Alabama Poultry, March 2003

The Alabama

MARCH 2003 • VOL. 3 NO. 3

POULTRYMonthly THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ALABAMA POULTRY & EGG ASSOCIATION

2003

“Evening of Fun” g n i r u t Fea

John Michael Montgomery Coming June 7 AP&EA P.O. Box 240 Montgomery, AL 36101 Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Montgomery, AL Permit No. 796

Attention Poultry Farmers!

In an effort to assist poultry farmers to better manage their nutrient rich litter and to provide nutrient rich litter to those areas needing fertilizer, a toll free hotline number is now available. Farmers wishing to list the kind, amount and availability of their litter will be connected with those that need the litter for fertilizer. Truckers and certified poultry waste vendors are also encouraged to participate.

Toll Free Poultry Litter Hotline

1-866-litt-123 (1-866-548-8123) Litter Distribution & Nutrient Management: The purpose of this project is to address the issue of nutrient enrichment of the soils and waters in the poultry producing counties of Alabama. In April 2001, rules related to land application of poultry litter changed. Poultry farmers who have historically applied litter to fields near their chicken houses may not be able to continue land application to these fields in the future if the build-up of soil phosphorus is high. Phosphorus has been linked to nutrient enrichment and degradation of surface waters. Our objectives are to keep farmers farming, maintain the agricultural tax base, keep the poultry industry healthy and protect the waters of Alabama for all citizens.

Partners supporting this effort are: Tennessee Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (RC&D) Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Alabama Poultry & Egg Association (AP&EA) Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry (ADAI) USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama Association on Conservation Districts (AACD) Alabama State Soil and Water Conservation Committee (SWCC) Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)

BOARDOFDIRECTORS Officers Roddy Sanders, President, Gordo* Wally Taylor, Vice President, Snead* Tommy Knight, Treasurer, Enterprise* Mack Watson, Secretary, Pine Apple* Jeff Burroughs, Immediate Past President, Cullman* Allied Industry Directors Roger Chappell, Cullman* Sandi Hofmann, Huntsville Egg Industry Directors Del Brock, Cullman Harold Kelly, Arab Feed & Grain Director Fred Cespedes, Hanceville Processors Directors Everette Brown, Athens Bob Cryar, Collinsville Producer Directors Dorman Grace, Jasper Joe Norris, Arab Ken Taylor, Anniston Directors-At-Large Jerry Arnholt, Albertville Benny Bishop, Decatur Melissa Durbin, Birmingham Barry Fuller, Decatur Richard Jamison, Dothan Richard Lusk, Gadsden Charlie Peacock, Albertville Bill Peterson, Cullman John Pittard, Oxford Al Rhodes, Eufaula Wendell Shelton, Boaz Jack Sherwood, Enterprise Trey Sylvest, Montgomery Ricky Walker, Albertville Don Wisdom, Russellville*

EXECUTIVEDirectors Message Plans for this year's “Evening of Fun” are being finalized. Event organizers recently signed a contract with country music star and songwriter John Michael Montgomery as the featured entertainer for the June 7 event. Montgomery has been on the country scene for more than a decade with hits like Grammy winning song “I Swear,” ASCAP Song of the Year “I Can Love You Like That,” and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year “I Love the Way You Love Me.” His concert is one of the hottest acts in country music today. In addition to the concert there will be an after-concert band party for those that want to take a turn on the dance floor. Dance bands playing country, soul, and pop music will entertain attendees into the night.

Our annual grower educational seminar will be held just prior to the concert and a hamburger and hotdog dinner sponsored by the AP&EA Grower Committee will be offered to the seminar attendees. Ticket prices are $75.00 for grower tickets and $150.00 for company and allied tickets.

Remember, all children under 18 are admitted free with adult supervision and the concert will have a family atmosphere. The fund-raising concert helps sponsor many association activities, such as educational seminars, public relation campaigns, legislative and regulatory oversight activities and industry and community event sponsorships.

Attending the concert is a way for all of us to celebrate the state's largest industry. Look for more details about the “Evening of Fun” in future editions of the Alabama Poultry Monthly or call Dana Brindley-Bennett at our office. We are very excited about the event and are looking forward to seeing you there.

Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University Jim Donald, Auburn University Dr. Mike Eckman, Auburn University Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Troy Newton, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn *Executive Committee Members

AP&EA STAFF Executive Director Johnny Adams

Administrative Director Wanda Linker Administrative Assistant Laura Wheatley Communications Director Robert Voitle, Jr. Membership Director Dana Brindley-Bennett The Alabama Poultry Monthly is published by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association 465 South Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-265-2732 Fax: 334-265-0008 Address editorial and advertising correspondence to The Alabama Poultry Monthly Editor Robert Voitle, Jr. at P.O. Box 240, Montgomery, AL 36101.

