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December 2020 | Volume 45 | Number 12 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate Editor Laura Unger | Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan | Executive Director Jeff Helms | Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville Donald Sewell | Southside Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Seminole Chris Carroll | Ariton Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Jonathan Sanders | Brundidge Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
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In This Issue 4 | Alverson Honored For Service To Agriculture
23 | Foundation Report
7 | Hurricanes, Tropical Storms Impact Harvest
11 | Sam Butler Named To United Soybean Board
19 | Youth Take Center Stage
At Alabama National Fair
7
21
On The Cover
Live animals lend a special air to nativities. Tickled Pink Petting Zoo in Graham provides sheep, camels, donkeys and more to put the finishing touch on performances as communities celebrate Christ’s birth. Photo By Marlee Moore
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EDQAM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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A Life Of Service Alverson To Receive Service To Agriculture Award By Debra Davis griculture has been part of Bill A Alverson’s life since he was a young boy growing up in Marshall County. Lessons learned from his father, who was a bank agent assigned to help local farmers, and his introduction to 4-H helped mold young Alverson as he developed skills focused on helping others. Those proficiencies parlayed into a 41-year career with Auburn University (AU), first as an Extension farm agent in Lee and DeKalb counties (1965-1973) and as assistant dean of the College of Agriculture (1973-2006). Former students speak his name with reverence, saying he played a pivotal role in their college experiences and eventual careers. His contributions
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earned Alverson the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Service to Agriculture Award, the highest honor given by the state’s largest farm organization. Alverson, 76, will receive the award at the Federation’s 99th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6. “I am deeply honored to receive the award,” said Alverson, who lives in Auburn with his wife of 55 years, Snooky. “I never considered my work at Auburn as a job; it was just fun.” Alverson, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from AU, credits his success to the people who surrounded him — students, faculty and administrators. “I was fortunate to develop relationships with people all around the nation,” he added. Federation President Jimmy
Bill Alverson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from his beloved Auburn University before he began work as an Extension farm agent in Lee and DeKalb counties. In 1973, he was named assistant dean of the College of Agriculture, a position he kept until his retirement in 2006. He and wife Snooky have been married 55 years and live in Auburn.
Parnell joins a legion of AU College of Agriculture graduates who credit Alverson for inspiring them to develop leadership skills. “Hundreds of Auburn agriculture alumni can trace their careers back to Dean Alverson,” said Parnell, who graduated from AU with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics in 1985. “He showed genuine concern for students, from recruitment to job placement. His alfafarmers.org
contributions to the agricultural community continue through those he mentored, many of whom are now leaders in the Federation and other farm organizations and agribusinesses. Dean Alverson had a knack for helping match students’ interests and abilities to college majors that would give them the opportunity for success.” Alverson initiated several programs at AU, including Ag Day, Ag Career Days, Ag Hill Picnic, Ag Ambassadors, Ag Alumni Association (now Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club), Ag Roundup and the Ag Hall of Honor. He was faculty advisor for ag communications students, served as the Ag Council advisor and judged many National FFA competitions. Alverson served as secretarytreasurer and is an ex-officio member of the Auburn Ag Alumni Association. He was presented the National Ag Alumni and Development Association Distinguished Service Award in 1993. In 2000, the Auburn Ag Alumni Association honored him by establishing a scholarship in his name, the Ag Alumni Bill Alverson Scholarship. Alverson received the Honorary American Farmer Degree in 1994 from the National FFA, the organization’s highest honor. In 2005, Alverson received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan National Award for humanitarian
Bill Alverson was 7 years old when he showed his first calf as a member of the Marshall County 4-H Club. He said his 4-H experience greatly influenced his decision to seek a career in agriculture.
leadership and constant helpfulness to others. Since retirement, the Alversons have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their two children and four grandchildren.
Bill Alverson began the Auburn University (AU) Ag Alumni Association and served as the group’s adviser for many years. Pictured are members of the 1995 board of directors. Front row from left are Gordon Stone, Ronnie Holladay, Charles Fouts and Rex Ponder; back row from left are Alverson, Ray Hilburn, Doug Rigney, Dave Bradford and Rudy Yates Sr. alfafarmers.org
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Hurricanes, Tropical Storms Hamper Harvest
By Marlee Moore n extremely active Atlantic A hurricane season hit Alabama row crops hard, yielding varied effects from
the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady said yields range from below-average to above-average as she talks to farmers across the state. “Everything depends on where you live and what conditions you faced,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “The growing season went well, but hurricanes and tropical storms started hammering us during harvest. That’s leading to lower yields and quality loss.”
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Covington County Farmers Federation President Ashley Kelley said he’s picked cotton ranging from 500-1,200 pounds per acre, a side effect of a series of storms that hit Alabama this hurricane season.
Hurricane Sally, which made landfall in south Alabama Sept. 16 before slowly churning north, delayed completing corn harvest and made gathering twisted, laid-over stalks more difficult for some farmers. The storm dumped more than 20 inches of rain along coastal counties and packed winds estimated at 105 miles per hour. Cotton, peanuts and soybeans were pounded again Oct. 28-29 when Tropical Storm Zeta carved a path from Mobile County to Cherokee County. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Crop Progress and Condition Report, more than 40% of the cotton crop was still in the field when
Zeta hit. Hornady said farmers estimate losing 400-600 pounds of cotton per acre. “It’s devastating, especially for our farmers in Alabama’s Black Belt and coastal counties,” she said. The 27th named storm of the 2020 hurricane season, Hurricane Zeta made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm with maximum winds of 110 miles per hour. It was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved into Alabama, where it wreaked havoc on barns, grain bins, fences, poultry houses, hay, greenhouses, orchards and the pecan crop, which also took a beating from Hurricane Sally. December 2020
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Alabama Peanut Producers Association Executive Director Jacob Davis said peanut harvest went mostly well, though some yields and quality suffered because of storms. Blount County farmer Rusty Gaines raises soybeans, cotton and corn near Snead. He said above-average rainfall helped set a good crop, but harvest has been slow due to rain, storms and mechanical issues.
