e Romines Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year
Board of Directors Officers Johnny Adcock, President, Woodland* Randall Ennis, Vice President, Huntsville* Dale Gambrill, Treasurer, Snead* Tim Esslinger, Secretary, Eufaula* Spence Jarnagin, Immediate Past President, Scottsboro* Directors George Attwood, Anniston Chris Carter, Guntersville Fred Cespedes, Hanceville Richard Curvin, Montgomery Cory Early, Albertville Billy Gilley, Cullman Matthew Herman, Enterprise Harold Hunt, Gadsden* Heath Loyd, Decatur Dennis Maze, Horton Todd McMahen, Dothan Dr. Shannon Morgan, Birmingham Mitchell Pate, Auburn Mike Pigg, Cullman John Pittard, Guntersville John Roberts, Cullman Keith Rhodarmer, Collinsville Kenneth Sanders, Brundidge* Roddy Sanders, Gordo Jason Shell, Gadsden Jason Spann, Hanceville Ken Taylor, Anniston Ben Thompson, Huntsville David Thompson, Ashland Stanley Usery, Athens Scott Varner, Russellville Ricky Walker, Snead Brad Williams, Troy Advisors Dr. Don Conner, Auburn University James Donald, Auburn University Dr. Joe Hess, Auburn University Jacob Davis, Montgomery Dr. Tony Frazier, Montgomery Perry Oakes, Auburn
Executive Director’s Message As you know by now, the “Evening of Fun” that we had promoted with Thompson Square as our featured entertainment sort of fell apart. Four days before the concert, we were informed that Keifer Thompson’s strained vocal chords had not responded to treatment and that they had to cancel their part in the concert. Fortunately, the beautiful and talented Sara Evans was available and agreed, on very short notice, to headline our concert. What could have been a disaster, turned out to be a terrific show. She was wonderful. Also terrific was the Enterprise FFA Alumni String Band, led by Alan Waters. Their performance had a lot of people saying that they should be a headline act. At the after concert dance, the Momentum Party Band kept the momentum of fun going. The dance floor was hopping from the time that they started playing until the last song. But, the most wonderful aspect of the evening was you, our members. Even when you heard that Thompson Square had cancelled, you hung in there with us. You trusted us, and we thank you for that trust. Congratulations to Prentiss and Jennifer Romine and their sons, Levi and Lake, for being named Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. This wonderful family from Anderson, Ala., is a great representative of our industry. On stage for the “Evening of Fun,” you saw Association President Johnny Adcock performing one of his last official duties as president. Johnny, a grower from Woodland, has done an outstanding job this year, and I want to thank him for his hard work on behalf of the Association.
*Executive Committee Members
AP&EA StAFF Johnny Adams – Executive Director Wanda H. Linker – Administrative Director Ray Hilburn – Membership Director Huck Carroll – Communications Director/Editor Jennifer Shell – Support Director Alabama Poultry Magazine is published by the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association 465 South Bainbridge Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: 334-265-2732 Fax: 334-265-0008 Send editorial and advertising correspondence to: Alabama Poultry Magazine Editor 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 necessarily imply endorsement by AP&EA.
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Featuring This Issue Governmental Affairs
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Auburn Happenings/Friends of Auburn Poultry
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Association News
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AP&EA “Evening of Fun”
pg. 14
Concert
pg. 16
Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year
pg. 19
Poultry Industry News: Aviagen Production Management School
pg. 22
Practical Applications
pg. 24
Calendar of Events
pg. 30
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Governmental Affairs
Court Refuses to Dismiss Poultry Farmer’s Suit Against EPA WASHINGTON, D.C., – Poultry and livestock farmers scored a win Monday, April 23, 2013, when a federal court rejected efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency to dismiss a case brought by West Virginia poultry farmer Lois Alt, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Alt had challenged an EPA order demanding that she obtain a Clean Water Act discharge permit for ordinary stormwater runoff from her farmyard. Despite EPA’s recent withdrawal of the Alt order, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia ruled that the case should go forward to clarify for the benefit of Alt and other farmers whether, as EPA contends, discharge permits are required for “ordinary precipitation runoff from a typical farmyard.” “EPA seems to have believed if it withdrew the order against Ms. Alt, the court would dismiss her lawsuit,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The tactic failed because the court recognized EPA wasn’t changing its underlying legal position, but just trying to avoid having to defend that position.” Alt filed suit against EPA in June 2012 after the agency threatened her with $37,500 in fines each time stormwater came into contact with dust, feathers or small amounts of manure on the ground outside of her poultry houses as a result of normal farm operations. EPA also threatened separate fines of $37,500 per day if Alt failed to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for such stormwater discharges. Alt responded with a lawsuit challenging the EPA order. AFBF and the West Virginia Farm Bureau intervened as co-plaintiffs with Alt to help resolve the issue for the benefit of other poultry and livestock farmers. EPA withdrew its order in December 2012, about six weeks before briefing on the legal issues was set to