Advertising rates and closing dates available upon request.

Editorial matter from sources outside AP&EA is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may or may not coincide with official AP&EA policy. Publication does not neccessarily imply endorsement by AP&EA.

FEATURING THIS MONTH ASSOCIATIONNEWS

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GOVERNMENTALAFFAIRS

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INDUSTRYPROMOTION

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MEMBERSHIPNEWS

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EDUCATIONALDEVELOPMENT

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EGGCELENTRECIPES

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ADVERTISINGINDEX Loader Services, Inc. ......................................................................................................pg 7 Wynco ..............................................................................................................................pg 9 Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc. ........................................................................................pg 10 Northwest EnvironFan ...................................................................................................pg 13

ASSOCIATIONNEWS

JMM Agrees to Headline 2003 “Evening of Fun” The 2003 “Evening of Fun” is just around the corner, so it’s about time we let everyone in on a little secret: John Michael Montgomery has agreed to be this year’s headliner. He’ll take the stage on June 7 at the BJCC, but until then we thought you’d all like to get to know him a little better.

In the ten years since John Michael Montgomery showed the world that "Life's A Dance" – and introduced country music fans to one of the genre's most enduring players, he has set a standard for what can be accomplished when one's true to themself. Sing songs that reflect what really happens in people's lives, that inhabit the feelings and allow people the music that will define who they are, how they love, what they dream and be true to the heart of those things and you've defined a career path that will bring Grammys, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards – in addition to selling in excess of 15 million records – on your way to becoming the artist so many people see themselves in.

“I know who I am, and what I need to say,” allows the soft-spoken baritone. “Because my fans aren’t so different from me, I know: if I find songs that feel right to me, songs that fit – then I've got something. It's been that way all along, and it's the thing I try to remember no matter what else.”

With Pictures, the voice that's defined the potential of young love's endurance expands its possibilities in a big way. Married with two young children – Madison, 5, and Walker almost 3 – Montgomery is now about exploring the furthest reaches of the emotions that brought him.

Whether it's the classic balladry of adult commitment that is “You Can Believe In Me,” the erotic soul ballad that is the undulating “'Til Nothing Comes Between Us,” the freewheeling tawdry metaphor of “4 Wheel Drive” or the arching “I Want To Be There,” which traces a parent's journey with a child and fam4

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003

ily through the promise of being and giving everything there is, Montgomery's signature depth of performance is right on the barrelhead. He sings these songs from that deeper place, because these are all songs that come from the core of who he is, who he is committed to being – and what he believes he and his fans are building their lives on.

“Back when I started, I was drawn to songs about how I wanted my life to be, about finding that love, the person who was going to be there for me,” says the Lexington, Kentuckian. “But then after you reach that place, it adds that element…The notion of 'this is everything I'd hoped for; this may be even more than I thought possible,' because you can't understand that feeling of looking at your children or your wife and feeling that intensity – until you do.”

With career hits including the Grammywinning “I Swear,” the BMI and ASCAP Song of the Year “I Can Love You Like That,” the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year

JMM

“I Love The Way You Love Me” and the Billboard Country Single of the Year “SOLD! (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” in addition to the “Cover You In Kisses,” “Friends,” and “The Little Girl,” his dreaming of what love could be like has been a staple in the realm of classic country music.

Having scored a total of 15 #1s and a decade of hits, the man who represents what women wish for when they wish for true love has always found a way to maintain his music and his message.

But when you hear a song like the title track – a song that takes a handful of snapshots and paints a full view picture of a rich life well lives, it's obvious that the only thing the rugged guitar-slinger is more in love with than his wife is the mysteries and fullness of life.

And that's how John Michael Montgomery has forged a career out of regular peoples' truths on the most real plane.

“I was okay with that song when I first heard it,” Montgomery confesses. “But it kept

ASSOCIATIONNEWS floating back to the top of the pile. But as I listened to it more, it struck me deeper and deeper until I finally realized: this song is me! It's everything I do and am and hope for – and that must've been why I missed it! Because it's exactly where I am, and who ever thinks that's special enough?”

For the man who's been everywhere from TIME to USA Today to “Letterman,” it's about limiting his dates so he can have a life… It's about listening to every song he can get his hands on, to the point of FAXing the publishers directly and having them send tapes to him straight-on… It's about staying in touch with the rhythms of small towns, suburbia and the country, so he doesn't lose touch of where the music needs to go.

And having grown up the child of a committed music man – a man so committed to the music that the family often made adjustments to the way they lived rather than the passion that consumed their father – Montgomery understands music's power to connect the dots in people's lives.