Tangled, mangled, wind-blown corn stalks slowed harvest for farmers following Hurricane Sally.
Sally hit Ashley Kelley’s cotton crop right before defoliation. Although his Covington County fields weren’t a direct hit from the storm, the county netted 11-15 inches of rain, dealing a blow to the crop. “God blessed us with a great growing season,” said Kelley, 50, Covington County Farmers Federation president. “Once we got it going, it set a great crop, and we got rain as we needed it. Sally put a hurting on the crop, and the wind from Zeta didn’t help our defoliated cotton.” While Kelley has picked cotton ranging from 500-1,200 pounds an acre, the peanut crop has been more consistent. 8
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According to USDA’s November Crop Production Report, corn production is forecast at 54 million bushels, up 20% from 2019. Cotton production is forecast at 825,000 bales, down 20%. With yield forecast at a recordhigh 4,000 pounds per acre, peanut production is forecast at 728 million pounds, up 39%. Soybean production is forecast at 10.5 million bushels, up 12%. In Blount County, Rusty Gaines of Snead welcomed above-average rain on his corn, soybean and cotton fields. August was unusually damp, hampering hay production and slowing harvest. Gaines’ crop quality seems average so far, but harvest is slow.
“We had some pretty decent rainfall from Zeta that held us out, but we didn’t have the wind damage our friends had in Dallas or Chilton counties,” said Gaines, 41, who serves on the Blount County Farmers Federation board. “When you hear about that, you’re just thankful it’s just rain holding us out.” A late harvest means Gaines likely won’t plant winter wheat. Ideally, he’d finish planting by Thanksgiving but was still harvesting soybeans and cotton in mid-November. Around the same time, Alabama Peanut Producers Association Executive Director Jacob Davis said the finish line was in sight for many of his growers. “Sunshine and minimal rain helped fields dry and allowed peanut harvesting to continue following Zeta,” Davis said. “While projections were high for peanut production this year, yields have suffered, mainly due to delayed digging and harvesting. However, peanut butter consumption is at an all-time high, partially because of the pandemic, and our farmers remain committed to growing healthy, safe, delicious peanuts.” Additionally, adverse weather in the Midwest, plus the strong pace of exports, pushed prices higher for soybeans, corn, cotton and peanuts than projected earlier this year. As farmers continue harvesting, hurricanes could still be an issue. Hurricane season ends Nov. 30. “It’s different; it’s 2020,” Gaines said. “Nothing is normal.” alfafarmers.org
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Sam Butler Appointed To United Soybean Board
adison County farmer Sam Butler M has been appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to the
United Soybean Board (USB). Butler, along with seven other new farmerleaders and 11 reappointed board members, will be sworn in at the USB annual meeting in December and will serve a three-year term. “It is an honor to serve and represent Butler my fellow soybean farmers on the USB,” said Butler, 44, who farms with his father, Charles, and brother, Matt, in the Poplar Ridge community near New Hope. “The checkoff directly benefits soybean farmers by expanding markets and
alfafarmers.org
increasing the uses and demand for beans we produce.” Butler is a fifth-generation farmer and fourth-generation graduate of Auburn University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and an MBA. Butler served as the Alabama director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) from 2010 to 2019 and is a former president of the Alabama Soybean and Corn Association. In addition to soybeans, the Butlers grow corn, wheat and cotton in a rotation on their farm. Authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act, the USB is composed of 78 members representing 29 states. The number of seats is determined based on bushels produced in each region. Members must be soybean farmers nominated by a Qualified State Soybean Board. In Alabama, that board is the Alabama Soybean Producers,
an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Pickens County farmer Annie Dee recently completed her third three-year term on the USB. Butler joins Dallas County farmer Wendy Yeager on the board. Yeager was appointed last year. The Federation’s Carla Hornady said she appreciates Butler’s willingness to serve and provide guidance on the USB. “Alabama farmers benefit from USB’s work as they administer checkoff activities focused on research and market development,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Soybean Division director. “Sam will join Wendy in representing Alabama well. We also appreciate Annie’s service for the past nine years. She has made a significant impact on the board.” The soy checkoff provides significant value to farmers by leveraging checkoff funds in investments and programs to build preference for U.S. soy across the country and around the world.
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Farm Animals Add Finishing Touch To Live Nativities
Daniel Hall started Tickled Pink Petting Zoo a decade ago on his family’s farm in Randolph County.
By Marlee Moore oft lights illuminate a makeshift S stable. Shepherds, staffs in hand, pet bleating sheep and slate-gray
donkeys. A serene Mary and attentive Joseph watch as the son of God rests, nestled in a manger. The robed Biblical characters are neighbors, church family, friends. The animals perfecting the picture of Christ’s birth? Those are courtesy of Daniel Hall and Tickled Pink Petting Zoo. “We’re creating an experience for people,” said Hall, 34, who founded the Graham-based venture a decade ago. Hall books live nativity celebrations across the Southeast, from the swamps of Louisiana to Guin on the AlabamaMississippi line to Pulaski, Tennessee. They’re featured at church functions, community events and even private observances. Hall once hauled a camel to Miami for a backyard nativity. He and assistant Bill Segrest clock 35 minutes from arrival to showtime. Hall creates a personalized, “pick
Live animals lend an extra-special touch to nativities during the Christmas season. Far left: Seth Hinson portrays a shepherd during a live nativity. Left: Crystal and Steven Hinson reenact the night of Christ’s birth. 14
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alfafarmers.org
While sheep and goats are the easiest animals to handle, farm manager Tye Tippens said Earl the camel adds a regal touch to live nativities.
the zoo we bring to you” experience for Tickled Pink Petting Zoo customers; price varies by animal size, number and availability. He can also provide costumes. During dress rehearsals with prospective shepherds and wise men, they teach tips and tricks for handling animals — i.e. pull on the sheep’s halter, don’t yank. “Sheep and goats are the easiest,” Hall said. “If people can get over the intimidation of the camel, it works well.” Hall said it’s easier than community members cobbling together animals for a performance. “All my animals have been around each other for years,” Hall said. “No one spooks the other. Safety is my priority.” Surroundings don’t startle the animals, either. During one outdoor nativity, two firetrucks raced down the street, sirens blazing. “Our animals didn’t even flinch,” Segrest said. Hall was raised on a cattle farm in Randolph County, the same property where he now raises his menagerie. He evolved into goat production and served on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Sheep & Goat alfafarmers.org
It takes about 35 minutes from arrival to setup for petting zoos. Hall arrives earlier for live nativities so performers can get adjusted to handling animals.