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begin. The same month, five environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance, Center for Food Safety and Food & Water Watch, moved to join the lawsuit on the side of EPA. In opposing EPA’s motion to dismiss, Alt and Farm Bureau argued that farmers remain vulnerable to similar EPA orders, because EPA stands by its contention that the Clean Water Act statutory exemption for “agricultural stormwater” does not apply to stormwater from the farmyard at a concentrated animal feeding operation. The court agreed, noting that “[t]his Court’s ultimate decision on the merits will benefit all parties, including EPA and many thousands of farmers, by clarifying the extent of federal CWA ‘discharge’ liability and permit requirements for ordinary precipitation runoff from a typical farmyard.” “Ms. Alt has courageously taken on EPA not just for her own benefit, but for the benefit of other farmers,” said Stallman. “She refused to back down from her principles despite the best efforts of EPA and environmental groups. We are pleased that the court agreed that the
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stakes are high for all poultry and livestock farmers and this issue should be resolved.” In addition to denying EPA’s motion to dismiss, the court allowed the environmental groups to intervene and ordered briefing on the Alt and Farm Bureau claims to begin by June 1.
Prospects Still Good for North American Agriculture by Meat&Poultry Staff
CHICAGO – North American agriculture should fare well in 2013, according to an analysis by BMO Economics. United States farmers are in a better position now compared to a year ago, and Canadian farmers continue to enjoy high prices for the fruits of their labor. Planting season in the US ended late because wet conditions delayed progress. Northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and Nebraska are in better shape than other
parts of the Corn Belt. “The general consensus for the U.S. agriculture industry in 2013 was that, coming off of the drought, we’d see a big crop this year; this, in turn, would lead to lower feed costs, as well as other food prices coming down,” said Sam Miller, managing director and head of agriculture, BMO Harris Bank. “While we’re not getting the start we wanted - the heavy rainfall over the past 45 days has put some plantings behind schedule – the prospects are still there for a good year.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture noted in its Crop Progress report released June 17 that corn, soybean and spring wheat producers have come relatively close to five-year averages while crop conditions did not suffer. Additionally, USDA said growers are on track for a record year of agricultural exports. The 2013 outlook is currently projecting $139.5 billion in exports this fiscal year, according to BMO.
“While grain farmers seek improved crop yields, livestock producers and other grain buyers anticipate these higher yields will lead to lower feed and grain prices, as well as improvement for stressed margins,” Miller added. “The challenging start to this year will again make it a justin-time year — adequate growing conditions, appropriate moisture as the summer progresses and a later first freeze will all likely have a hand in how the year turns out.” Meanwhile, Canadian farmers are still seeing higher than normal prices for a number of crops due to increased demand and higher prices after drought in the US depressed crop yields. Stable crop prices and good yields are good news for crop producers and the Canadian livestock industry. “Adequate supplies of reasonably priced inputs will be welcome news for Canada’s cattle and hog producers. This, compounded by plenty of hay-spurring
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rain, leaves livestock producers better poised for 2013. Together, Canada’s agriculture industry should be looking forward to a well-balanced year,” said David Rinneard, director of Agriculture and Agribusiness, BMO Bank of Montreal. Seeding is reported to be complete or nearly complete, with the pace of overall planting being broadly in line with historical norms. Floods that have devastated parts of Alberta and some agricultural producers were affected. However, the impact has been relatively limited compared to the massive damage sustained in communities and on public infrastructure in the province. Floods have mostly impacted producers in the immediate vicinity of affected waterways, though some meat processing plants were temporarily closed to allow employees to tend to their private property. Overall, crop emergence in Alberta is reported to be noticeably ahead of last year, according to BMO.