“The only person I've ever wanted to vindicate was my father,” he says simply. “I wanted to prove that we were more than just a bunch of poor people who had this pipedream of making it in country music… I wanted to prove that we could not only make it here, but sustain it over time.

“When I was a kid, finding out about love and getting my heart broken at 16, I wasn't so much into that - because I'd spend my time practicing the guitar more. My Dad was so good, I always wondered if I could be as good as he was… and he used to tell me he was a decent singer and guitar player, so he really wanted to think about entertain-

CALENDAROFEVENTS AP&EA Legislative Omelet Breakfast April 3, 2003 State Capitol Terrace

AP&EA Board of Directors Meeting April 3, 2003 AP&EA Office

Walker County Poultry & Egg Association Expo April 12, 2003 Fairgrounds Jasper

AP&EA Annual Golf Tournament June 6, 2003 Bent Brook Country Club Birmingham

AP&EA “Evening of Fun” June 7, 2003 Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center

AP&EA Board of Directors Meeting July 19-20, 2003 Sandestin Beach Hilton

AP&EA Annual Meeting & Convention July 20-22, 2003 Sandestin Beach Hilton

Alabama Processors Workshop September 10, 2003 Birmingham Marriott Birmingham, AL

Alabama Broiler Workshop October 7-8, 2003 Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center Auburn University, AL

Alabama Breeder/Hatchery Workshop

JMM

November 4-5, 2003 Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center Auburn University, AL

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 5

ASSOCIATIONNEWS ing people, connecting with them. As this career has happened, I've never forgotten that.”

While Montgomery is known primarily as a balladeer, he's actually a searing guitarist – known for closing his shows with an extended jam on Stevie Ray Vaughan's good-timing juke joint romper “If The House Is Rockin'.” And on Pictures, he's not afraid to mix up the tempos and the messages for a wink and a nudge and a howl at the moon.

Whether it's the low-slung blues groove that infuses “It Goes Like This,” marked by syncopated guitar work that serves as a secondary hook and the swooping vocals of breakout new harmony group Sixwire, the plucky disclaimer come-on “Love and Alcohol” that's all good times and no promises or the bouncing “I Got You To Thank You For That,” the 6-foot vocalist has no problem wading into the more propulsive music with verve.

“The main element of this record, for me, is that it's not just what people expect from me, but what I want to show people of myself,” he says. “You take a song like ‘4 Wheel Drive,’ well, that just makes me laugh… and laughter's really the longevity of life. It should be something that's done a lot - and you should take laughter where you can find it. I know any time I can, I do.

“It's a funny thing… Because the songs that last are often the serious ones. But this record is also about my diversity, my musicianship, all of me - even the fun stuff. I try to look at the positive side of things, the message that there's always tomorrow. Everybody has hard times… and I love to sing about that, but I don't want to lose track of how good it can be wherever you are. Maybe because I was born at the bottom, I know it's just a place and nothing more… something to bounce up off of!

Sometimes you may hit it harder than others, but it shouldn't stop you from finding something about to laugh about 'til you do.”

That willingness to see the here for what it is, good and bad, defines the rednecking manifesto “Country Thang,” a whirling churn of fiddle, swollen bass and a witness to back where Montgomery comes from. “I was raised in the country, so everything it describes is how I grew up – my lifestyle, my background.

Some people might say, ‘Well, that's just redneck…,’ but it's a great way to grow up. It's a lot of fun; it's about treating people right, respecting them for what they are and getting out there in it. To me, being that free and wild and thoughtful is about as good as it gets."

For the quiet-spoken man treating people right – whether it's his family, fans or business associates – is a defining way to live.

Maintaining perspective, ten years into a career

“You try to be honest – and you try to be real. And then you have to really hard on the songs… You have to make sure everything you cut is as good as everything that's come before it. As lucky as I've been to find great songs, it makes the song search that much harder - but the publishers and songwriters have always been very generous about letting me hear their best stuff.”

With a new alliance with the powerful William Morris Agency, a renewed vigor with his parent company and a shift to Warner Bros.

Nashville, the quiet giant is ready to roar. Understanding that quality can beget quantity, he's keeping his eyes on the songs and the stage – looking for new challenges, but never losing sight of the things that defined his dream in the first place.

“You get started and you just wanna have a place,” he admits shyly. “Then time passes, you have some success and you almost don't believe it… except you know you're cutting music you relate to, and you're hoping people will relate to you the way your friends do. I'm a very big hearted person and I love people... you know, the human race is a pretty unbelievable thing: where they come from, how they got here.