Committee. His herd grew to include a buffalo, large-horned Watusi cattle, a kangaroo, porcupines, lemurs, macaws, peacocks, capybaras, zebras, tortoises and more. School program requests poured in, and Hall applied for a U.S. Department of Agriculture exotic animal license. Birthday party bookings led to company events and festivals. Autauga County Fair President Gary Essary said Hall’s animals lend an exciting, memorable air to the Prattville event. “People can see exotic animals they don’t get to see every day, like mini cows and camels,” he said. “Daniel has to really work with those animals so little fingers can poke and prod and interact with them. It amazes me how positive an experience it is.” Hall’s animals are popular on the big screen, too. His parrot has been featured in music videos, and provided talent for Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings” Netflix show, while his goats, skunks, cows and more score screen time on the TV series “Dwight in Shining Armor.” “Dan is not only great with animals, he’s pleasant to be around,” said Trace Sargent, founder of Star K9, the animal
talent agency that books gigs for Hall. “He truly cares about these animals and cares about creating wonderful experiences for people to learn.” As for live nativities, Hall’s animals attend indoor events, stationary setups or drive-thrus. To serve and safeguard his community this Christmas, Hall is organizing a drive-thru nativity at his farm. Check the Tickled Pink Petting Zoo Facebook page for details. Hall’s December calendar is crammed with nativity bookings, but reactions like “oh my gosh, look at that” and “I’ve never seen one of those before!” never get old. Although the flash of richly robed wise men leading a camel could steal the show, Hall said the simplest scenes make a statement. One crisp December night several years ago, cars flooded a tiny church parking lot. Hall, dressed as a shepherd, carried a young sheep as onlookers fixed their eyes on the symbolic Lamb of God. “I cried,” he said. “When you’re standing there and all eyes are on the lamb and what it means, that touches you.” December 2020
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Alabama Farm Bureau Services, Inc. is an independent authorized producer/agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Marsh Joins Federation As Intern ale County native Shelby Marsh H will beef up her organizational, livestock show and agricultural
skills as the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Junior Beef Expo (JBE) intern. The Auburn University (AU) junior in animal sciences will intern through JBE March 18-20. Marsh, 20, brings firsthand experience to her internship. Marsh She grew up showing livestock, exhibited in the JBE and was raised on a farm in Greensboro. Marsh graduated from Southern Academy in 2018 and is the daughter of Bill and Lynn Marsh. “Growing up surrounded by agriculture has given me a strong passion for the industry,” Marsh said. Her role includes working with Beef Division Director Brady Ragland to input data, communicate with exhibitors and ready the ring for the show. “Shelby will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to plan and coordinate the state’s largest and most prestigious cattle show,” Ragland said. “I’m excited to have her join our team.” At AU, Marsh is involved in Young Farmers, Collegiate Cattlemen and the Block & Bridle Club. Earlier this year, she incorporated her cattle business, Legacy Livestock LLC.
Show e: m i T Farmers Federation Supports Youth During Fair Livestock Events Rose Hodnett of Wadley in Randolph County, won third place in Beginner Showmanship at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery with her pig, Corona. Ruby was among 250 fair exhibitors.
Elaine, a Red Angus heifer owned by Ansley Brown of Ramer in Montgomery County, was named breed champion at the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Show. Ansley is pictured with her father, Jeremy Brown.
By Debra Davis xhibitors from across the state loaded E up pigs, goats, sheep and cattle for a chance to compete for ribbons and
cash at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 8-18. Nearly 250 exhibitors competed in the events, profiling their animals after months of preparation. “Exhibitors spend hours feeding, grooming and training their show projects,” said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Brady Ragland, who helped coordinate the fair’s livestock shows at Garrett Coliseum. “At a time where many shows around the country were forced to cancel due to COVID-19, I think most exhibitors were grateful to step into the show ring again. It takes a lot of effort to plan a large event in a normal year, but this year posed exceptional challenges.” Ansley Brown of Ramer in Montgomery County competed in dairy and beef cattle shows. The 12 year old said showing alfafarmers.org
cattle takes a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it. She won first place in her dairy showmanship class, and her Jersey heifer placed second in her breed class. Ansley’s Red Angus heifers were named champion and reserve champion for the breed. “I first showed dairy cows at the fair when I was 5 or 6, and I loved it,” said the Hooper Academy seventh grader. “I first learned to love cattle riding around the pasture with my grandpa and going to my friend’s house because she showed December 2020
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Kam Ritcher of Colbert County showed a Holstein heifer in the Youth Dairy Show at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery.
cattle.” In addition to feeding her cows twice daily, Ansley routinely grooms and exercises her calves. Her parents, Jeremy and Lindsey Brown, said showing livestock teaches children responsibility and decision making. Rose Hodnett of Wadley in Randolph County said she was glad the fair finally allowed her to show her pig. Normally, she participates in more than 20 shows a year, but that’s dropped to less than five shows since the pandemic. “A lot of shows were canceled this year, and that was
disappointing,” said the 10 year old. “Plus, a pig usually gets better the more you show it.” Purchasing a show pig is an investment, said Rose’s mother, Jessica Hodnett. It pays dividends that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. “She knows when we purchase a pig that she’s committed,” Jessica said. “The responsibility she learns is a big part of it. She takes care of the feeding, washing and grooming, plus she knows the stalls have to be cleaned. It’s also helped her be more confident, and she’s learned how to communicate better. She’s learned how to talk to a judge when they ask questions, and she’s made friends from all over.” In addition to traditional fair classes, the Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored the Alfa Jackpot Show. The event gave beef cattle exhibitors an opportunity to show their animals under another judge before heading home. “I want to personally thank staff members and volunteers who made the 2020 Alabama National Fair and Alfa Jackpot Show a success,” Ragland said. “Seeing so many exhibitors who were eager to participate and the appreciation they had was especially rewarding.” Alabama National Fair livestock shows photos are available online at Flickr.com/photos/alabamafarmers/albums.
