Neighbors Magazine, January 2018 by Alabama Farmers Federation

Net Gains Wheat & Feed Grains

Our farmers help feed catfish, cows, poultry and horses, too.

WHEAT & FEED GRAIN PRODUCERS

GrainsofTruth.net

VOLUME 43,

NUMBER 1

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

Januray 2018

_____________________________________

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 Donald Sewell, Southside Rickey Cornutt, Boaz Joe Anders, Northport Phillip Hunter, Chelsea Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Meador Jones, Gallion Bill Cook, Montgomery Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Chris Carroll, Ariton Debbie Roberts, Fayette Ben Maples, Elkmont

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.

Trees That Bind

16 Bring On The Heat

20 Sean Of The South 28 Delicious Winter Warmups

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

On The Cover

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

Alabama is home year-round to Eastern bluebirds, which typically prefer open country, roadsides, farms and open suburban habitats. They nest in cavities of nearby trees or specially designed boxes. Photo by Van Chaplin

Registration Deadlines!

Jan. 8

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Commodity Organizational Meeting

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation J a n u r ay 2 0 1 8

Federation Elects Leaders

12 Proficient In Poultry

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

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.

Jan. 22

Young Farmers Conference

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

State’s Largest Farm Organization Elects Leaders At Annual Meeting By Debra Davis

teve Dunn, a Conecuh County row crop and cattle farmer, was re-elected secretarytreasurer of the Alabama Farmers Federation at the organization’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 4. Elections were held during the Federation’s business session where 463 farmer delegates from all 67 counties chose officers and directors Alabama Farmers Federation state board members were elected at the organization’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery for the state’s Dec. 4. Seated from left are Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Debbie Roberts, Fayette County; Young Farmers Committee Chair Ben Maples, Limestone County; District 6 Director Phillip Hunter, Shelby County; and District 9 Director largest farm Bill Cook, Montgomery County. Back row from left are District 3 Director Donald Sewell, Etowah County; Southwest Area organization. Vice President Jake Harper, Wilcox County; Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn, Conecuh County; Central Area Vice President Officers serve Dean Wysner, Randolph County; and District 12 Director Chris Carroll, Dale County. two-year terms. Dunn, includes Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Southwest Area includes Baldwin, Conecuh County Farmers Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair and Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Federation president and former Talladega counties. Dallas, Escambia, Hale, Lowndes, state Young Farmers chairman, was Greenhouse operator Bill Cook Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, re-elected to his 10th term. of Montgomery County was elected Montgomery, Perry, Sumter, Central Area Vice President as District 9 representative, which Washington and Wilcox counties. Dean Wysner of Randolph County covers Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Harper, who served as a district and Southwest Area Vice President Lowndes, Montgomery and Wilcox director from 1988-1996, was Jake Harper of Wilcox County also counties. first elected Southwest Area vice were re-elected. Dale County’s Chris Carroll president in December 2003. Wysner is a cattle and hay was elected to the District 12 board Elections also were held for four producer. The Central Area seat. He represents Dale, Geneva, district board positions, which have includes Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Henry and Houston counties and three-year terms. Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Fayette, raises row crops, cattle and poultry. Donald Sewell of Etowah County Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Elected to one-year, ex-officio was elected District 3 director, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, terms on the state board were which includes Cherokee, DeKalb, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker Women’s Leadership Committee Etowah and Jackson counties. Sewell counties. He was first elected vice Chair Debbie Roberts of Fayette is a row crop and cattle farmer. president in December 1999. County and State Young Farmers Shelby County’s Phillip Hunter, Harper, who is Wilcox County Committee Chairman Ben Maples a nursery owner, was elected Farmers Federation president, is n of Limestone County. District 6 director. The district a cattle and timber farmer. The

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

January 2018

Alabama Farmers Federation Hosts 96th Annual Meeting In Capital City By Mary Johnson

ore than 1,300 farmers and guests descended on the Capital City for the Alabama Farmers Federation 96th annual meeting at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre (MPAC) and the Montgomery Convention Center Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, presents the Cultivator Award to Horace Horn, vice president of external affairs for PowerSouth. Dec. 3-4. Guest and keynote speaker Gov. Alabamians.” U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, Kay Ivey reflected on the rural RHaleyville, was honored during roots she shares with Federation the event’s opening session with members. the Federation’s highest honor — “Alabama’s rural areas are not the Service to Agriculture Award. just about farming, agriculture or Federation President Jimmy Parnell timberland," Ivey said. "Like many praised Aderholt as a tireless of you, I call parts of rural Alabama supporter of farmers and forest my home, and I’m sure proud of landowners since first being elected that. I believe the best government to Congress in 1996. is the government that responds to Horace Horn, a champion the needs of the people. My cabinet, of rural Alabama, received the my staff and I want your input. Alabama Farmers Federation’s Responsive government is our Cultivator Award for fostering goal, and (the Federation) is a key relationships to benefit rural component of that effort.” families at the organization’s In her remarks, Ivey said annual meeting. Horn is vice reducing the tax burden on president of external affairs for American families is a priority, and PowerSouth. she promised to “do more than give While attendees enjoyed lip service to the needs of our rural

Gov. Kay Ivey addresses members at the Alabama Farmers Federation's 96th annual meeting. January 2018

fellowship during the two-day meeting, Henry County Farmers Federation President Johnny Lee said it’s important to participate and be a voice for his county. “We learn about what’s going on in agriculture and the Farmers Federation, and we can pass it on to our counties,” Lee said. “I enjoy being associated with the Federation and seeing all the people I’ve met over the years. We have a responsibility to protect the future of our farms and agriculture in this state by working to keep farming profitable.” Outstanding counties were recognized during the meeting for work in commodity, leadership, legislative, Young Farmers and women’s programs. Live and silent acutions at the meeting raised $16,485 for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. n

New County Presidents

Trip Horne Barbour County

Gerald Dial Clay County

Tony Beck Crenshaw County

Dan Robertson Perry County

Bill Lowery Russell County w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