“If you start there, you've got a good foundation. Whenever I meet somebody new, I shake their hand and think, ‘This could be the beginning of a great friendship…’ I've been let down some, but you don't want to let that take over your life or your heart. The music has given me a lot more friends - because these songs are like shaking people's hands, letting em know you understand.

“Being part of someone's life is what makes this circle complete. I'd do it (make music) for me, don't doubt it. But you do it to bring people together – and when people tell you their stories, you feel like it meant something even more than just capturing a moment in your life. When you do that, when you've got songs that're timeless and work for people in their 40s and their 60s and teens, then you know you're really getting somewhere.”

“I never have and never will cut songs I don't believe in. I know I can always sing those songs – whether I do it for 20,000 or my family. Those songs can't be taken away from me, so I try to choose songs that will last.”

— JMM

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that's shattered every expectation, re-created the sense of what's possible comes down to a few simple truths: the music, the performances and the balance. Know your audience, don't forget where you come from, stick to the things you know.

“If ‘Country Thang’ is where I came from, then ‘I Want To Be There’ explains how I live now and that unconditional love that everyone hopefully finds along the way. It certainly explains something Crystal and I found once we had children… And it's a very simple song.

Harley Allen (who penned JMM's nerve-striking “The Little Girl”) is the master of getting the most of an emotion out of a simple song.

“Singing country songs – if they're great – they can really touch on emotion's centers.

That's what we're all made of… and that's what music sets free in us all. The best country songs really reach down inside, pull things out, touch us and make us FEEL something.

GOVERNMENTALAFFAIRS

Russia Shows No Flexibility on Quotas or Plant Inspection Criteria Russia is showing little sign of flexibility in its attempts to regulate the meat and poultry trade with the outside world, judging from comments by leaders of its government and unofficial reports from its veterinary inspection criteria discussions with U.S. officials.

Sources said that two-and-a-half days of talks between the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and USDA produced little, if any, progress in resolving different interpretations of the criteria for inspecting U.S. poultry plants and refrigerated warehouses. The USDA officials who participated in the talks are on their way home. USDA continues to indicate that inspections of plants by Russian officials will not resume until both sides agree

on a set of inspection criteria. A round of inspections by Russian veterinarians last year, using criteria to which the USDA never agreed, produced generally negative findings.

The Russians are also stiff-arming the European Union, which has protested the recent announcement from the Russian government that it will impose quotas on the meat and poultry trade with the European Union as well as the United States and Brazil.

Alexei Gordeyev, minister of agriculture and deputy prime minister, told the Reuters News Service that his government is prepared to discuss the issue, but added that there would be no change in the size of quotas.

Gordeyev said the quotas would reduce

New Government Wrestles Poor Economic Situation The Legislature will convene in Montgomery for the first session of the new quadrenium on Wednesday, March 5. This session will be one to remember as the governor and the Legislature wrestle with one of the worst economic situations facing the state since the Great Depression.

The Legislature will have to come up with more than $180,000,000 in additional revenue to meet this year's revenue budget. In addition, state agencies have asked for an additional $325,000,000 in requests for their respective agencies, many of which are under court orders or facing lawsuits demanding adequate services. In all, the Legislature must come up with the additional $500,000,000 or cut services or find savings in departmental spending.

Other issues facing the new Legislature and governor are constitutional reform, affordable healthcare, home rule, rural development, rising insurance costs, and election reform. We will be working with the Legislature to protect and enhance the future of our industry and will keep you posted on legislation that affects the poultry industry.

imports on beef, pork, and poultry by around one-third, which he said was necessary because “the nation's food security is at stake.” He said the quotas would help increase domestic production of pork by eight percent, beef by five percent and poultry by as much as 20 percent.

Diplomatic sources told the Wall Street Journal that Russia has been warned that the quotas would not help its attempt to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) because they violate the “standstill” principle, by which countries seeking WTO membership are supposed to refrain from introducing new protectionist measures during their accession period.

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The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 7

INDUSTRYPROMOTION

2003 International Poultry Expo Gets Positive Feedback The 55th Annual International Poultry Exposition, held January 22-24, drew 19,173 visitors to Atlanta, Ga. They came from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 86 countries to see and buy the latest products and services for the poultry and egg industry from 880 exhibitors. Funds earned at the show will be funneled directly back into the industry in the form of research grants, educational programs, and promotional activities, according to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the event's sponsor.

"We continue to receive positive feedback about the exposition," said Don Dalton, president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

"Our international attendance rebounded from 2002. The figures from 55 countries were the same or higher than the previous year. The more sizable gains came from Brazil, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and Peru."