Young people from throughout the state exhibited sheep at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Oct. 9.
In addition to traditional fair classes, the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored the Alfa Jackpot Show Oct. 18. 20
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2020 annual Report AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org
Hurricane Relief Fund The Foundation activated its disaster relief fund to assist farmers with hurricane damage.
Sweet Grown Alabama Day Gov. Kay Ivey joined state agricultural leaders in proclaiming Sweet Grown Alabama Day during a farmers market at the State Capitol.
board of directors
Jimmy Parnell • Rhonda Hughes • Phillip Johns • Lester Killebrew • Keith McCurdy Cheryl Mitchell • Paul Pinyan • Mahlon Richburg • Raleigh Wilkerson
Our Mission
“To support and advance agriculture in the state of Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture.” alfafarmers.org
Support Ag Education. Purchase an Ag Tag today! December 2020
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income statement
Income Unrestricted Contributions Ag in the Classroom Revenue Ag Tag Revenue Scholarships Junior Beef Expo Unrealized Gain (Loss) Interest Income Annual Skeet Shoot Dairy Show State Pork Show Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship R.W. Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Alabama Rural Economic Center (Farm Center) Donation Other Income Total Income Operating Expenses Ag in the Classroom Junior Beef Expo Ag Scholarship Luncheon Scholarship Expense Dairy Show State Pork Show Bank Fees Office Supplies Legal & Audit Fees Miscellaneous Expense Postage Sponsorship Expense Ag Tag Advertising Advertising Expense Investment Fees Meetings Annual Skeet Shoot Contributions Alabama Rural Economic Center (Farm Center) Total Operating Expenses Net Income
aitc mini grants
Alabama Ag in the Classroom awarded $11,013.90 in mini grants for agricultural education.
“I Can Pick Up Chicks” Incubator/Brooder Project Shelby Atwood Florence Middle School, Lauderdale County Edible Garden Diana Bickelhaupt Cordova Elementary School, Walker County Learning Garden Meredith Campbell Eufaula High School, Barbour County Harvesting School Pecan Orchard Rachel Chastain Alabama Institue for Deaf and Blind, Talladega County “Grow Big Green” Greenhouse Susan Coleman Sparta Academy, Conecuh County Indoor Classroom Garden Jennifer Corbett Glenwood School, Russell County Garden Tiller To Teach Soil Preparation Ashton Cottingham Montevallo High School, Shelby County Outdoor Education Classroom/Nature Trail Riley Curtis Glenwood School, Russell County Outdoor Learning Center Garden Shelia Holt Forest Hills Elementary, Lauderdale County Tiny Flower Gardens Project Sarah Ingersoll Forest Hills Elementary, Lauderdale County Virtual Tours Ag Hill/College of Agriculture Brandon Justice Auburn College of Agriculture, Lee County School Garden Kasey Kilpatrick Parrish Elementary School, Walker County 4-H Food Safety and Fermentation Project Kisha King County Extension/4-H Club, Butler and Lowndes counties
$369,094.48 100,000.00 260,257.09 58,750.00 136,210.00 (8,250.64) 38,964.31 72,058.00 3,100.00 2,400.00 27,785.00 39,081.00 247,667.00 1,000.00 $1,348,116.44 $49,851.56 20,493.57 578.28 87,473.08 1,093.39 1,750.00 867.09 1,030.46 2,350.00 10,867.78 350.05 26,975.00 3,300.00 45,196.57 6,731.34 712.45 23,529.38 15,890.80 127,045.14 $426,085.94 $922,030.50
The 2020 Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute was canceled due to COVID-19.
Bee Bots and Pollination Project Julie Lane Forest Hills Elementary, Lauderdale County Maintain School Garden/Ag Fridays Judy Lawrence Callahan School for the Deaf and Blind, Mobile County Teach About Ag Careers, Alabama Farm Facts and Commodities Janet Lovelady County Extension, Coosa County Work in School Gardens Kathryn Manley Kermit Johnson School, Jefferson County Magnifying Tables Merdith Nicholson Forest Hills Elementary, Lauderdale County The Terrific Tomato Gina Nimmo County Extension, Lee County Public Community Seed Library Kristin North Dothan and Houston County Library System Classroom Aquaponic Demo Garden Deven Peek Marbury High School, Autauga County Raised Bed Garden/Science Projects Beth Potts Marion Academy, Perry County Outdoor Classroom and Learning Stations Tina Raper Hackleburg Elementary, Marion County Outdoor Garden and Classroom Sharon Redding Lakeside School, Barbour County Forest Hills Flower Beds Project Jennia Russell Forest Hills Elementary, Lauderdale County Life Cycle of a Chicken Hatching Project Kelsey Thompson W. S. Neal Elementary, Escambia County Outdoor Courtyard Garden Dianne Williams Cordova Elementary, Walker County
AFAF Contributions & sponsorships Environmental studies and governance structures were finalized for the 500-acre Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park.
1 | Main Arena 169,583 sq. ft.