State Women’s, Young Farmers Committees Elected At Annual Meeting By Debra Davis and Marlee Moore

tate Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees elected new leaders at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 3-4. Debbie Roberts of Fayette County is the new Women’s Leadership chair. Ben Maples of Limestone County was elected Young Farmers chair. Both serve one-year, ex-officio terms on the Federation’s state board of directors. Other State Women’s Leadership Committee officers elected were Vice Chairman Jo Ann Laney of Russell County and Secretary Kathy Gordon of Montgomery County. Cullman County’s Lydia Haynes was elected Region 1 director, which includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. Mobile County’s Debbie Freeland was elected Region 3 director, which includes Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties. Lee County’s Ann Whatley was elected the at-large state committee member. County committees that excelled in 2017 were honored at the Women’s Leadership Division Awards Luncheon. Wilcox County received the Most Improved Committee Award. Outstanding County Committee Awards went to Fayette County, Division 1; St. Clair County, Division 2; and Calhoun County, Division 3. Marshall County collected the most aluminum pop tabs for Ronald McDonald Houses in Alabama with 299.5 pounds. Statewide, Women’s Leadership

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

Members of the State Women's Leadership Committee are, seated from left, Chair Debbie Roberts, Fayette County; Vice Chair Jo Ann Laney, Russell County; Secretary Kathy Gordon, Montgomery County; and Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey. Back row from left are committee members Nell Miller, Blount County; Lydia Haynes, Cullman County; Delle Bean, Calhoun County; Debbie Freeland, Mobile County; and Ann Whatley, Lee County.

Members of the State Young Farmers Committee are, seated from left, Kellee Griffith of Tuscaloosa County; Vice Chairman Cooper Holmes, Perry County; Chairman Ben Maples, Limestone County; Secretary Taber Ellis, Autauga County; and Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Himburg. Back row from left are Spencer Williamson, Escambia County; Chase Hammock, Talladega County; Brady Peek, Limestone County; Garrett Dixon, Lee County; and Jonathan Sanders, Coffee County.

committees collected 1,949 pounds of pop tabs in 2017. Five new committee members were elected to the State Young Farmers Committee. They were Brady Peek of Limestone County, District 1; Chase Hammock of Talladega County, District 3; Cooper Holmes of Perry County, District 5, who also was elected vice chair; Jonathan Sanders of 6

Coffee County, District 7; and Garrett Dixon of Lee County, South Alabama At-Large. Autauga County's Taber Ellis was elected secretary. Outstanding Young Farmers county committees were honored during the meeting. Winners were Cherokee County, Division 1; Limestone County, Division 2; and Montgomery County, Division 3. n January 2018

Young Farmers Contests Wrap Up At Federation Annual Meeting By Marlee Moore

in Agriculture winners, also named in August, received their prizes at labama Young the annual meeting. Farmers wrapped OYFF Eric and Carrly up 2017 contests Lovvorn of Cleburne when Ethan Mobley of County were presented Franklin County won a prize package worth the Discussion Meet at more than $60,000. the Alabama Farmers The Lovvorns have two Federation’s 96th annual children, Chloe, 2, and meeting in Montgomery Landon, 7 months, and Dec. 4. raise poultry near Heflin. Mobley, a freshman As OYFF, they received studying biosystems $35,000 toward a new engineering at Auburn Ford vehicle courtesy of University, beat out Alfa Insurance; a John three final-round Deere 825i Gator from competitors to win a Alabama Ag Credit and four-wheeler courtesy of Alabama Farm Credit; First South Farm Credit. and a lease on a John “During our Deere tractor from John competition, I was Deere and local dealers. excited to help find Excellence in Agrisolutions to some of From left are First South Farm Credit’s Mike Pigg, Discussion Meet winner culture contest winner today’s largest issues Ethan Mobley of Franklin County and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Andrew Brock of facing agriculture,” Morris, Cullman County. The final Marshall County was presented a Mobley said. “I’m grateful to First four, named at the Commodity zero-turn mower courtesy of Dow South for this awesome prize and Producers Conference in August, Agrosciences and a computer packthe Federation for the chance to each received a Yeti cooler for age from Valcom/CCS Wireless. represent Alabama in the national their work simulating a committee Contest winners will represent contest.” Alabama during the American Farm discussion of agriculture hot topics. Other finalists were Landon Bureau Federation convention in The 2017 Outstanding Young Marks, Cherokee County; Hunter Nashville, Tennessee, this month. n Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence Garnett, Morgan County; and Kyle

From left are Dow’s Cullen Wiggins, Excellence in Agriculture winner Andrew Brock of Marshall County and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. January 2018

From left are Alabama Farm Credit’s Ben Gore; Outstanding Young Farm Family Chloe, Eric, Carrly and Landon Lovvorn of Cleburne County; Federation President Jimmy Parnell; and Alabama Ag Credit’s Doug Thiessen. 7

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

“We prefer the Farm Credit way of doing business because Alabama Farm Credit knows the farming way of life .” — Stewart McGill, Madison County

Alabama’s 2016 Outstanding Young Farm Family Stewart and Kasey McGill and their daughters Allie, Reece and Peyton of Hazel Green, AL

Serving north Alabama

AlabamaFarmCredit.com Alabama Ag Credit

877-681-6087

Land Purchasing and Refinancing • New and Used Equipment Purchases • Livestock Financing • Varying Terms & Rates

“Farming is challenging, especially for a certified organic farm like ours. Alabama Ag Credit’s flexible lending products and agricultural knowledge make doing everyday business easier. ” — William “Billy” Koons, Chambers County

Greene Hill Farms William “Billy” Koons Organic Vegetable Farm, Waverly, AL

Serving south Alabama

AlabamaAgCredit.com

800-579-5471

Tree Planting On Capitol Grounds Captures Spirit of Farm-City Week Gov. Kay Ivey, right, kicked off Farm-City Week by joining members of Rotary, Alabama Farm-City and Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) for a ceremonial tree planting on the Capitol grounds Nov. 17.