Dalton attributes the show's success to the quality of the educational programs, the increased networking opportunities, and the large number of decision-makers who were in attendance. He said he feels the move into the Phase IV expansion of the Georgia World Congress Center, the colorful signage, the wel-

Guest begin to arrive at the main entrance to the 2003 International Poultry Exposition in Atlanta, Ga.

coming reception, and the other new marketing programs helped give the 2003 Exposition a "whole new look."

There were 15,762 domestic attendees.

Alabama had the second greatest representation, falling just under Georgia for the top slot.

Illinois, North Carolina, and Arkansas also had a high level of representation at the event.

Guests move from exhibit to exhibit on the showroom floor during the Expo.

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The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003

International guests represented 18 percent of the total attendance, a two percent increase over the previous year.

Besides the great welcoming reception and the hundreds of exhibitors at the Expo., eight families from around the nation were awarded the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. One of these eight winners was Edwin and Jeanette Brown, Perdue growers and AP&EA members from Samson, Ala. Edwin and Jeanette own a 770-acre farm with nine broiler houses and plans to add an additional five 50x500-foot houses. The farm has a 40-foot by 120-foot dry stack facility for litter storage, and a 40-foot by 60-foot composter and a freezer to contend with any farm mortality. "Use of this freezer also virtually eliminated any odor generated by farm mortality," said the Browns in their application essay to the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

The Browns have used a nutrient management plan (NMP) to ensure environmental safety since 2001. "This (the NMP) has been on great help in managing our litter by having guidelines for applying litter to our land. For the first time we have a formula to use that can tell us how much litter to apply to keep phosphorus levels at manageable levels. It is our

INDUSTRYPROMOTION

Edwin and Jeanette Brown, along with two of their children, pose with Dr. Ron Prestage, U.S. Poultry & Egg Asociation secretary, and John Chlada, vice president of environmental services for Perdue Farms, after the awards ceremony.

hope that in the near future our poultry companies will be able to develop feed that will contain lower phosphorus

levels. This will enable us to apply more litter to our land without concern for the phosphorus buildup," said the Browns Though the overuse of litter has not been a problem for the Browns yet, they understand that if the farm continues to grow, there will come a time when they produce more litter than they can use. This foresight has led them to already begin considering alternatives for litter. They currently plan to sell any excess litter they begin to generate through certified vendors. "In our area there is a great demand for litter both for land application and feed," they said.

Besides being model stewards of the land, Edwin and Jeanette have three children, Amy, 21; Mitchell, 19; and Jenny, 15. Amy is currently a senior majoring in horticulture at Auburn University, Mitchell works on the farm with his parents, and Jenny is a sophomore at Samson High School. AP&EA would like to thank the Browns for their environmental concern and wish them great success in the years to come.

The next International Poultry Exposition will be held January 28-30, 2004, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, so mark your calendars and we'll see you there!

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association President Don Dalton attributes the Expo’s success to many factors including the colorful signage shown here.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 9

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

Durbin receives NPFDA Lifetime Achievement Award GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The National Poultry & Food Distributors A s s o c i a t i o n (NPFDA) has named Marshall Durbin Jr. as recipient of its L i f e t i m e Achievement Award.

The award was preDurbin sented posthumously during NPFDA's annual Awards Breakfast January 23 in Atlanta.

Kristen McWhorter, executive director of the Gainsville-based NPFDA, said, “We are very pleased to recognize Mr. Durbin for his contributions to the poultry industry. Marshall Durbin Jr. was well respected by many and was one of the industry leaders who helped shape the poultry industry.

“Among the many praises by those who nominated Mr. Durbin for this award, one sentiment appeared over and over – and that was that Mr. Durbin had strong family and business values and he instilled these values in his daughters who will carry the company into the future.”

Durbin, who died September 16, 2001, at age 70, was president and chief executive officer of Marshall Durbin Cos. of Birmingham, Ala. Under his leadership the company grew to become the 21st largest poultry company in the U.S. He was also president and chairman of the board of Marshall Durbin Food Corp.

He began his career in the poultry industry working for his father at age 12. Upon graduation from the University of Alabama, he joined the company full time.

Durbin was honored for his years in the poultry industry by being named to both the Alabama Poultry Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame.

Story reprinted with permission from the January 24, 2002, Poultry Times.

10 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

Vinemont Children Pictures Lining Grocery Store Shelves

By Frankie Glynn The Cullman Times When the General Mills marketing people read that June and Doug Reid, producers for Tyson Foods, had nine children, ages 2 through 30, they stopped dead in their tracks. This couple, they figured, had to be a living testimonial for eating a hearthealthy diet.