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Auburn Happenings
Friends of Auburn Poultry Science Get Together With orange and blue everywhere – it was a love fest for the Auburn Poultry Nation, as friends gathered to celebrate and to be thanked for their support. AUBURN UNIVERSITY – The Old Red Barn at Ag Heritage Park was in full celebration mode as the Friends of Auburn Poultry gathered for food and fellowship on Tuesday, May 7. There were smiles aplenty as poultry professionals, many of whom had matriculated from Auburn’s poultry science department, got together to show some excitement for the program that has helped build a $15 billion dollar a year industry for the state. The next morning, many of those poultry pros took to Auburn Links Golf Course to show why they are so glad to have full time jobs away from the golf course. Some displayed fine form, while others handled the clubs with all the finesse of a yard boy with a new sling-blade. There were some great shots, like Mike Pigg’s chip in for a birdie (below), but they didn’t happen often. Still, it was certainly competitive, with the prizes offered, you would expect no-less. Everyone had a great time, even those not wearing orange and blue. How bout them dawgs, cats and razorbacks – with a few elephants too?
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Association News
Gov. Bentley Announces Rural Crime Taskforce
Gov. Robert Bentley and Ag Commissioner John McMillan flank new ARCU chief Gene Wiggins at the press conference announcing the rural crime task force.
MONTGOMERY – In a press conference in a cattle barn surrounded by agricultural stakeholders, Gov. Robert Bentley announced the formation of a task force to combat rural crime. Citing FBI statistics that the average bank robbery netted only $8,000, he commented that a stolen tractor could cost the farmer over $100,000. With county sheriff departments stretched, this new task force can provide investigatory services and bring assets to bear that are beyond local reach. Spencer Collier, secretary of the newly consolidated Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, said, “The ARCU won’t replace sheriffs and police depart-
ments. Instead, it will enhance and reinforce their efforts.” The task force, drawn from the Alabama State Troopers, ABC, Alabama Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Agriculture and Industries, will begin with 10 experienced agents. The Agricultural & Rural Crime Unit (ARCU) will be headed by Lt. Gene Wiggins, a veteran Alabama State Trooper. According to Collier, Wiggins was chosen to lead the group because of his extensive law enforcement experience and passion for rural Alabama. The ARCU, which began operations in early June, has had some re-
markable early successes with 14 felony arrests already. Wiggins cited the case of an elderly Hale County farmer, who returned from a hospital stay to find that his cattle had been stolen. He reported the theft and the ARCU went to work, using what Wiggins refers to as, “traditional investigative skills with the very latest technology to solve crimes.” Two arrests were made, and, while the cattle were not recovered, restitution was made. Although the ARCU focuses on agricultural crimes, including equipment and livestock theft, fraud and agroterrorism, it also has an educational component. The unit provides public outreach and educational opportunities for rural residents on crime prevention, recognizing suspicious activity and protecting property. ARCU headquarters are in Montgomery, at the State Farmers Market on Federal Drive, near Garret Coliseum. However, the 10 ARCU agents live throughout the state. A toll free tip line has been established and rural citizens are urged to report, non-emergency, suspicious activity that they observe. They can report either on the tip line: 1-855-75-CRIME, or online at www.ARCU.alabama.gov.
SEAP&EA Holds Quarterly Meeting TROY – Southeast Alabama Poultry & Egg Association held its quarterly meeting at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Park in Troy on June 11, 2013, with approximately 75 people in attendance. Association President Michael Starling was unable to attend the meeting, so Ray Hilburn, AP&EA membership director, welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the sponsors which were, First South Farm Credit, Lee Energy Solutions and Randy Jones and Associates. Hilburn thanked those present
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for their continued support and expressed his gratitude to those that had attended the “Evening of Fun” activities the previous weekend. He encouraged those that had not ever attended this event to please do so and he assured them that they would have an enjoyable family event. All present then enjoyed a great barbecue meal and dessert provided by the sponsors. Barbour County Extension Coordinator Heath Wesley then introduced the speaker for the night, Dr. Wallace Berry, who brought a very
Alabama Poultry Magazine
Dr. Wallace Berry talks about chick quality
informative presentation on breeder management and how the breeder performance affects the broiler performance. After his presentation, Dr. Berry answered several questions from the audience.