By Mary Johnson

armers, statesmen and business owners joined Gov. Kay Ivey on Alabama’s Capitol grounds in November to cultivate stronger connections between urban and rural communities through the simple act of planting a tree. The event kicked off Farm-City Week, which is observed annually the week before Thanksgiving. It also helped fulfill a challenge from Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley for every Rotarian to plant a tree before Earth Day 2018. Ivey has been a Rotarian since the early ‘90s, and her farm was recently certified as an Alabama TREASURE Forest. “Growing up in L.A. — that’s Lower Alabama — where we have more trees than people, cars or buildings combined, I have a unique appreciation for trees and what they symbolize,” Ivey said. “Our state is blessed with thousands of acres of timberland, and we should do all we can to protect those timberlands and to engage in conservation efforts, which means to plant trees like we’re doing today.” Last fall, the Alabama Farm-City Committee distributed informational resources to every Rotary Club in the state to help meet the tree-planting challenge. The chapters also received a copy of the book I Can Name 50 Trees Today! from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, donated by the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. While the tree-planting project was meant to make a lasting difference in local communities, Alabama is January 2018

already blessed with forested lands. The state ranks third in the contiguous U.S. for timberland acreage, and the forestry industry provides over 122,000 jobs. Since 1990, over 3,150 trees have been planted for each baby born in Alabama. The Shumard oak Ivey planted was grown at and donated by Hunter Trees LLC in Talladega County. “This time of year, most of us remember to give thanks to farmers who help provide food we enjoy, but agriculture gives us more than that,” said Jeff Helms, Alabama Farm-City Committee chairman. “If not for farmers and landowners, we wouldn’t have wood for our homes, paper for businesses or habitat for wildlife.” Originally celebrated in 1955, Farm-City Week aims to foster understanding between farmers and their urban neighbors. Helms said thousands of students created posters, essays and multimedia presentations inspired by the 2017 Farm-City Week theme — “Agriculture: Food for Life.” Hundreds of county volunteers hosted farm-to-table dinners, business breakfasts, agricultural industry tours and other programs. County and student winners will be honored at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 5 in Birmingham. For more information and resources, visit AlabamaFarmCity.org. n 9

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

SOYBEAN QUALITY MATTERS Al Soybeans

MORE DEMAND. BETTER PRICE. QUALITY BEANS REEL IN PROFITS. Aquaculture and animal ag are your No. 1 customers – eating 97 percent of your soybean meal. Better quality means more demand. More demand means better prices. AND THAT’S A LOT OF TARTAR SAUCE. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN IMPACT YOUR QUALITY AT

Federation To Focus On Rural Economy During Legislative Session

ural economic development will be a priority for the Alabama Farmers Federation when the Alabama Legislature convenes Jan. 9. Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department Director Brian Hardin said proposed legislation and budget allocations are being discussed to ensure farmers and rural families benefit from the rebounding economy. “Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced the historic low unemployment rate of 3.6 percent,” Hardin said. “Businesses are creating jobs, and legislators want to make sure Alabama agriculture and rural communities are part of that growth.” Keeping Alabama’s tax structure and regulatory environment friendly to farmers and small businesses will help sustain economic development, Hardin said. The Federation is meeting with other stakeholder

January 2018

groups to combat rural crime, improve infrastructure, expand broadband Internet access and fund agricultural education programs. Last year, Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, introduced a bill to expand rural broadband by offering incentives to providers. Federation policy supports increasing access to high-speed internet services. The Federation also is working with supporters of the proposed Alabama Rural Jobs Act, which is aimed at growing businesses outside the state’s metro areas. “Leadership changes in Montgomery and Washington are creating opportunities for rural Alabama, and we must be ready to take advantage of those opportunities,” Hardin said. “The Federation is closely monitoring the proposed Republican tax plan and any potential impacts it may have on state budgeting. We also will continue to support improving farm-

to-market roads and bridges.” Budget priorities for the Federation include the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management; Career Tech Initiative; agricultural and citizenship education; irrigation; rural crime, and support for the state’s land grant universities, rural health programs, Extension system and agricultural and forestry agencies. The Federation will welcome lawmakers to the 2018 regular session Jan. 17 with its annual Taste of Alabama Legislative Reception. About 100 elected officials are expected to attend the event, where they will sample Alabama-grown foods and visit with farmers from across the state. For weekly updates during the legislative session, read the Capitol Connection electronic newsletter at AlfaFarmers.org. n

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

Goshen FFA Member Wins National Poultry Proficiency Award By Debra Davis

hen 19-year-old Trent Thomas’ boots hit the floor each morning, he knows thousands of lives are depending on him. More than 100,000 broilers count on Trent and his father, Chris Thomas, for feed, water and shelter at Thomas Farms in southwest Pike County farm. It’s his dedication on the family farm, and an ever-growing sense of responsibility, that earned Trent the National FFA Poultry Proficiency Award at the organization’s convention in October. “It was an amazing honor,” said Trent, a 2017 Goshen High School graduate and former Goshen FFA chapter president. “FFA has opened so many doors for me. I joined FFA my freshman year, but I never thought it would lead to all this.” “All this” meant receiving an award on national TV as thousands of FFA members from around the country cheered him on. His recognition was the culmination of four years’ of record keeping and photographs but reflected a lifetime of work. “My dad built four broiler houses in 1993, added two more in 1996 and two more in 2014,” Trent said. “I have literally grown up working on the farm with my dad. As I’ve grown older, my responsibilities and my interests in the farm have grown, too. I plan to build some houses of my own one day, and this experience has helped me get ready for that.” The National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards recognizes FFA members who, through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), develop skills they can apply toward future careers. It is among the highest individual achievements for an FFA member. Students compete for awards in almost 50 areas covering everything from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Competition includes local, state and national contests. A self-proclaimed introvert, Trent said FFA helped him personally and prepared him for a future career in the poultry business. “As FFA chapter president, I had an outlet to develop leadership

Trent Thomas said FFA opened many doors for him, including a path to a national award and leadership skills. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

January 2018

Trent Thomas works daily on the family's poultry farm near Goshen, Alabama.

skills that will carry me a long way in whatever I do,” he said. “I typically don’t enjoy talking about myself or in front of people. FFA helped me with that. I’ve been able to conduct meetings, plan activities and attend conventions and seminars. All which helped me develop into the person I am today.”

Chris wasn’t able to accompany Trent to the national convention, but said he almost burst with pride while watching the live event on RFD-TV. “We were told he was a finalist before the convention, so we knew it was a possibility,” said Chris, a Pike County Farmers Federation board member. “This is a big accomplishment for him, our farm and the Goshen FFA chapter.” Trent said he couldn’t have done it without the help and encouragement of his dad and his mom, Angie. He also praised Goshen FFA advisers Cody Eiland and Jamie Rich. “Mr. Eiland encouraged me to participate in the SAE and to keep good records,” Trent said. “My daddy pushed me to stick with it and learn all I could. It’s paid off in a big way.” In addition to working on the farm, Trent attends Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. n

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Trip Horne

January 2018

Though he’s an Auburn University animal and dairy sciences grad, Trip Horne flocked to poultry after graduation. The Barbour County Farmers Federation president, 43, raises 2 million broilers annually in eight chicken houses. He also raises cattle and hay in Louisville. Horne and wife of 19 years Mendy have two children, Laura Beth, 14, and Brody, 11.