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Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists Catfish Farmers of America Conference Storybook Farm 4-H Foundation (Dairy U, Dairy Goat U, National Dairy Conference) Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Roundup
AU Foundation (Ag Roundup) North Alabama Agriplex Southern Cattle Showdown Alabama High School Rodeo Association Alabama Lamb Producers Association – Alabama Born and Bred Lamb Show Alabama Junior Rodeo Association alfafarmers.org
activities & accomplishments Seventy-six scholarships totaling $128,000 were awarded to students majoring in agriculture and forestry at Auburn University (AU). From left are forestry senior Orum Snow of Wilcox County, AU College of Agriculture Associate Dean for Instruction Amy Wright, AFAF President Jimmy Parnell, agricultural business and economics sophomore Brittany Carroll of Dale County, and AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson. The State Beef Committee led creation of an endowed Foundation scholarship in memory of Montgomery County cattleman Mike Henry.
The Foundation honored Federation leaders who passed in 2019 during a Tribute Breakfast at the annual meeting. The new program is a chance to recognize the families of those who served Alabama agriculture.
in memoriam Buster Thornton
Robert Lee Lauderdale
December 17, 2019, Limestone County, 88
Harold McCool
January 1, Pickens County, 80
Howard Keeton
January 2, Colbert County, 83
Shirley Jane Fields McDonald January 9, Madison County, 83
Jeanette Broxon (Byrd) Moates January 9, Coffee County, 94
John Dorrill
January 28, Pike County, 90
Mike Jenkins
March 3, Jefferson County, 70 April 22, Mobile County, 77
David Pearce
May 21, Dallas County, 72 alfafarmers.org
The 5th annual Skeet Shoot raised funds for the Alabama Farmers Ag Foundation to support ag education. Thirty-six teams competed at the Nov. 6 event at Selwood Farm in Alpine. To date, the event has raised nearly $200,000 for the Foundation.
Honoring Alabama Farmers Federation leaders we lost, with prayers of healing and strength for their loved ones.
December 7, 2019, Lauderdale County, 83
Larry Fort
The Junior Beef Expo was canceled due to COVID-19, but an Alfa Jackpot Show at the Alabama National Fair was held to give students another chance to exhibit their animals and earn prize money.
William “Bill� Hixon May 28, Pike County, 87
Milton Johnson
June 1, Autauga County, 86
Dr. Gaines Smith
June 10, Autauga County, 77
Ginny Costner
June 28, Calhoun County, 89
Lenn Costner Sr.
July 12, Calhoun County, 87
Robert Parker
July 30, Baldwin County, 91
Frank Benford
August 12, Chambers County, 75
Brenda Reese
August 18, Lee County, 67
Russell Wood
August 18, Autauga County, 95
Hershel Seymore
August 29, Winston County, 76
Bob Adams
August 30, Bullock County, 91
Waymon Buttram
August 30, DeKalb County, 83
Hobert Harris
September 1, Cleburne County, 88
Starland Newell
September 9, Franklin County, 89
Barton Willoughby
September 22, Houston County, 70
Billy Joe Johnson
September 25, Cherokee County, 66
Randall Paramore
September 30, Macon County, 89
James Gachet
October 1, Barbour County, 89
Trey Langford
October 15, Autauga County, 58
Roland Williams
October 15, DeKalb County, 62 December 2020
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contributors 3L Ranch ACES Extension (Auburn) Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Inc. Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Angus Association Alabama BCIA Alabama Catfish Producers Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Alabama Farm Bureau Services Inc. Alabama Farm Credit Alabama Farmers Cooperative Inc. Alabama Farmers Federation Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Alabama Municipal Electric Alabama Peanut Producers Association Alabama Pork Producers Alabama Power Co. Alabama Simmental Association Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers Alexia & Mike Garner Alfa Foundation Andrew Wendland Angelen Hochberger AT & T AU Clarke Cooperative Extension Autauga County Cattlemen’s Association Autauga County Farmers Federation B L Harbert Baldwin County Farmers Federation Barbour County Farmers Federation Beck’s Turf Inc. Bibb County Farmers Federation Billy Hixon Blount County Cattlemen’s Association Blount County Farmers Federation Boyd Cattle LLC Boyd Farm Bradford & Page Sturgis Brady Ragland Brentwood Farms LLC Brian Hardin Brian Mitchell Bullock County Farmers Federation Butler County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Young Farmers Committee Calvin Freeland Cargill Carin Schofield Chambers County Cattlemen’s Association Chambers County Farmers Federation Cherokee County Farmers Federation
Chilton County Farmers Federation Choctaw County Farmers Federation Circle H Farm CK Cattle Clarke County Farmers Federation Clay County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Farmers Federation Clinton & Barbara Hardin Clyde Scott Coffee County Farmers Federation Colbert County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Young Farmers Cook Timber & Wildlife Farms Coosa County Farmers Federation Covington County Farmers Federation Crenshaw County Farmers Federation Crenshaw County Young Farmers CTE/Workforce Development Cullman County Farmers Federation Dal-Dav Charolais Dale County Farmers Federation Dallas County Farmers Federation DeKalb County Farmers Federation Don Allison Equipment Donald & Barbara Sewell Elizabeth Kish Elmore County Farmers Federation Escambia County Farmers Federation Etowah County Farmers Federation Farm Bureau Bank Fayette County Farmers Federation First South Farm Credit Fran Pearce Frank Ellis Charolais Franklin County Farmers Federation Fred Bowman Bear Geneva County Farmers Federation Ginger Gaines Glenview Farm LLC Great Southern Wood Greene County Farmers Federation Greenway Plants Inc. Hale County Farmers Federation Hank Gaines Henry County Farmers Federation Hicks Hereford Houston County Farmers Federation J & R Feed Service Jackson County Farmers Federation Jackson County Young Farmers Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. Jacqueline R. Davis James & Debbie Lavender James Cravey