June had entered a contest in May based on the question, “Who are you eating Cheerios for?” She got on the Internet and wrote to General Mills, “We have been blessed with three children by birth and six by adoption. Staying active and healthy is one of our top priorities, and eating Cheerios is one way we can help do that.

We plan to keep our happy hearts healthy!”

Six months later, she got a call from a GM representative, who declared, “We love your story. It really caught our eye. When we read that you had nine children, and 2 to 30, everybody just stopped.” She told June she was a finalist in the Cheerios’ contest and asked for a photo of the kids.

The next thing June knew, friends and neighbors were calling her saying, "Did you know Andy, Ally and Will are on the Cheerios box?"

It was true. Her three youngest, ages 4, 4, and 2, grace the side panel of the current package of the popular cereal, under the question, “Who are you eating Cheerios for?” with the answer, “June from Vinemont, Ala. eats Cheerios for her nine children.”

The three are from different ethnic backgrounds, something June said she and her husband planned because they “felt there was such a need, Andy is a multi-racial

child, and he's beautiful,” she said. The kids didn't think much about seeing their faces smiling back from the cereal box, except for Will, the 2-year-old. He looked at it and said, “That's Will!”

The Reids didn't set out to raise a family of nine children. Married 34 years, they have three sons – Jeff, 30; Jason, 29; and Mike, 27 – whom they came by naturally.

“We enjoyed our kids all the way through, and when they grew up we decided we were not ready to quit being parents,” June said. “We thought we could just adopt one little child. We went to an adoption fair in Montgomery, and a social worker told us about Tisa, 10; Corey, 7; and Wes, 6. We never had thought about adopting a group.

We met them, and it was magic. We loved them, and they loved us.

“When they had been with us three or four years, we decided we would like a little brother, just to round the family out… and two years later, we decided Andy needed a little brother, so we got Will. Then we found out about Ally, and we wanted her too.”

Still at home are Mike, 27; Corey, 15; Wes, 14; and the three little ones. Having a wide age span just means “going through everything all over again,” she said. The second or third time around, though, everyone is much more relaxed.

“I can remember when I thought everything had to be in its place,” she said. “Now that doesn't seem to be as much of a priority. As long as they're healthy and happy, that's what matters.

“The bigger ones are mentors to the smaller ones. There's always a lap, if mine is full. Sometimes, if you came by our house,

you'd think the walls were coming down.”

However her children showed up in her life, “there's no difference,” she said. “I love all my children as deeply as I can and so does their father. Sometimes, at night we'll be lying there, and he'll say, ‘June, are we crazy?’ And I'll say, ‘Yeah.’ And then we just laugh! He's a wonderful father. We were so young when we got married – 17 and 19 – I guess we were just lucky.”

And are there more little Reids in their future?

“I never say never,” she said, adding, “If any family even thought they might be interested in adoption. I would encourage them to pursue it, because it's just so rewarding.”

Randolph County Association Meets The Randolph County Poultry & Egg Association held a meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at 6:30 pm at the Hub Restaurant in Wedowee.

The meal was sponsored by Bannister Tractor in Oxford, Ala., and Vic Bannister was present to inform the group of the many products his company has to offer the poultry industry.

President Richie Traylor was in charge of the program. VP Brian Lindley gave an update on CAFO and the AP&EA Grower Committee meeting that he attended in January.

Dr. Gene Simpson from Auburn University gave a presentation on Saving Money Inside the Farm Gate.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 11

MEMBERSHIPNEWS

Poultry Farmers Win $12 Million Lottery Prize The Associated Press GERALDINE, Ala. — Lance Palmer didn't make it to his third shift job at the Sara Lee factory in Fort Payne, not since he and his wife, his father and stepmother went to Atlanta to claim a $12 million lottery prize.

But he was up at 6 a.m. Thursday for his usual six hours in the chicken house.

"Ain't no stopping chickens from laying eggs," he said.

Gene Painter, his wife Regina, his son, Lance, and Lance's wife, Joy, all of the Geraldine area, selected a cash option on their winning lottery ticket, which amounted to about $7 million before taxes.

"They tax you to death," Lance Palmer said. "You don't win near the amount it looks like, but anything is enough."

He said the Mega Millions lottery win won't change him, "except take the stress off."

The family farms in the Whiton community of northeast Alabama.

They bought the winning lottery ticket at Rising Fawn, Ga., just north of the Alabama line.

Regina Painter had bought $10 worth of lottery tickets on February 14 at Williams Travel Center, about an hour's drive from their 70-acre farm.

Every five weeks for the last 10 years, the Painters have taken turns buying lottery tickets in Rising Fawn.

On Wednesday morning, after hearing that the winning lottery ticket had been purchased in Rising Fawn, Lance called his stepmother and asked her to check the Georgia Lottery Web site.