1 2 3 4 13

Public Notice By Alabama Pork Producers And National Pork Board The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2019 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place February 6, 2018, at 1 p.m., in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Alabama Pork Producers Association in the State Boardroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center at 300 Tallapoosa Street in Montgomery, Alabama during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Commodity Organizational Meeting. All Alabama pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer who is a resident of the state, at least 18 years old, is a producer of porcine animals or its representative, and has paid all assessments due, may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participant in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information contact: Alabama Pork Producers, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001; telephone (334) 6125181; email ghall@alfafarmers.org.

What drew you to the Farmers Federation?

I missed out as a young farmer. When we built our first chicken houses 10 years ago, I switched everything to Alfa Insurance and was later asked to serve on the board of directors.

Why do you like farming?

When I was in the fourth grade, most people were at the beach during spring break. I was on a tractor. I have a lot of freedom. I’m not punching the clock every morning. I work about 24/7, but love the way of life.

What do you gain from the federation?

If you don’t farm, I can see how you question the membership fee. But, when they pay that fee, they grab something to eat or go to the grocery on the way home. Alfa protects our ability to grow that food.

What do you do in your “Free” Time?

Sometimes you have to put the work down and have family time. The kids are starting to rodeo, which I did in high school, so we’re doing that together. We attend Louisville Baptist, and I’m also a county commissioner. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Commodity Organizational Meeting Early Registration Ends Jan. 8

undreds of farmers will meet in Montgomery Feb. 6-8 to discuss challenges, ideas and the agricultural forecast for 16 commodities represented by the state’s largest farm organization. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Commodity Organizational Meeting is at Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery. Early registration is $37 and closes Jan. 8. Additional fees apply for late registration. Over three days, farmers attend educational seminars and elect state commodity committee members. The meeting is organized by the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department, directed by Brian Hardin. Hardin encouraged county leaders to

Feb. 6 Bee & Honey; Beef; Pork; Soybeans; and Wheat & Feed Grains Feb. 7 Cotton; Equine; Horticulture; Meat Goat & Sheep; Poultry; and Wildlife NOTE: The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association board of directors will meet in the afternoon. Feb. 8 Catfish; Dairy; Forestry; Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod; and Hay & Forage

carefully consider nominees for state committees and county voting delegates who will elect state committee members. “Our state committees are the farmers’ voice,” Hardin said. “Through them, the organization invests in agricultural research, educational programs and promotions. Issues and challenges they identify drive our work in public policy with state agencies, the state Legislature and in Washington, D.C.” Register at alfafarmers.org. Contact Deborah Long at (334) 613-4268 for more information. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association annual meeting is Feb. 8 in Dothan. Registration for the event is available at ALPeanuts.com. n

Apply Online for

SCHOLARSHIPS The Alfa Foundation will award 100 $1,000-scholarships for students attending Alabama colleges, universities and technical schools.

Applications available at AlfaInsurance.com Nov. 15 through Jan. 31.

Deadline

January 31

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation will award up to 67 scholarships for $1,750 each to students majoring in agriculture or forestry at Auburn University and Alabama A&M University.

Applications available at AlfaFarmers.org Nov. 15 through Jan. 31. Applicants for Alfa Foundation scholarships must be members of Alabama Farmers Federation. Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation scholarships are available to Federation members and their children.

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

January 2018

Young Farmers Conference Features Farm Tours Big Garden?

No Problem!

By Marlee Moore

January 2018

Now you can till while you ride—with the amazing DR® Tow-Behind Tiller!

Tour A – Dallas County • Pearce Catfish Farm • Orrville Farmers Market • Bell Place Farms, row crop operation Tour B - Chambers & Lee counties • Robertson/Lanier & McKay Cattle Co. in Chambers County • Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center • Young’s Plant Farm in Lee County Tour C - Montgomery & Pike counties • Parkman Cattle Co. in Montgomery County • Gene and Jana Renfroe’s TREASURE Forest in Pike County • Steve Stroud’s poultry and hay farm in Pike County

REGISTER AT ALFAFARMERS.ORG Montgomery County, followed by Gene and Jana Renfroe’s TREASURE Forest and Steve Stroud’s poultry and hay farm, both in Pike County. Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) finalists will be named during Saturday’s closing banquet. A live auction benefiting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation wraps up the conference. OYFF applications are due Jan. 15 and can be found at AlfaYoungFarmers.org.n 15

FREE SHIPPING

• Tows behind your riding mower, ATV, or garden tractor. • Puts no strain on you because your towing vehicle does all the work. • Tills twice as wide, deeper, and faster than any walkbehind tiller.

1 YEAR TRIAL

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Call for FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL-FREE

888-340-8926 DRrototiller.com

BURN SAFELY with the Stainless Steel

BurnCage™ PERFECT FOR: • Sensitive financial documents • All burnable household waste* • Old leaves and branches STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION is lightweight, durable, and portable (it folds for easy storage). PERFORATED LID and sidewalls maximize airflow and trap embers. 1600° TEMPERATURES mean more thorough burning with less ash.

NOW IN 3 SIZES!

NEW

BurnCage™

MAX 2X

* Always check local ordinances before burning.