James L. Parnell James Till Jeff Helms Jefferson County Farmers Federation Jeffrey & Kay Peek Jeremiah Davis Jerry & Dianne Newby Jimmy & Sue Jimmerson Jimmy & Susan Davis Joe Williams John & Amie Hardin Judge Bill Cole Kimberly Price L O Bishop Lamar County Farmers Federation Langley Farms Larry Reeves Lauderdale County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Farmers Federation Leanne Worthington Lee County Cattlemen’s Association Lee County Farmers Federation Leto Farms Limestone County Farmers Federation Limestone County Young Farmers Lisa Bagents Lowndes County Cattlemen’s Association Lowndes County Farmers Federation Macon County Cattlemen’s Association Macon County Farmers Federation Madison County Farmers Federation Mahlon Richburg Marengo County Farmers Federation Margery & Davis Henry Marilyn Hos Marion County Farmers Federation Marshall County Farmers Federation Marshall County Young Farmers Martha Ferry Mary Wilson Max Bozeman Merchants Bank Michael Strickland Midstate Stockyards Mike & Regina Carnes Mike Tidwell Mobile County Farmers Federation Monica Carroll Monroe County Farmers Federation Montgomery County Farmers Federation Montgomery Stockyards LLC - Phillip Adkins Montgomery Stockyards LLC Morgan County Farmers Federation Mr. & Mrs. James H Gasser National Christian Foundation
Next Step Cattle Co. Paramore Angus Paul Pinyan Perry County Farmers Federation Phil Slay Pickens County Farmers Federation Pike County Cattlemen’s Association Pike County Farmers Federation PowerSouth Energy - Horace Horn Randolph County Cattleman’s Association Randolph County Farmers Federation Ray Hilburn Rhonda Hughes River Bank & Trust Roberta & Timothy Mullek Roger Morgan Chapman Roslyn Carson Byrd Russell County Farmers Federation Selwood Farm Inc. Sharon Hardy Shelby County Farmers Federation Southeastern Livestock Exposition St. Clair County Farmers Federation St. Clair County Farmers Federation Alumni Stocker Supply LLC Sumter County Farmers Federation SunSouth Sweet Grown Alabama Taber & Grace Ellis Tacky Farms - The Bridge Builders of Alabama Talladega County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Tommy & Debi Martin Trigreen Equipment LLC Trustmark Tucker Milling LLC Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation US Foods - Louis Monte Van Smith Campaign Vaudie Hallman Walker County Farmers Federation Walker Family Simmental Walter Owsley Washington County Farmers Federation Wells Fargo Wilcox County Farmers Federation William Harris William Hooper Winston County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division
donate online at alabamafarmersfoundation.org 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. Questions? Contact Amanda Butts at (334) 612-5525 or abutts@alfafarmers.org. 26
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D
DELIVERY MAN
addy used bolt cutters to cut the chain on a livestock gate. We rode in the bed of his truck, speeding across a bumpy field. In the pickup: Daddy’s friends Willie and Stuart and me. “This is a bad idea,” said Willie. “Old man Luke’s liable to shoot us.” The truck came to a stop. It was night. We could see our breath. We looked across acres of pine trees which grew in a field of weeds. Daddy aimed headlights at trees. In a few minutes, chainsaws screamed, men laughed. They shaped balsam firs with trimmers and cut down nearly 45. The next night, Daddy and I sat in the front seat, wearing Santa caps, heater blaring. He handed me a clipboard. “You’re Santa’s Little Navigator tonight,” he said. I read. And we delivered firs to every dilapidated home, ratty apartment, camper and single-wide in the county. We were greeted by men in work boots, women in waitress uniforms and giddy children. Daddy would set trees in dens and give them free smiles. Most people thanked him until they wore out their voices. Some cried. Daddy would say, “Don’t thank me, thank the church.” But the church had nothing to do with it — not officially. The following Sunday, Daddy was a door-greeter. I stood beside him shaking hands, passing bulletins.
With each handshake, Daddy said, “Care to donate to needy kids who can’t afford trees?” People handed over bills. Tens, twenties, even a few hundreds. After service, Daddy drove a maze of dirt roads. We stopped at a faded house in an overgrown field. An old man answered the door. My father said, “Evening Luke, just wanted to see if you’re interested in donating any trees this year.” “Already told you THREE TIMES, I don’t SELL trees anymore.” “But Luke,” Daddy reasoned. “Your tree farm went to weed years ago.” He shut the door. But Daddy wedged his boot in the jamb. “Please, Luke. You’d be a hero if—” “Get off my porch.” “…And oh, how happy those kids would be when…” “No.” “…like James Jacobson, whose brother just died.” My father kept talking. Finally, the man said, “You done?” “Promise me you’ll think about it.” “ALRIGHT! I’ll THINK about it.” “Promise?” “Yes, I PROMISE!” They shook. Daddy handed the man a stack of cash. “What’s this?” “Consider it a thank-you.” “For what?” “For thinking about it.” I miss my father at Christmas. ■
Join us for a weekly conversation about news and information affecting Alabama farmers and forest land owners.
