle School.

“My mom would bring me to the field right after school so I could be there.”

The family farm began in 1842 and includes Matt; his parents, Nick and Freida; grandfather Randall McMichen; and his sister, Mindy, and her fiancé, Tyler Bruce, who joined the operation in 2015.

The Alabama Soybean Producers, a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation, has sponsored the contest since 2015.

McMichen Farm hauled in a whopping 102.1530 bushels per acre on portions of the field, making it the first Alabama farm to officially break the 100-bushel mark.

The record yield was entered in Matt’s name, but Nick said it was a family effort and a blessing from the Lord. “‘Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God will bless us,’” Nick said, quoting his favorite Bible verse, Psalm 67:7.

“The Lord made the 100 bushels; we are merely his stewards.”

Matt and his family will be recognized at the Federation’s Commodity Organizational Meeting in February.

Matt said he plans to use the prize money to help the farm, December 2017

From left are Nick, Randall and Matt McMichen and Tyler Bruce of McMichen Farm in Cherokee County. Matt, with the help of the others, won $10,000 from the Alabama Soybean Producers for exceeding 100 bushels of soybeans per acre.

including his own cattle herd he began in 2015.

The Federation’s Carla Hornady, director of the organization’s Soybean Division, said growers in other states had made 100-bushel yields, and Alabama farmers wanted to see it happen here.

“In 2015, our State Soybean Producers Committee decided to fund Extension specialists Mark Hall and Dennis Delaney’s proposal for the $10,000 100-bushel yield challenge as an incentive for our farmers to try different production practices to see if they could make higher yields,” Hornady said. “We congratulate the McMichens as our first winner.”

Hall said he was thrilled to have a state winner after over 50 entries since the contest began.

“While only one farm made the 100-bushel challenge, many made record farm yields,” he said.

Alabama farmers planted about 450,000 acres of soybeans this year, a 7-percent increase over last year’s 420,000 acres. The state average for last year’s crop was about 32 bushels per acre.

Nick also credits the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for 31

helping develop the plan used to break the 100-bushel mark.

“We came close to the 100-bushel mark in the past, but I really worked closely with the Alabama Extension agent and specialists to develop a production scheme to get me over the hump,” Nick said. “They advised me to plant earlier to have pod fill during the longest days of the year to take advantage of extra sunlight.”

The McMichens planted April 14 and had ideal weather for most of the growing season.

“This goes to show our farmers are just as capable of making high yields as growers anywhere,” Delaney said. “Alabama farmers have invested in research to increase yields and profitability through the Alabama Soybean Producers Committee and soybean checkoff fund. Nick also has supported our efforts with cotton and soybean variety trials. I am glad to see his efforts pay dividends.

The information we collect from on-farm trials like his are a great asset in helping Alabama growers make better decisions to increase crop profitability.” n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Forest Stewardship Sets The Tone For TREASURE Forest Annual Meeting

By Marlee Moore

F

orest stewardship and multipleuse management were music to the ears of landowners at the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) annual meeting in Florence Oct. 26-28. The conference educated and honored Alabama landowners while soaking in the musically rich culture of the Shoals.

Gov. Kay Ivey addressed over 100 landowners and industry representatives during the Oct. 27 awards banquet. She was one of a record 70 Alabamians whose property became TREASURE Forest-certified in 2017.

“I, like many of you, am proud to be a landowner who not only understands the importance of forestlands today, but the importance of forestlands for the next generation,” Ivey said.

During the banquet, held in conjunction with the Alabama Natural Resources Council (ANRC) awards ceremony, Mike Hagen of Elmore County received the Bill Moody Award. As the ATFA’s highest honor, the award recognizes landowners whose multiple-use forest philosophy includes stewardship, sustainability, education and partnership.

“We’re pleased to honor Mike and our other outstanding award winners,” said ATFA Executive Director William Green. “These

Above: Gov. Kay Ivey was recognized for outstanding forest stewardship at the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) awards banquet in Florence Oct. 27, when her Monroe County property was designated a TREASURE Forest. From left are Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, ATFA Executive Director William Green, Alabama Forestry Commission’s Ryan Holland, Ivey, State Forester Rick Oates and Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries’ Andrew Green. Below: Participants enjoyed tours during the conference.

landowners truly care for the land with the future in mind. They’re an asset to our organization and the communities they serve.”

Three Alabama Forestry Commission employees received the ATFA’s Gary Fortenberry Partnership Award for the North Region. Matt Woodfin, Keith Niedermeier and Shane Woodham of Cherokee County were honored for supporting their local TREASURE Forest chapter.

Two Helene Mosley Memorial TREASURE Forest Awards were presented to Marengo County’s

Roy Jordan and Greene County’s Robert Loper. The award, sponsored by the ANRC and W. Kelly Mosley Environmental Awards Program, recognizes Alabama’s most exceptional TREASURE Forests.

Outstanding Planning Committee Awards were presented to the Clay County Forestry Planning Committee and Chilton County Natural Resources Council.