THE VOLUME OF THE ORIGINAL

No more UNSAFE and UNSIGHTLY rusty barrel!

oung, enterprising Alabama agriculturalists can learn from generations of experience during farm tours at the 2018 Young Farmers Conference in Montgomery March 2-3. Registration closes Jan. 22 at AlfaFarmers.org. The conference kicks off at the Renaissance Hotel Friday evening with dinner and a welcome from Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Fun Pianos by 176 Keys, a dueling piano show, will entertain attendees afterward. Learn more at duelingpiano.com. The next morning, three tours depart for farms across central and southeast Alabama, an event State Young Farmers Committee (YFC) members said they’re excited to bring back for a second year. “We’ve branched out to include diverse farms spanning several counties,” said YFC Chairman Ben Maples of Limestone County. “There’s a wealth of knowledge available for young farmers to learn from experienced producers on multi-generational operations.” Tour A heads to Dallas County, where stops include Pearce Catfish Farm; Orrville Farmers Market, a 2017 Bama’s Best Catfish finalist; and Bell Place Farms, a row crop operation. Tour B covers animal agriculture and horticulture, with stops at Robertson/Lanier & McKay Cattle Co. in Chambers County, Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center and Young’s Plant Farm in Lee County. Tour C journeys farther south to Parkman Cattle Co. in

Call for FREE Information Kit and Factory Direct Coupon! TOLL-FREE

888-340-8926 BurnCage.com

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

Alabama Sunshine Brings The Heat By Marlee Moore

n the small, unassuming town of Fayette, tiny tabascos, crimson cayenne and heaps of jalapeno peppers are spicing up dishes across the Southeast. The company? Hot saucemaking Alabama Sunshine LLC. The masterminds? Siblings David Smith and Julie Smith Madison. “We’ve really tried to stay with that farm-to-table feel,” said Madison, 41, a special education teacher-turned-pepper-farmer. “Mr. Fred did this because he liked growing peppers. It just so happened he made them into hot sauce.” That’s Fred Smith, Alabama Sunshine founder (and patriarch of a different set of Smiths). The current owners bought the business and its pile of pepper recipes in July 2016. In addition to nine hot sauce recipes like orange habanero, cayenne and original red jalapeno,

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

Smith and Madison stir up wing sauce, salsa, chow chow and hot pepper relish. Carolina-style barbecue sauce is available for slathering on slow-cooked meats, too, as is Smith’s favorite white barbecue sauce. Madison and Smith put a twist on the capsicum, or pepper, craze through products like spicy pineapple and strawberry jams. For a quick holiday treat, self-proclaimed foodie Madison combines turkey meatballs with half a jar each of pineapple jam and barbecue sauce. Cook low and slow in a crock pot, and she said party-goers gobble ‘em up. The siblings are Fayette County natives, though Smith and parents Garvin and Charlotte moved to Indiana after 16

Siblings Julie Smith Madison and David Smith pick peppers on their farm in Fayette County.

Madison graduated high school. Growing up, Smith teased Mr. Fred about his passion for peppers, joking, “When you get ready to sell, I’ll buy the business.” The Smiths moved home six years ago, rekindled the hot sauce conversation and got their first taste of farm life transplanting 5,000 peppers in April 2016. “Before we started this, I was beating the drum of supporting organic and buying organic,” said Madison, who learned about pesticides and growing techniques from Alabama Extension agents. “Then you’re standing in a field, and you’ve got thousands of dollars tied up in January 2018

plants. You have to decide — I’m going to lose them, or I’m going to put a product on them that is safe. “We’re committed to using the lowest level of defense against threats to our crops while producing safe, effective results.” In two days, Madison, Smith, their parents and a handful of local teenagers can pull 1,500 pounds of peppers. One hundred twenty pounds produce a 40-gallon pot of sauce, and each pot yields 50 cases — a heap of hot sauce. “It’s been a real eye-opening experience for me to try and get labor,” said Madison, who has 19-year-old Kathrine and 16-yearold Emma with husband Matt. “They produce at such a heavy rate, we can’t pick that fast. My girls are interested in the food aspect, but if I say anything about picking peppers, they kind of disappear.” Smith and Madison grow 13 pepper varieties on their fourthgeneration family property and contract with a local grower for three more varieties to bring the heat. “I like the picking and the tractors,” said Smith, 38, who delivers to around 200 retailers from Fayette to Panama City. Florida. “I always liked to learn, and I like being a farmer.” Alabama Sunshine peppers grow on plasticulture and are handpicked. Charlotte said plucking

stems off peppers while harvesting is a must, especially for tiny tabascos. “Fred continues to tell me he’s going to come sit and pick the tabasco,” said Charlotte, while swiftly using American Sign Language to communicate with her son, who has hearing loss. “He said that is the best therapy in the world. But it’s not working for me!” Freshly washed peppers head to the steam kettle, followed by a quick trip to the blender. Madison seasons the pepper puree according to secret recipes, and then it’s back to the kettle to boil. Depending on the frequency of batches, Alabama Sunshine could hand-bottle and label 150 cases of product a week. Automation is on Madison’s 10-year wish list. So is extending Alabama Sunshine’s brand onto more

Southern supermarket shelves. The hot sauce already turns up the heat in restaurants, gift shops and Piggly Wiggly stores. Taste-testing and cooking up a storm honed Madison’s taste buds. When dining out, she subconsciously analyzes spices, flavorings and textures. She swears the kitchen — not the pepper farm — is her domain, and her focus remains on farm-totable products with Alabama-grown ingredients. “You start looking at the recipes, and it’s kind of genius the way Mr. Fred paired certain peppers with certain spices,” Madison said. “It’ll kind of spin a new idea in your mind.” Learn more at AlabamaSunshine.com, or find Alabama Sunshine on Facebook and Instagram. n

Though Alabama Sunshine’s original hot sauce recipe is still a top seller, the company has branched out into different flavor combinations and heat levels through the years. Barbecue sauce, salsa, chow chow and hot pepper relish are a few newer offerings the Fayette-based company stirs up and bottles.

January 2018

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

Alabama Farmers Federation Members can save up to

20%

with rate ID# 00209490 by booking on ChoiceHotels.com or calling 800.258.2847.

Alfafarmers.org/perks Benefits are subject to change without notice.

Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com to take advantage of this offer today!

500

BONUS CASH

Members get $500 Bonus Cash* toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017/2018 Ford vehicle! 2018 FORD F-150

Enter the Alabama Farmers Federation Sweepstakes* in addition to the current Built Ford Tough F-150 Sweepstakes**! Visit fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/sweeps for a chance to win a 2-year lease on a new 2018 Ford F-150!

