Sam Butler Named To United Soybean Board

Sam Butler Appointed To United Soybean Board

Madison County farmer Sam Butler increasing the uses and demand for an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers has been appointed by Secretary beans we produce.” Federation. of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to the Butler is a fifth-generation farmer Pickens County farmer Annie Dee United Soybean Board (USB). Butler, and fourth-generation graduate of recently completed her third three-year along with seven other new farmer- Auburn University, where he received term on the USB. leaders and 11 reappointed board a bachelor’s degree in agricultural Butler joins Dallas County farmer members, economics and an MBA. Wendy Yeager on the board. Yeager was will be sworn Butler served as the Alabama appointed last year. in at the director for the American Soybean The Federation’s Carla Hornady said USB annual Association (ASA) from 2010 to she appreciates Butler’s willingness to meeting in 2019 and is a former president of serve and provide guidance on the USB. December the Alabama Soybean and Corn “Alabama farmers benefit from and will serve Association. USB’s work as they administer checkoff a three-year In addition to soybeans, the Butlers activities focused on research and term. grow corn, wheat and cotton in a market development,” said Hornady, the “It is an rotation on their farm. Federation’s Soybean Division director. honor to Authorized by the Soybean “Sam will join Wendy in representing serve and Promotion, Research, and Consumer Alabama well. We also appreciate Butler represent Information Act, the USB is composed of Annie’s service for the past nine years. my fellow 78 members representing 29 states. She has made a significant impact on soybean farmers on the USB,” said The number of seats is determined the board.” Butler, 44, who farms with his father, based on bushels produced in each The soy checkoff provides significant Charles, and brother, Matt, in the Poplar region. Members must be soybean value to farmers by leveraging checkoff Ridge community near New Hope. farmers nominated by a Qualified State funds in investments and programs to “The checkoff directly benefits soybean Soybean Board. In Alabama, that board build preference for U.S. soy across the farmers by expanding markets and is the Alabama Soybean Producers, 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

Soft lights illuminate a makeshift 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.

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. 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.

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 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.”

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Marsh Joins Federation As Intern

ale County native Shelby Marsh

Hwill 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 Marsh experience to her internship. 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.