New episodes available every Wednesday. Subscribe to Alabama AgCast wherever you listen to podcasts or visit alfafarmers.org/agcast. Grower Direct
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Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org
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By Lois Chaplin
T
his is an exciting time for gardeners because seed catalogs are appearing in our mailboxes and we’re thinking of purchasing seeds in our favorite stores. Last spring, COVID-19 interrupted the normal routine of buying seed. There was a rush on seeds as many folks were planting gardens for the first time because of the uncertainty around the pandemic. Orders were often late because of reduced fulfillment crews and a strained transportation system. All that amounted to some shortages and delayed deliveries, sometimes too late for planting. I saw several mailorder companies halt orders for weeks until they could catch up. Now that the 2021 seed catalogs are in our mail and packets appear in stores next month, what can gardeners expect this spring? Chris Bowman, product manager for Faithway Alliance, a supplier of garden seeds to the Alabama Farmers Cooperative and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, expects this season to be normal but with a steady demand. Companies such as Faithway, who order seeds from U.S. growers, are least likely
Alabama
to be affected by the global situation. Seed companies that import from growers around the world, including China, are affected by new tariffs and the complexity of global logistics, so prices from some mail-order sources are up significantly. As a gardener looking to try something new each season, I noticed a wide swing in mail-order prices in my frequent perusal of online seed catalogs. For example, small seed packets of Sungold tomato ranged from 11 to 39 cents per seed and Better Boy tomato from 10 to 20 cents per seed. For those who’d rather buy plants, these varieties are typically sold by Bonnie Plants. Once your packets are purchased, either online or in store, hold on to extra seeds. They will keep until next year if stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Many folks keep leftover seed in a kitchen drawer in a plastic sandwich bag or other waterproof container. An air-conditioned home is usually cool and dry enough for short-term storage. For year-to-year seed saving, most seeds keep well in the freezer, although
seed viability declines with time. Pepper seeds do better in cool storage, but not cold. According to the Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California, Davis, a common rule of thumb for seed storage is the temperature plus the percent relative humidity in the air should total less than 100 for satisfactory storage. Store leftover seeds in sealed plastic food containers, and put a silica gel pack inside the container to keep the air dry. Later, when seeds are removed from cold storage, let the container sit out long enough to come to room temperature; humidity will condense on a cold seed packet. Remove seeds you want and store the rest for next year. Note that every single seed will not sprout, even if fresh from a new pack. Federal minimum germination standards range from a 55% low for peppers, carrots and celery to 80% for cucumber, lettuce and peas. Check out this handy reference for seed longevity under optimum conditions published in “Seed to Seed.” Crop Basil Beans Beets Cabbage Cantaloupe Collard Cucumber Dill Eggplant Green peas Lettuce Okra Peppers Radish Spinach Squash Tomato Turnips Watermelon
Years 5 4 6 4 5 5 10 5 7 3 3 5 3 5 5 6 4 5 6
Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Welcome To Wonderful Winter Savings E ALAFARM.COM 30
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$123 MILLION IN REVENUE
unitedsoybean.org
for Alabama Soybean Farmers
growing ROI IS WHAT WE DO
Our mission is simple: to grow profit #Cropportunity for Alabama soybean farmers. Last year, that came to $123 million in economic impact. And we’re always seeking more uses and markets to help keep this number on the rise. And if you’re wondering how much higher we can go …
#CROPPORTUNITY
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service
JUST WATCH US
Icebox Fruitcake
Prep Time 20 mins
Servings 12
Ingredients 1 (14.4-ounce) box graham crackers 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained with juice reserved 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup raisins 1 cup firmly packed shredded sweetened coconut 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
f you ask my grandmother her favorite Ianswer childhood Christmas memory, her is always the same. It’s the one
where they had a silver Christmas tree — but not the silver tree you’re picturing. She was one of six. Out of necessity, both her parents worked to make ends meet, and she was raised by older siblings. But when Christmas rolled around, poverty didn’t stand in the way of holiday magic. Every year, each child would receive one toy, a homemade outfit and a handful of fruit, nuts and peppermint candies. That was a big Christmas. It was her father’s job to hunt for the perfect tree, and he took great pride in procuring a prime specimen from the woods. One year, he wasn’t able to find a suitable cedar tree. In a last-ditch effort, he cut down a holly bush. Feeling embarrassed with his haul, he set out to make the puny bush special. With a can of found silver paint, he painstakingly brushed every prickly holly leaf. They added their few ornaments and one small strand of bubble lights. The result, as my grandmother puts it, was the most beautifully amazing Christmas tree she’s 32
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ever had. It wasn’t about the size or color or even about it being a tree at all. The love he put into that tree made it beautiful. Something my great-grandfather thought inadequate became the main focus of one of the fondest Christmases they ever shared. It doesn’t take much to make holidays special — just some time, a little effort and a heaping helping of love. I’m sharing a few favorite holiday recipes as my expression of love to y’all for reading the Farmhouse Kitchen in each issue. I hope they help you spread a little love, too. My grandmother’s Icebox Fruitcake is a holiday must. Nothing like a traditional fruitcake, this no-bake icebox version is made from crushed graham crackers, raisins, cherries, marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk and is pressed into a baking dish and cut into squares. If you’re looking for the perfect recipe for Christmas morning, French Toast Sausage Bake might be just what you need. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty and can be prepped the night before to make breakfast a breeze. Eggnog Chess Pie is the holiday dessert you didn’t know you needed.
Lightly spray a 9-by-3-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Crush graham crackers using a food processor, or add to a large ziptop bag and crush using a rolling pin. Coarsely chop the cherries. In a large bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, cherries, pecans, raisins, coconut, marshmallows and sweetened condensed milk, and mix well. Add reserved cherry juice by the tablespoonful until the mixture comes together but isn’t too soft — usually between 2 and 3 tablespoons. Turn out into the prepared dish and press flat with your hands. Cover and chill at least 6 hours, then cut into bars. Keep refrigerated. It’s got all the great creamy flavor of traditional chess pie but with an eggnog twist. Making shortbread cookies can be finicky, but Easy Pecan Shortbread fixes that. Rather than individual cookies, you make one big cookie and slice it into individual servings. They might not involve expensive ingredients or elaborate techniques. But as humble as they are, these recipes show your loved ones just how special they are. Merry Christmas, y’all. Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-toearth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com. alfafarmers.org
French Toast Sausage Bake
Prep Time
Cook Time
Servings
30 mins
45 mins
8
Ingredients 1 (12- to 14-ounce) loaf French bread (not baguette) 1 (10- to 12-ounce) package breakfast sausage links 2/3 cup light brown sugar 8 large eggs 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Eggnog Chess Pie
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Servings 8
For the crumble topping
Ingredients 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar 3 large eggs Stacey’s 1 1/2 cups real eggnog Recipe No tes 3 heaping tablespoons If you see so me butter all-purpose flour on top of th ep baking, don’ ie after 1 teaspoon vanilla t worry. It will absorb Pinch of salt back into the pie as it cools. 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 unbaked deep dish pie crust Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions Heat oven to 400 F. With a mixer, cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs and mix well. Add eggnog, flour, vanilla, salt and nutmeg. Mix well. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Place in oven and immediately turn the heat down to 350 F. Bake 45 to 55 minutes, or until the pie is just set (but still has a little jiggle to it) and golden brown. Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Store in the refrigerator. Stacey’s tes o Recipe N
flour by Measure to a dry in it g p and spoonin suring cu op a e m re o sc t measu o off. Do n leveling our container fl g into the measurin with the p. o o sc
1/3 cup light brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped pecans 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Instructions Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and cut breakfast links into 1-inch pieces. Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the bread and breakfast links together and pour it into the baking dish. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon and vanilla. Evenly pour mixture over the bread. Press bread down into the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture. Make the crumble topping by combining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and pecans. Add butter and mix until butter incorporates and small clumps form. You can use the back of a spoon to press the mixture together or use your hands to pinch it all together. When ready to bake, remove casserole from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. (Putting a cold dish into a hot oven may cause the dish to shatter.) Heat oven to 350 F. Once the dish is at room temperature, sprinkle crumble topping over the casserole and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until golden brown. Serve topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup, if desired.