Don’t forget about the Alabama Farmers Federation Sweepstakes!** Text the word SWEEPS to 46786*** to enter! *Program 36238: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NM, NC, ND, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid through 1/2/2019 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017/2018/2019 model year Ford vehicle. Not available on Mustang Shelby GT350®, Mustang Shelby® GT350R, Ford GT, Focus RS and F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford Dealer for complete details and qualifications. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT OF ALABAMA, 21 YEARS OR OLDER WITH VALID DRIVERS LICENSE TO ENTER AND CURRENT ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION MEMBER. Sweepstakes ends 5/31/18. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/sweeps. ***Autodialed marketing messages will be sent to the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase or entry. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Text SWEEPS to 46786*** to enter today. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT OF ALABAMA, 21 YEARS OR OLDER WITH VALID DRIVERS LICENSE TO ENTER AND CURRENT ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION MEMBER. Sweepstakes ends 5/31/18. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/sweeps. **NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENT OF U.S. OR D.C., 21 YEARS OR OLDER WITH VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE TO ENTER AND A CURRENT FARM BUREAU MEMBER. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 9/30/18. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/sweeps. ***Autodialed marketing messages will be sent to the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase or entry.

18 22355_FB_3.5X4.75_ad_AL_sweeps.indd 1

January 2018 11/15/17 9:06 AM

As an Alfa Farmers member, you are eligible for a $500 rebate. At Harbin, we are going a step further and offering all Alfa Farmers members an additional $500.

That's $1,000 in instant savings! Visit www.harbinautomotive.com today to view our entire inventory.

with

www.harbinautomotive.com

(800) 239-9111

Federation members are now eligible to receive $500 Bonus Cash* toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2016/2017/2018 Ford and $750 Bonus Cash* toward the purchase of a new intelligently designed 2016/2017/2018 Lincoln vehicle! Visit fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/al and chose your vehicle of interest, Ford or Lincoln, to take advantage of this exclusive special offer today! *Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be an eligible Alabama Farmers Federation member for at least 30 consecutive days and a resident of the United States. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per member during program period. Visit fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/al for full program details, or see your Ford dealer today!

THE SOUTHERN DRAWL Dee Reappointed To

United Soybean Board

By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South

don’t want to alarm you; but Southern accents are disappearing. The Associated Press reported that “Due to an influx of new residents within the lower U.S., Dixie dialects are fading into oblivion.” Oblivion. Well, my cow in the morning — as Jimbo’s mother would say. I don’t even know where Oblivion is. Somewhere up near Cincinnati, I think. This will never do. If we lose Southern drawls, that means there will be no more rednecks. And if there are no more rednecks wandering the earth, that means I’m dead. And if I’m room temperature, then who’s driving my truck? I really don’t want my brother-in-law to have it. Now let’s just calm down a minute. There’s got to be something we can do about this Oblivion thing. And as it happens, I’ve got a humble idea. I think the only hope for our wayward nation — and I can’t believe I’m saying this — is my mother-in-law. That’s right, she’s going to save us from Yankee Oblivion. We’re going to start a Southern school, and my mother-in-law will be the dean. If you’ve never met her, she speaks like a jar of unrefrigerated Karo syrup. She uses words like, “WUN-

dah-ful,” and, “simply MAH-vahluss.” Yes, here at Southern Academic Speech School, (“S.A.S.S.”), Mother Mary promises to teach authentic Southern dialect. And, kids will learn other Southern values too: how to write thank-you cards, proper koozie etiquette, and how to dump peanuts into Coca-Cola (Ko-KOLA). For morning exercises: students recite the Lord’s Prayer in five different languages. Georgian, Alabamian, Mississippian, Good Ol’ Boy and Methodist. Students also dine on Southern cuisine. For breakfast: grits (GREEyits), biscuits (BEE-skitts), and sausage links (Conecuh). For lunch: a tomato sandwich (‘mater-sammich), slathered with mayonnaise (Duke’s), and a healthy beverage (Bud Lite). At the academy, we hereby foreswear to preach old-fashioned values. We’ll teach your children to appreciate trucks, Blue Tick hounds, Georgia Pacific paper products, Bear Bryant, Shug Jordan and pound cake. Either that, or I’m packing my bags and moving to cotton-picking Oblivion. Because my brother-in-law is not getting my truck. n

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

labama soybean farmer Annie Dee of Pickens County has been reappointed to the United Soybean Board (USB) by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. She is among 19 farmer-leaders from across the country sworn in as USB directors Annie Dee at the organization’s annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, Dec. 6. Appointees each serve threeyear terms. Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee Chairman Colt Clemmons of Lauderdale County was appointed an alternate USB director. Dee also serves on the Federation’s State Soybean Committee. She was appointed to the USB in 2011 and reappointed in 2014. She serves on the USB Soil Oil Demand Subcommittee. Dee is president of Dee River Ranch near Aliceville, the 2013 Alabama Farm of Distinction. USB farmer-leaders direct soybean checkoff funds to research, marketing and promotion efforts that maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. Dee said she’s honored to represent fellow farmers on the board. “It’s important for me and farmers like me to serve on the USB to make sure our interests are being represented,” Dee said. “The checkoff funds research, education and promotion, and by serving on the board, I can help direct how those funds are invested.” Visit youtube.com/watch?v= wBUQjeZ-kJ8 for information about Alabama Soybean Producers. n January 2018

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Rod Havens

Picking blueberries at Rod Havens’ farm is a timehonored tradition for Tallapoosa County locals and Lake Martin summer visitors. The Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation president has around 20,000 plants spanning 40 acres at Blueberry Havens in Camp Hill. Havens, a retired counselor, is 68 and has two daughters, Lauren and Ali.

1 2 3 4

Why did you become a counselor?

I was a counselor for 25 years and spent time in schools and mental health centers. For 19 years, I was in middle and high schools to help young people cope better so they didn’t end up at the mental health center.

How did you start blueberry farming?

I tried planting different fruits Auburn recommended for this area. Blueberries did best and fit with my school schedule. People who like blueberries tend to be readers, too, so we have a small bookstore at the farm.

What kind of books do you gravitate toward?

I’ll read anything from personal development and how-to books to history and art. I go to book sales often and have built 35 bookcases for my house so far.

what’s the biggest challenge facing ag?

We need more young farmers to get into the field. You can make a good living and have a good lifestyle through farming. There’s a lot of potential for us.

LA MS

WHATEVER The Farm MEANS TO YOU, LET FIRST SOUTH FINANCE IT.

With years of experience in the poultry business, we’re ready to help you with loans for everything from land, poultry house construction, upgrades, and equipment, to refinancing existing farms.