All of them – Lance, Joy, Regina, and Gene – had gathered around the computer as the winning lottery numbers blinked on the screen.

Regina "checked it, and I double checked it," Palmer said.

By early Wednesday afternoon, the four of them headed for Atlanta, where they filled out papers for hours in the Lottery's claims office. They did not return home until 9:30 that night.

Palmer said he plans to continue working seven days a week in the chicken houses and at the plant in Fort Payne. Most days, he works in the chicken houses until noon, then sleeps until 6 p.m. His shift at Sara Lee begins at 8:30 p.m.

UA Division of Environmental and Industrial Programs to Present SHARP Award to Hired-Hand TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Safe State Program at the University of Alabama, presented its SHARP certification award to Hired-Hand Manufacturing of Bremen on Thursday, February 20.

SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) is a national safety recognition program that provides incentives and support to smaller, high-hazard employers to work with their employees in order to develop, implement and continuously improve the effectiveness of their workplace safety and health programs.

According to Dr. Bill Weems, director of the Safe State Program, companies receiving SHARP status are recognized in several important ways.

“Public recognition is provided to both employers and employees who have worked together successfully to establish exemplary safety and health programs and have met other specified requirements,” said Weems. “The company is presented a certificate of recognition signed by the OSHA director. As an added incentive, 12 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003

the company is removed from OSHA's programmed inspection schedule for as long as it retains its SHARP status.”

Hired-Hand Manufacturing was begun in 1978 by Grant Crider. He developed the “Curt-O-Matic,” an emergency ventilation system for chicken houses. Now Hired-Hand Manufacturing has expanded to produce and sell other agribusiness products in the States and all over the world. Hired-Hand Manufacturing employs 180 employees, comprised of fabrication and assembly employees, machinists, office personnel, engineering, and sales professionals.

“The company is committed to achieving the highest level of safety for its employees. We have reduced injury rates, reduced costs, and achieved results from an improved reputation and an improved work environment,” said Hired-Hand Manufacturing safety director Ted Blalock. “The Safe State Program helped us achieve our goals.”

EDUCATIONALDEVELOPMENT

Producing High Quality Broilers

By R.A. VOITLE Professor of Poultry Science, Auburn University Every integrator has developed a set of guidelines for growers that will produce quality broilers. Those guidelines are supplemented by service people that provide the growers with additional, individualized technical expertise regarding health, management, etc.

However, growers have special expertise resulting from their day-to-day contact with the birds. Couple this with the ability to exercise their control over their operation to make the best of the situation.

By making certain that their houses are in the best location possible and that they have minimized air leaks and maximized ventilation efficiency, they are ready to look for other aspects under their control. The first priority is to have a good biosecurity program in place and make certain it is followed by everyone.

You are now ready to prepare for the chicks.

As part of the process you must check your chlorinating systems and determine if all waterers are working properly. Fill any supplemental waterers several hours before the chicks arrive and never let them dry out. Of course, daily cleaning is essential. In addition you should allow one feeder tray for 100 chicks or cover the floor under and between feeders with paper to provide easy access to feed. Make certain that all chicks have found feed and water within two hours of placement. You can determine if this has happened by feeling the crop area of the chick. The crop should be 80 percent full by eight hours and nearly full by 24 hours. This will help prevent "starveouts" caused by chicks eating litter instead of feed.

If the crop contents are stiff or the original texture of the feed can be felt, the birds are not getting enough water. The lack of proper feed and water intake can often be eliminated by having adequate supplemental feeders and waterers and by dipping the beaks of deficient birds into the feeders and waterers. This is a lot of work, but worth it. Make certain that you gradually remove supplemental feeders and waterers and leave some until all birds are on the automatic equipment. If you are having dehydration problems and are not using supplemental waterers – start. It will improve

the bottom line. You may have to raise the level of the feed in the pans (feeders) initially to encourage feeding from the automatic equipment. After the birds are off to a good start, lower the level of the feed and raise the level of the feeder's lip to the height of the back of the chicken.

Nipple drinkers are becoming the norm and should be at eye level for day old chicks with reduced water pressure and then raised gradually each day so that at three days of age chicks must look up slightly to drink. From seven days of age nipples should be adjusted so that chicks must stand and raise their heads up to reach the trigger pins. The pressure should also be gradually increased.

Lighting programs are provided and should be followed; however, it is this author's opinion that the birds should never be on continuous light. The reason for this is that power failures are common in this state and generators sometimes don't start. If the birds are accustomed to continuous light and there is a power failure a large number of birds could be lost since they will pile on one another when the lights go out and the birds on the bottom will not survive.