Easy Pecan Shortbread
Prep Time
Cook Time
Servings
20 mins
30 mins
About 20 pieces
Ingredients 1 cup salted butter, room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions Heat oven to 325 F. With a mixer, cream butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Add vanilla. Gradually alfafarmers.org
add flour and mix until combined. Add pecans and mix briefly to combine. Press dough evenly into the bottom of a ungreased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. If the mixture is too sticky, cover with wax paper and use the wax paper to press flat. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and use a pizza cutter to cut into squares. Allow to cool in the pan before removing. Store in an airtight container. December 2020
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Christmas at the Co-op 3 QT. Hopper Bird Feeder with Suet Holders
School House Bird Feeder
Barn Bird Feeder
Church Bird Feeder
Hybrid Bluebird House with Recycled Green Plastic Roof
John Deere® Green and Pink Stake 36” Wagon Wagons are heavy-duty steel body with pneumatic tires. Get one while supplies last!
Schrade Camo Mini Machete This Machete is a lightweight fixed blade knife designed for easy carry while hunting or camping.
Schrade 3-Piece Knife Set
Barn with Animals & Accessories Detachable roof, doors open, and fence can be connected any way. Farmer’s arms move. Get one while supplies last!
1:16 John Deere 62610R Tractor with Frontier Grain Cart
Lights and sound requires 3 AAA batteries. Steerable front axle. Tractor windshield opens for scess to steering wheel. Cart features working auger and unloading door.
This set features a folder, fixed blade, and axe. These will be useful for hunting, camping or just general outdoor use.
Uncle Henry Limited Edition Gift Set
Old Timer Limited Edition Gift Set
3 traditional Pocket knives that are idea for camping, everyday carry, as well as most outdoor activity.
3 traditional Pocket knives that are idea for camping, everyday carry, as well as most outdoor activity.
Old Timer 152ot Sharpfinger and 720T Dog Leg Jack Knife Set
Pet In-Ground Fence for Stubborn Dogs
For dogs 8 lbs. and up. 5 adjustable, higher-intensity levels of static correction. Tone-only mode alerts your pet with a beep. Waterproof receiver collar. Expandable up to 10 acres with additional wire
AS105 Dog Trainer
Range up to 100 yards. Waterproof receiver. Water-resistant transmitter. Replacement batteries. Operating quide included.
ALAFARM DOG FOOD Premium Adult Dog Food 26-18 26% Protein - 18% Crude Fat - 50 lb. bag
High Energy Dog Food 24-20
24% Protein - 20% Crude Fat - 50 lb. bag
Maintenance Dog Food 21-8
21% Protein - 8% Crude Fat - 50 lb. bag
Puppy Food 30-20
30% Protein - 20% Crude Fat - 25 lb. bag
Wireless Pet Containment System This system is simple, yet effective alternative to traditional outdoor fencing or buried wire fencing. Instead of using spools of boundry of wire around your yard, it uses radio frequency to guard your pet against straying. This system is also portable.
SS22-MBE
WG Shadow 18 MP Adaptive illumination and exposure control automatically adjust for incredible image quality so you never miss a tine or a tail. Easily mounts to any tree or fence post.
AFC #407600 22 gun. Electronic 2-way locking system with 1� live action locking bolts. Adjustable Shelves. Fully carpeted interior. Black textured finish. Patented barrel rest and standoffs.
Big Foot Hang On
Ameristep Chair Blind Simplify your load with this chair blind. No assembly required, and only one piece of gear to keep track of. Include a convenient carrying case and a shoulder strap for easy transport.
Floating seat made from durable TearTuff mesh to provide hours of comfort. Larger platform and footrest. This tree stand will give you plenty of space and added comfort
WG Vison 14 MP
Perform better than ever this hunting season with Wildgame Innovations Vision 14 Lightsout 14MP Infared Game Camera. Features .5 second trigger speed, 70 ft. range and black infrared flash capture.
www.alafarm.com
MID STATE STOCKYARD
Contact your local CO-OP store for all of your farming, hunting, or gardening needs! Albertville Andalusia Arab Ashford Ashville Athens Atmore Blountstowon, FL Centre Columbiana Courtland Crossville Decatur Demopolis Elba Elberta Enterprise Faunsdale Fayette Florala Florence Frisco City Geneva Goshen Greenville Haleyville Hamilton Hartford Hartselle Hazel Green Headland Holly Pond Jacksonville Jasper Jay, FL Leighton Leroy Lineville Live Oak, FL Luverne Lynnville, TN Madison, FL Meridianville Moulton Northport Notasulga Oneonta Opp Pell City Piedmont Pulaski, TN Rainsville Rogersville Scottsboro Selma Stevenson Talladega Troy Tuscumbia Wedowee Wetumpka
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