Your Rural Lender | w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

FIRSTSOUTHLAND.COM

800-955-1722

January 2018

Alabama Farm Of Distinction Winner To Receive $20,000 Prize Package

The Alabama Farm of Distinction also receives a John Deere Gator, courtesy of AgPro, TriGreen and SunSouth dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC); an engraved farm sign from Alfa Insurance; and $2,500 as the state’s representative in the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest. Up to six contest finalists will be selected and honored April 5 at the Alabama Farm-City Awards in Birmingham, where the winner will be announced. Finalists each receive a $250 gift certificate from AFC and an engraved plague. Farm-City Week began in 1955 and is officially observed the week before Thanksgiving. In addition to administering the Farm of Distinction contest, the Alabama Farm-City Committee sponsors student poster, essay and multimedia contests, and honors county volunteers for their work with county Farm-City Week observances. Farm-City volunteers also will help celebrate National Ag Day March 20. Farm of Distinction applications are available under contest forms at AlabamaFarmCity.org. n

labama farmers have until Jan. 26 to apply for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded for the state’s 2018 Farm of Distinction. Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms said the contest honors farmers who excel in production, management, stewardship and innovation. “Our state is blessed with diverse agricultural operations — from catfish and cotton to peanuts and poultry,” Helms said. “The Farm of Distinction program recognizes Alabama’s best farming businesses and chooses one to compete for Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. Helms said this year’s prize packages is the largest ever, thanks to Register Barns. “Jeff Register started building pole barns while in high school as a project for 4-H and FFA in 1990,” Helms said. “Twenty-seven years later, he operates one of the most respected custom building companies in the Southeast. “Last fall, he contacted the Alabama Farm-City Committee about sponsoring the Farm of Distinction program and has committed to build a 40-foot x 60-foot pole barn for our winner,” Helms added.

Jeff Register Building & Truss RegisterFarmBarns.com

114+/- ACRES IN HALE COUNTY FOR SALE Perfect for Cattle, Catﬁsh, Poultry or Produce.

40’ x 60’ x 12’ - Installed Roof only, closed gables - $7,642 Roof only, open gables - $6,850 30’ X 40’ X 10’ - Installed Roof only, open gables - $3,950

114+/- acres of beautiful sunsets, wide-open fields, catfish ponds and greenhouses. Great place for equestrian opportunities, cattle farming, agricultural opportunities, produce farming, catfish farm. Could be seeded for timber growth/timber harvesting. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Locations: Gulfport, MS Canton, MS Highland Home, AL

Prices do not include tax and delivery.

Call Tommy Banks, Keller Williams Realty in Tuscaloosa, at 205-657-1570 for more information. Email TommyBanks@gmail.com

Office (228) 678-0971 Cell (228) 234-9115 JRegister@registermetals.com January 2018

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

Good Sample Key to Accurate Forage Analysis

attle producers understand a herd’s productivity hinges on nutrition. Forage testing takes the guesswork out of the equation, allowing cattle operators to tailor rations to meet their animals’ needs. “A solid analysis enables producers to be more economical in their feeding program,” said Dr. Leanne Dillard, an Alabama Extension forage specialist. “What’s in the forage is what is in the animal.” A forage analysis provides information on relative forage quality (RFQ), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and crude protein (CP). It will indicate if additional supplementation is needed to meet the animal’s nutrient requirements. Dillard emphasizes gathering a good sample is key to an accurate forage analysis. “Producers need to understand how to take a representative sample,” she said. “It’s a little more complicated than pushing a hay probe into random bales.”

Collecting Hay Samples •

•

• •

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

Test each forage lot separately. A hay lot is defined as hay from the same field that was harvested and baled under the same conditions. Collect 15 to 20 core samples from each lot. Use a hay coring probe to reduce sampling error. If a hay probe isn’t available, contact a county Extension coordinator or regional Extension animal science agent to locate a probe in the area. Insert the hay probe at a 90-degree angle. Remove any weathered hay before inserting the probe. §§ For round bales, insert the probe into the curved side of the bale. §§ For square bales, insert the probe into the center of the end of the bale. Remove the probe, and empty contents into a clean container. After sampling a complete lot (15 to 20 core samples), mix the samples thoroughly and place in a plastic quart bag. Label each sampled lot with an identifying name (back pasture, front lot, etc). Complete a Hay and Forage Testing Analysis Form, which is available at the Auburn Soil Testing Lab website at ACES.edu/anr/soillab and county Extension offices. Mail the sample, form and payment to the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory. A basic analysis is $15.

Collecting Fresh Forage Samples •

• •

Using hand sheers, collect samples from 10 to 20 random areas of a field, not to exceed 40 acres. Clip samples at the height at which the forage will be harvested or grazed. Place clipped samples in a clean container, and mix thoroughly. Empty into a paper bag. Avoid plastic bags; they may produce inaccurate results. Label each sample lot. Fill out a Testing Analysis Form. Mail the sample, form and payment to the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory immediately to reduce the chance of spoilage. If possible, mail early in the week so it does not spend the weekend in shipment.

Contact a regional Extension animal science agent for help formulating feed options based on the forage analysis. n

January 2018

By Lois Chaplin

ave you seen any bluebirds lately? If so, it’s thanks to folks who took action to encourage their numbers after a steady population decline in the 1900s. The North American Bluebird Society (NABS) was established in 1978 for the conservation of bluebirds and other cavity-nesting birds. By encouraging folks to provide habitat and discourage predators, the number of bluebirds nationwide is estimated to be up 90 percent since the 1970s. Bluebirds are easily helped by providing nesting boxes, water and native plants for insects and berries as their source of food. Luckily, Alabama is home year-round to eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). They typically like open country, roadsides, farms and open suburban habitats while making nests in the cavities of nearby trees. Power lines overlooking grassy fields are a favorite hunting perch. It’s delightful to host a pair of bluebirds, watching them bring flying insects, crickets, grasshoppers and worms to two or three broods of fledglings a year. Sometimes the first generation will help parents raise the next brood. Families tend to return to the same general area, often to the same nesting places. While it’s possible for bluebirds to live six to 10 years, most don’t make it that long because of bad weather, poor food sources, disease or predation. Providing shelter, food and water increases their chances. There are several key points to remember about bluebird nestboxes. They need to be about five feet from the ground and protected from raccoons and snakes. Bluebirds also need a specific size entrance hole to their nesting box (1½-inch round) to discourage other bird types. Starlings and house sparrows will smash eggs or kill baby bluebirds while competing for a tree cavity or nest box. For this reason, it’s important to monitor nest boxes. Although many birdhouses have a perch, bluebird nestboxes should not. A perch encourages house sparrows or other species to take up residence. Bluebirds have feet configured to hang on at the birdhouse entrance without a perch. Because bluebirds are territorial, nestboxes need to be at least 150 feet apart. These and other specifics are crucial to setting up a proper bluebird habitat. Find helpful, accurate fact sheets from the NABS website at nabluebirdsociety.org to help with habitat requirements. These include building plans for good nest boxes and critical information for getting started,