Another Hilburn Family Adventure in the Poultry Business
Jim Donald directs traffic
LUVERNE – On June 8, 2013, the Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association in conjunction with the National Poultry Technology Center held an open house and grower seminar at Christopher Hilburn’s three, newly-finished, 55’x 500’ poultry houses. It was a real event, with opening remarks by Mayor Joe Rex Sport of Luverne, AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams, Wayne Farms Live Production Manager Tony Wood and CAP&EA President Michael Oglesby, and, of course, Ray Hilburn. Those present had the opportunity to view some of the most modern poultry equipment available, as well as talk with many of the manufacturers’ reps. At 10:45, Jim Donald of the National Poultry Technology Center spoke briefly, then broke the group into three parts. One part heard NPTC ag economist and lighting guru, Gene Simpson, explain the benefits of energy efficient lighting and attic inlets. Another group heard Jesse Campbell talk about the importance of proper cool cell maintenance. A third group learned about proper generator care from Jim Donald. After twenty minutes, the groups rotated. A barbecue lunch was provided and prepared by K Supply Company’s David Walker and Benny Simms, of Albertville. The sponsors were Randy Jones, Nationwide Insurance, Albertville; First South Farm Credit, Luverne; and K Supply, Albertville. While everyone was eating, there were presentations by Scott Seawright, J & R Builders; Michael Odom, Farm Systems; Phil Gilliland, Chore Time; Casey Jones, L.B. White; and Andrew Moorer, First South Farm Credit. One of the most excited people in attendance was Miss Natalee Jane Hilburn, daughter of Christopher and Nikki Hilburn. She is excited because her daddy is about to see some return on his big investment. On May 26, he got his first flock.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
Gene Simpson talks lighting efficiency
Jesse Campbell talks cool cell care
Natalee Jane, Christopher and Nikki
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b h Web d Keit ons! n a s tulati Searle Mark lbs. Congra s r e n n 4 i f 24.0 ace w 1st Pl in a total o t h broug
MAY 9, 2013 – At 5:30 a.m., under overcast skies, 32 boats headed out into the dawn on beautiful Lake Guntersville for the annual AP&EA "Big Bass" Fishing Tournament. For most of the early morning, the weather held and the lake was placid. Close to noon the sky became more ominous, still the rain held off, but boats started heading for home. By 12:30 p.m. all of the boats were out of the water and the weigh-in was in full swing. Leadership for the “Big Bass” trophy seemed to change with every new boat that came in. Finally Justin Pounds brought in his catch, and, just by looking at his “bigg’un,” you just knew that it wasn’t going to be topped. This year's totals were impressive. The stories of the eight-pounders that got away were even more impressive. As anxious fishermen watched, they contentedly munched on Chick-fil-A sandwiches provided by American Proteins. Thanks to our sponsors and all who participated. It was a great day!
Boats he ading fo r home before
Justin Pounds really brought in the pounds to win the “Big Bass” trophy with this 7.56 lbs. monster. Congratulations!
2nd Place winners Derek Jackson and Colby Bendall brought in a total of 23.10 lbs.
the rain .
3rd Place winners Jesse Allen and Justin Pounds brought in a total of 21.46 lbs. The weigh-in was justifiably enjoyable for Justin Pounds.
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Even as the rain laden clouds came rolling in over the scenic hills of Limestone Springs Golf Course, poultry pros were attacking the links. Knowing that any minute the skies might open up gave some urgency to our golfers, and, despite the gloom, there were lots of smiles – and even some good golf. Then, with the rain pouring, there was a mad dash to the clubhouse for some great barbecue, cooked-up by K Supply.
2013 HOLE SPONSORS Alabama Farm Credit Alabama Power Company Alltech AlaTrade Foods American Proteins Aviagen Bobcat of Oxford Burch Corporation. Ceva Clear View Enterprises Cobb-Vantress Cumberland/Hired-Hand D & F Equipment. First South Farm Credit NA Fitco/ADF GSM Steel & Mechanical Contractors H. J. Baker & Bro. Hubbard LLC Ivesco Keystone Foods L. B. White – Casey Jones Lee Energy Solutions Liberty National Life Insurance Marel Stork Poultry Processing Merial Meyn America Randy Jones & Associates Southwestern Sales Zoetis
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Richard Stewart, Heath Lloyd and Jason Cypress Hathorn, Alan Boozer, Mark Spann (Richard McElrath not present) Gaines and Drew Wood
e putter y won th b m a H Jeff pply. bator Su by Incu
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
donated
Th e Wi n ne rs Clay Borden , M Carter and W aria Singleton, Chris ill Harding
Tim Stockton and David Thompson won Southwestern Sa les gift certificat es.