One hour of darkness per day is enough to prevent this, and should not interfere with the integrator's light program.

Intensity should be one footcandle the first week, then it can be reduced to one-half a footcandle, which will calm the birds and increase feed conversion.

The keys that should be used in evaluating your growing program are to compare target body weights and feed conversion to actual values. These values should reach or better target values, starting at one week of age. In fact, this first measurement is the most important, although all are important. If you fall below the curve call your service person immediately so that you can change your management program and allow for maximum improvement. This

will, hopefully, get you back or above future target measurements.

The final, and perhaps the most important, determination is your evaluation of how well the management program is working. A good grower “walks” the house on a regular basis and soon learns what a “happy” and “healthy” bird looks and sounds like. You can sometimes tell something is wrong before entering a house because the “sounds” are different. We have long known that if feed and /or water consumption drops this is an early warning that the birds don't feel well and something needs to be done; however, some growers are so “tuned in” to their birds that they can get an even earlier warning when they sense the look or sound of the birds have changed.

Growing birds is an absolute science that requires good data and guidelines; however, it is also an art that can only be achieved by the grower's dedication and experience.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 13

EGGCELENTRECIPES

Beribboned Egg Wreaths Nature inspires some of the loveliest works of art. Egg artistry, in particular, has been popular for centuries, encompassing techniques from psyanky and hand-painting to beading and filigree. But you don't have to be "artistic" to design this colorful beribboned egg wreath. In fact, it's a project the whole family will enjoy.

Even the littlest ones can help apply stickers and squirt on the glue, while the older members work with the ribbons and the hot glue gun.

With just a bit of imagination, you can transform nature's perfect package into an eggstraordinary wreath.

To get started you need only the following short list of supplies - some which you probably have on hand: Eggs Ribbon Stickers Fabric strips Craft scissors White or craft glue Wreath forms Hot glue gun & glue sticks First, wash and dry each egg. Then remove the contents. The easiest way is to make a hole in both ends by pricking 3 or 4 times with a darning or regular needle (sterilized if you plan to use the contents of the egg later). Stick the needle inside the egg and move it around to make sure that both the shell membranes and the yolk are broken. Hold the egg over a bowl or storage container. Press the bulb of a kitchen baster against the small end to push air into the egg, forcing the contents into the bowl. Rinse with cold water and let dry. Use the contents immediately in a fully-cooked dish, or beat until blended and pour into freezer containers labeled with the number of eggs and the day.

Now, get creative. Cut ribbons to desired lengths. Then with the tip of the white glue bottle, place dots of glue along the egg in selected patterns. Hold ribbon in place until the glue starts to set, and then put them aside to dry completely. Stickers are even easier. Simply place them on the egg as desired. Finally, affix the decorated eggs to wreath using the hot glue gun.

14 The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003

Helpful Hints 1) Fabric strips can be used in place of ribbon for a country look. Cutting with craft scissors or pinking shears will give a decorative edge. Wrap fabric strips around wreath and tie bows as desired.

2) Supplies can be purchased at craft stores or craft departments within discount stores 3) Eggs may be colored or painted if desired.

EGGCELENTRECIPES

Mediterranean Egg Salad Makes 4 Servings 1 bag (10-12 oz.) mixed salad greens 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, about 6 oz.

1 cup grape tomatoes 1/2 cup crumbled or chopped feta cheese 4 hard-cooked eggs cut into 6 wedges each 8 tablespoons Greek or olive oil and vinegar salad dressing Combine greens, olives, tomatoes, and cheese. Divide evenly into four salad bowls. Top each with six egg wedges. Drizzle with salad dressing.

To hard-cook eggs Place eggs in single layer in saucepan. Add water to cover by one inch. Cover and quickly bring just to boiling. Turn off heat; remove pan from burner, if necessary. Let eggs stand, covered, in the hot water about 15 minutes for large eggs (about 18 minutes for extra large eggs and about 12 minutes for medium).

Immediately run cold water over eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled.

To remove shell, crackle it by tapping gently all over. Roll egg between hands to loosen shell. Peel, starting at large end. Hold egg under running cold water or dip in bowl of water to help ease off shell.

The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2003 15

ALABAMA POULTRY is more than

mere

chicken feed.

■ Poultry’s total economic impact is $8 billion ■ Poultry accounts for 63% of all Alabama farm income ■ Poultry generates $1.6 billion at the Alabama farm level ■ Poultry provides employment for 78,000 Alabamians ■ Poultry accounts for 75% of all Alabama farm exports ■ Alabama is the third largest poultry producing state

For more information, contact the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association at 1-800-254-APEA