Thursday’s tour of legendary music studios in Muscle Shoals, where stars like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones and Willie Nelson cut records, set the tone for a successful meeting.

Friday morning, attendees saw TREASURE Forest ideals in action when touring Gordon Fennel’s Cottontown Quail property in Leighton in Colbert County.

Workshops and a silent auction rounded out Friday’s activities, while a devotional breakfast ended the conference on a high note Saturday morning.

For more on the meeting, visit the ATFA’s Facebook page or read this month’s ATFA newsletter online at TREASUREFOREST.org n

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December 2017

2017

ALABAMA FFA COMMEMORATIVE KNIFE

Available for purchase at your local Alabama Farmers Cooperative store.

$59.99 The Jefferson County Farmers Federation will have a county membership meeting Dec. 21, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. at Niki’s West Restaurant, 233 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham, AL 35204.

Proceeds benefit the Alabama FFA Foundation, which funds State Convention, Contests and Awards.

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Bill Lowery

December 2017

Community-oriented history buff Bill Lowery grew up loving country life. The Russell County Farmers Federation president and fourthgeneration farmer raises 120 cows near Pittsview. A retired mail carrier, the 62 year old also grows timber and guides hunts. He and wife of 37 years Jeanne have two daughters and attend Pittsview United Methodist Church.

1 2 3 4 33

How has your farm survived tough times?

Everyone wants to talk about sustainability. If our farm isn’t sustainable, nothing is. It’s protected from erosion.

Natural resources have been developed and utilized.

We plant trees because they’re a resource, too.

What is your advice for young farmers?

Start small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Don’t borrow too much money, but follow your dreams. Who’s to say you won’t be successful if you follow your dreams?

How are you involved in your community?

I was in Young Farmers in the ‘80s. When I retired, I increased involvement with the county Federation. I’ve served in the Cattlemen’s Association, am the county FSA committee chair and am our church treasurer.

Why do you farm?

I just love country life. I’ve run the farm since I was 22 years old, baling hay, working cows and building fences even though I worked off-farm, too. My heart was cows. There’s something about them I just enjoy. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

By Lois Chaplin

I

t’s a berry good time of year when jewels are in the trees.

Beautiful, bright berries color the quiet browns and greens of winter at a time when it’s easy to think there is little new to see.

This winter, take a studious look at these bejeweled trees and shrubs — many are hollies with showy fruit, and some have handsome evergreen foliage, too. That fresh foliage provides classic Christmas mantel greenery.

In the landscape, hollies are workhorses as a privacy screen or as a berry-laden winter accent specimen. Hollies grow in many shapes and sizes depending on species and selection.

For example, American holly (Ilex opaca), Savannah and Foster hollies (Ilex x attenuata) are stately pyramidal trees, while Needlepoint (Ilex cornuta ‘Needlepoint’) is a big, rounded shrub. When loaded with berries this time of year, these hollies distinguish a landscape that salutes winter beauty and provides food for birds when other sources are scarce.

Two outstanding native hollies are not evergreen, but instead drop their leaves for winter, leaving behind pretty stems of red, orange or golden berries. The color varies by named selection. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is available in several selections ranging from 4- to 20-feet or taller. Winterberry can grow as a shrub, multi-trunked tree, or it may be found trained to a single trunk. Winterberry selections such as Winter Gold and Berry Heavy Gold have berries between gold and salmon.

Others such as Winter Red and Berry Heavy Red have red berries.

Another native deciduous holly,

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua), is like winterberry but is larger — up to 25-feet tall. Well-known selections include Council Fire, Finch’s Gold and Warren’s Red. Possumhaw and winterberry are interchangeable in the landscape except possumhaw is a better choice for alkaline soil.

Suckers emerge from the roots, so let it develop as a multi-trunked plant. Shop for varieties and make a choice based on berry color, plant size and shape.

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is another holly most people know as a dense, low, rounded evergreen shrub that’s very popular for foundation plantings, but has no berries. However, the original yaupon is a tall, upright native evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows about 20-feet tall.

Female trees bear translucent red berries much loved by birds in winter. Tough and drought tolerant, it has a different texture and look than other hollies. The stems are twiggy with small, dark green leaves usually about an inch long.

Perhaps best recognized is the weeping form of this tree, Weeping Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’),

which is weeping and stiff at the same time. Weeping yaupon adds a distinctive pendulous form to the landscape that’s useful for framing a structure or as a specimen tree.

Weeping yaupon often has open and irregular growth, so it needs a little tip pruning on the branches to encourage a fuller canopy. Yaupon and weeping yaupon are excellent additions to a landscape for winter berries.

Winterberry, possumhaw and yaupon come in male and female forms. Visit a good nursery when shopping, and ask about the male pollinator plant, which is required for the female plant to fruit.

Otherwise, it won’t produce berries.

Finally, as if all the berries weren’t enough, American holly and yaupon hollies are salt tolerant, making them good choices for beach landscapes where they might receive salt spray. Plant these hollies in full sun, and enjoy the very best berry show. n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author.

Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

COVERED UP WITH WINTER DEALS • WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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December 2017

By Jill Clair Gentry

F

inding Christmas gifts for extended family, acquaintances and coworkers that are thoughtful and affordable can be a monumental task.

Felicia Moore knows the secret to a great gift — everyone appreciates food. Moore makes sweet and savory treats for friends and family, and sells jellies, jams, cakes, cookies and more to her PEPPER JELLY PINWHEELS Start-to-finish: 30 minutes (10 minutes active) Courtesy of Felicia Moore 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 8-ounces Pintlala Pantry pineapple jalapeno pepper jelly 1 package medium or large flour tortillas Optional: Bacon, crumbled (or bacon bits) Sausage, browned and crumbled Green onions

Montgomery County neighbors through her business, Pintlala Pantry. She also sells at the Butler County Farmers Market.

“I think people connect with food,” Moore said. “I try to make things that are traditionally Southern and bring back memories for people. It gets harder and harder to find inexpensive gifts, so a lot of times people will buy cases and cases of homemade jellies around this time of year to give.”

Moore is well known for her food gifts in the community.

“I like to set out big baskets of jellies at church and let people just get what they would like, and I give cakes, cookies and other things to special friends year after year,” she

Mix all ingredients except tortillas. Add more cheese if too thin. Spread mixture on tortillas, spreading thinly around the edges. Roll the tortillas.

Refrigerate and slice into pinwheels. Can be made ahead and frozen. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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said. “I’ll ask them, ‘What would you like this year?’ It’s such a fun tradition.”

Moore has been cooking for others since she was young, so giving food gifts at Christmas is natural for her.

“My mother would always go visit people and take them food,” she said. “When anyone was sick, when there was a funeral, when a baby was born — we took food. As I got older, I started baking with 4-H. Baking has always been a creative outlet for me.”

Moore took a long break from baking for fun while she raised her children, but in the past five years, she’s jumped back in. After realizing demand for her baked goods, jellies and jams was growing, she created Pintlala Pantry and has worked to make it a viable, popular business in the Pintlala community.

“I just love to connect with others over food,” Moore said.

“When people buy things from me, I get to hear all their stories about cooking and baking with their mothers and grandmothers, and that’s so fun and special, especially this time of year.”

December 2017

SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE WITH CRUSTY TOP Start-to-finish: 2 hours (30 minutes active) Courtesy of Felicia Moore 2 sticks butter, softened 3 cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 6 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1 cup sour cream

Heat oven to 300 F. Grease a bundt or tube pan and set aside.

Cream butter and add sugar slowly, scraping sides and bottom of bowl with a spatula. Add flavorings and baking soda. Add egg, one at a time. Mix at medium to fast speed, scraping sides and bottom of bowl periodically. Mix until batter is firm and ridges appear in batter.

Reduce speed and add sifted flour and sour cream alternately, scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

CHEESE WAFERS Start-to-finish: 1 hour (20 minutes active) Courtesy of Felicia Moore 2 sticks butter, room temperature 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon spicy mustard 8-ounce bag shredded sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature Pecan halves

Cream butter until fluffy. Add flour, spices and mustard. Mix well. Stir in cheese. Roll dough into 2-inch logs and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Heat oven to 350 F. Cut logs into 1/4-inch thick coins and top with a pecan half. Bake for 20 minutes.

Variations: For a lemon cake, omit vanilla and almond extracts and use 1 tablespoon lemon flavoring.

For a chocolate cake, reduce

flour by 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup cocoa powder.

For a coconut cake, add 1 cup flaked coconut after mixing flour and sour cream.

MARY’S HOLIDAY BARS Start to finish: 30 minutes Courtesy of Felicia Moore 1 cup sugar 1 cup white Karo syrup 1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter 6 cups Rice Krispies or Special K cereal 12-ounce bag butterscotch chips 23-ounce bag semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

SHORTBREAD BARS Start-to-finish: 1 hour Courtesy of Felicia Moore 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Melted chocolate or almond bark

Heat oven to 350 F. Cream butter and sugar. Add salt and flour. Form into 2 balls. If too December 2017

crumbly, add melted butter until dough sticks together.

Pat out with hands to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into strips measuring 2 ½ inches by ½ inch.

Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes, until bars are barely brown.

Enjoy plain, or dip half the bar into chocolate or red and green almond bark.

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Butter a cookie sheet. In a large saucepan, mix sugar and Karo syrup. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Stir in cereal.

Pour onto buttered cookie sheet, spreading thin and working fast.

In the microwave, melt butterscotch chips and spread onto cereal mixture. Melt chocolate chips and spread over butterscotch.

Cool and cut. n

Find more recipes at

AlfaFarmers.org

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We Believe in Leadership

Kinley Bell Shelby County 4-H

State 4-H Ambassador President

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Š 2017 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. www.aces.edu ACES-2432