Davis, n winners: Tooter Closest to the Pi press Cy d n Mundy an Eddie Fortner, Be Hathorn
VIP Sponsors for the “Big Bass” Fishing Tournament and the EOF Golf Classic PLATINUM American Proteins, Inc. Bobcat of Oxford ChemStation of Alabama D & F Equipment Sales, Inc. First South Farm Credit, NA GSM Steel & Mechanical Contractors International Liberty National Life Insurance
GOLD AlaTrade Foods, LLC Alltech Aviagen Inc. CEVA Cobb-Vantress, Inc. FMC Corporation Hubbard LLC K Supply Company, Inc. Marel/Stork Poultry Processing Merck Animal Health Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative The Vincit Group Zoetis
SILVER Advanced Poultry Equipment & Supply, Inc. Alabama Ag Credit, FLCA Alabama Farm Credit, ACA Animal Health International Alabama Power Company Burch Corporation Cintas Corporation Elanco Animal Health Evonik First South Farm Credit, S.A. Huvepharma Ivesco, LLC Jones-Hamilton Company Lhoist North American Merial Select Randy Jones & Associates
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Evening of Fun
Grower Committee Chairman Kenneth Sanders (above) handled the Master of Ceremonies duty, while Blake Gibson (right) of Jones-Hamilton was the keynote speaker.
BIRMINGHAM – The 2013 “Evening of Fun” kicked off with the grower meeting at the Sheraton Birmingham in the Birmingham Ballroom, as Grower Committee Chairman Kenneth Sanders welcomed everyone. The first item on the agenda was the election of three grower directors for the upcoming two years. Ken Taylor, Dennis Maze and Kenneth Sanders were reelected by acclamation. Next, it was time for the highlight of the meeting: the introduction of the Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. This year’s honorees are Prentiss and Jennifer Romine, along with their sons, Levi and Lake. The Romines are from Anderson, Ala., and grow for Tyson, Shelbyville, Tenn. There was concern that the Romines might not make it to Birmingham for the “Evening of Fun.” Earlier in the week, they had been on an Alabama Farmers Federation sponsored tour of western cattle ranches. Fortunately, they made it to the Sheraton on time without a lot of worry on an Alabama Farmers Federation jet. Keynote speaker, Blake Gibson of
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Jones-Hamilton Co., spoke on the “Sci- the agenda was the presentation of door ence of Litter Management.” Gibson, prizes. Each farm represented was an accomplished motivational speaker, given one ticket as they enter the meetchallenged the audience to rethink litter ing. Five tickets were drawn, giving five handling and downtime between flocks. lucky recipients a crisp new $100 bill. After the drawing, a supper was He stressed the importance of cleaning out and specifically making sure all the served in the ballroom next door. Then it was time to head across the litter is removed because this will remove the bacteria that may be challeng- street to get things rolling with the ing your flock. It is vitally important to AP&EA “Evening of Fun!” shock the soil with a litter amendment to alter the pH environment. This makes it difficult for the "bugs" that have been challenging previous flocks to continue. CAFO continuing education credits were awarded for Association President Johnny Adcock (left) and Grower Committee Chairman Kenneth Sanders (right) presented a plaque and farm sign to Prentiss, Jennifer, attendance. Levi and Lake Romine in recognition of being named Alabama Poultry Farm Next on Family of the Year.
Alabama Poultry Magazine
mittee Executive Com and the AP&EA ck co Ad ny hn Jo
BIRMINGHAM – It could have been a disaster. Four days before the biggest event of the year for AP&EA, we found out that one of our featured entertainers had strained vocal chords and could not perform. What? What do you mean, Kiefer Thompson can’t sing? Couldn’t he just lip sync – kind of a country version of Millie Vanilli? It just wasn’t going to happen. What could we do? The first thing that we did was pray! You can’t do better than that, and it worked. God sent us a real blessing. We found out that a real talented lady from Birmingham was available. Her name: Sara Evans, and, as they say, the rest is history. The evening got started in a flashy way as the Enterprise FFA Alumni String Band hit the stage. The band, which encompasses members going back to 1971 to today’s Enterprise High School’s senior class, was ready for prime time with Dawn Turner, with her Charlie Daniel’s autographed fiddle, leading the way. It was foot stomping great. The band’s rocket repertoire consisted of the George Strait/Chris Duke classic “Amarillo By Morning,” followed by the Merle Haggard standard “Lonesome Fugitive.” Dawn really got
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Johnny Adams and the Romine
family
rolling on “Orange Blossom Special” and “Wagon Wheel.” When they left the stage, Ray Hilburn gave the invocation and Emily Davis sang the National Anthem, then it was time for introductions. AP&EA Executive Director Johnny Adams introduced the AP&EA President Johnny Adcock. Johnny Adcock introduced the AP&EA Executive Committee. Johnny Adams took the stage once again to introduce the Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year, Prentiss and Jennifer Romine, along with their sons, Levi and Lake. The Romines, who grow for Tyson, Shelbyville, Tenn., are from Anderson, Ala. Then there was Sara. Tanned and looking good, she explained that she had just come from the beach, where she had left her husband, former Alabama quarterback and radio personality, Jay Barker, and their seven children. She quipped, tongue-in-cheek, that she was very glad to be on stage, where she could get some rest. Of course, she was just kidding, because her show was high energy and pure Sara. She sang many of the songs from her new album Stronger, including the title track “A Little Bit Stronger.” Many of her songs are extremely personal, running the gamut of emotions from plaintive to exuberant. One highlight was a rollicking bluegrass version of “Born To Fly.” She even outdid Tammy Wynette with “Stand By Your Man.”