monitoring, weather shielding, predator control and sparrow control. All fact sheets include frequently asked questions. According to Andy Coleman, program and science director of the Birmingham Audubon Society, most things that attract other birds— a water source and insects — also attract bluebirds so long as there’s a large open area with low grass and few trees. The most important thing about getting started with nestboxes is monitoring. According to the NABS, it is better to not have boxes than to have one occupied by house sparrows. After a year of watching bluebirds on our property, we’re hooked and look forward to more bluebirds. Now is the time to prepare a place for these charming birds. They begin nesting in early spring, so nestboxes should be placed between now and mid-to-late February. Keep a camera and binoculars handy. 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

January 2018

Grower Direct

Grow half-dollar size

Muscadines

and Blackberries. We also offer over 200 varieties of Fruit and Nut Trees plus Vine and Berry Plants.

Ison’s Nursery

Since 1934

Free Catalog

PO Box 190 Brooks, GA 30205 1-800-733-0324 • isons.com

Call 205-285-9732 today!

alfafarmers

Save up to $3,000 on Premium Quality Burial Vaults as low as $1,275!

January 2018

Quick Relief for sun, radiation and other burns, bed sores, hemorrhoids, insect bites & stings, rashes and wounds. Great for animal skin problems and wounds. Ointment: 1.6 & 13.9 oz. jars. Liquid: 2 & 8 fl. oz. bottles. GUARANTEED www.Cumarindine.net 256-459-4727 / 256-435-1341

PRODUCTS

SHINGLES RELIEF - Fast pain and rash relief. PURE EMU OIL - Natural nutritional moisturizing skin supplement. PAIN RELIEF WITH EMU OIL - For bruises, muscle strains, joint and sciatica pains. COMPLEXION BARS WOMEN’S: Promote skin to a soft, vibrant, healthy appearance. MEN’S: Get a clean shave and soft, healthy skin.

All products are guaranteed. www.SootheTheBody.com 256-459-4727 / 256-435-1341

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

By Jill Clair Gentry

CONECUH SAUSAGE & BLACK-EYED PEA STEW Courtesy of Cathy Childree Start-to-finish: 35 minutes Serves 6 1 pound Conecuh sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 small onion, chopped 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed 8-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained 1 cup beef broth 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

n Alabama, cold weather often doesn’t set in until after Christmas. But when winter finally does descend on our Southern state, the bone-chilling cold requires recipes that warm from the inside out. Alabama cooks always need a few good recipes for soups and stews on hand in January. Cathy Childree of Barbour County has developed several delicious January recipes over the years, along with perfecting a famous local recipe for cornbread, a great compliment to any soup, stew or chili.

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

1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 1/2 cup frozen or canned corn

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and onion until meat is lightly browned; drain. Stir in peas, tomatoes, broth, seasonings and tomato sauce. Cook over medium heat 10-12 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Stir in corn; cook 5 minutes more or until heated through. Cathy cooks all year for her family, friends and church. However, warm, hearty soups are perfect for feeding family and friends the first couple weeks of the year — after Christmas leftovers have been consumed and before everyone gets settled into their school and work routines. “Everybody’s tired in January,” she said. “I’m a special education parapro, and I’m out of school for about two-and-a-half-weeks. I love to make soups and stews the week after Christmas,; then live on them and share with whoever comes by those first two weeks of the year.” 28

THE VERY BEST CORNBREAD Courtesy of Cathy Childree Start-to-finish: 30 minutes 1 cup self-rising cornmeal mix 2 eggs 1/2 cup oil 1/2 can creamed corn 1 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into a greased 9-by-9-inch baking pan. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes. Cathy also makes sure to keep plenty of food on hand this time of year for her husband, Kenny, and his friends, who use their farm to practice long-range shooting. “He has people from the military, police departments or just buddies who show up to practice,” she said. “If they come hungry, I will feed them. You can show up at my house, and even if I’m not ready for you; I’ll find something to fix.” Just about everyone in Comer, the tiny town where the Childrees live, knows about Cathy’s cornbread recipe. January 2018

BAKED POTATO SOUP Courtesy of Cathy Childree Start-to-finish: 40 minutes Serves 6 2/3 cup butter 2/3 cup flour 7 cups milk 4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled and cubed 4 green onions, thinly sliced 10-12 strips bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled 1 1/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese 1 cup sour cream 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in flour. Stir until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until sauce is thickened. Add potatoes and green onions. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until soup begins to bubble. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. “I’ve been making it since 1981,” she said. “I was teaching high school at the time, and I was the junior class sponsor. We were building a float, and one of the moms decided we were going to be starving before we finished, so she came up to the school with chili and that cornbread. I told her, ‘You’re not leaving before I get that recipe.’ Now, I’m in trouble if I don’t make that cornbread — it’s expected at church, with family or at any kind of gathering where there’s going to be soup.” n

BEEF 57 STEW Courtesy of Cathy Childree Start-to-finish: 2 hours, 20 minutes (20 minutes active) Serves 6 1 1/2 pounds stew meat 1 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1/2 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons shortening 2 cups water 2 beef bouillon cubes 3 tablespoons Heinz 57 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced

2 medium potatoes, cubed 2 medium onions, diced 3 carrots, sliced

Sprinkle meat with salt, pepper and sugar. Brown in shortening in a large, heavy boiler; add water and bouillon cubes. Cover and simmer on medium heat 1 hour or until meat is almost tender. Add Heinz 57 sauce and remaining ingredients. Simmer 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.

Find more recipes at

AlfaFarmers.org

January 2018

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

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! ÂŠ 2017 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. www.aces.edu ACES-2432