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Just when you think, you’ve seen the best, along comes somebody that’s been around for a while – and you get blindsided by just how great they are. All I can say is if you saw Sara Evans, you fell in love with her. If you didn’t see her, you just should have been there. Maybe next year!
w een TV r c s g i B
inners See and download pictures from the “Evening of Fun” at www.alabamapoultry.org
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Aer the concert, the Momentum Party Band kept the good times going with a mix of Motown, rock and pop. e dance floor was always full and smiles were all around.
See and download pictures from the “Evening of Fun” at www.alabamapoultry.org
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Alabama Poultry Magazine
e Romines Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year
No family picture of the Romines would be complete without Mo, the Jack Russell/Feist combo dog. (Back row, left to right) Lake, Prentiss and Levi. That’s Jennifer holding Mo.
Not many folks know where Anderson, Alabama is. It’s pretty far north, up in Lauderdale County, in fact, it is even north of the Tennessee River. And, it’s home to the 2013 Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year. Prentiss Romine and his wife, Jennifer, have called Lauderdale County home for all of their lives. Prentiss grew up near Rogersville, where his family raised hogs, cattle and row cropped. After graduating from Lauderdale County High School, he went to work on a maintenance crew at a local vinyl tile manufacturing company in Florence and also continued working with his father on the family farm. Needing some help with his taxes, he went to a local accountant. There was a young lady working in the office part-time. Her name was Jennifer, and she was a graduate of Lauderdale County High School’s biggest rival, Lexington, and she was nine months older than Prentiss. Love, obviously, overcomes a multitude of obstacles, because in September of 1985, they were married. He was 19 and she was 20. Jennifer, the youngest of four kids, had grown up in Anderson. Her parent’s home was on 30 acres that her great-grandfather had homesteaded. Her grandfather had built the house where they lived. Her father was an ironworker and her mother, who had worked at the Sweet Sue poultry processing plant, was a homemaker.
They had a few cows and a big garden, but they really weren’t farmers. While they were engaged, Prentiss and Jennifer had built a garage apartment on her parent’s land, and now attached to their current home. They moved in the day they were married. Before getting into the poultry business, Prentiss built houses when he wasn’t farming with his father. He even worked as a union carpenter at the Brown’s Ferry Nuclear Power Plant. In 1989, he purchased 29 acres from Jennifer’s parents and began farming independently with 10 brood cows. With plans for a family, health insurance and other benefits were a necessity, so Jennifer went to work. With her administrative background, it wasn’t long before she was working with TVA. In 1989, she moved to Redstone Arsenal/Marshall Space Flight Center. “We always thought that I’d get to quit and come home,” she laughs, “but with raises and promotions, well …” Besides, she says that she likes her job as an administrative officer for the chief financial officer. Levi, their oldest son was born in 1988. Seven years later, Lake came along. In 1994, an opportunity presented itself. Aviagen was looking for growers to build layer houses. Prentiss signed on, building the first of two 40’x400’ layer
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houses, adding the second house in 1996. For the next 16 years success followed success. In 1996, he had the highest peeking 344 flock, and, in 1999, he had the highest peeking 308 flock. That same year, he recorded the second best life of flock hatchability rate in the female line. In 2000, he scored a major triumph by winning awards from Aviagen for the Highest Hatching Eggs per Hen Housed 808 Flock and for the Second Highest Hatching Eggs per Hen Housed 808 Flock. They followed that up a year later by being recognized as the 2001 Alabama Farmer’s Federation Outstanding Young Farm Family Poultry Division. Although they had excelled with the laying houses, the labor requirements were daunting. Hired help proved to be unreliable and the boys did not enjoy working in the egg houses. Also, Aviagen was becoming more and more concerned about bio security issues because a neighbor kept backyard chickens. In 2010, Prentiss decided that it was time to transition into the broiler business. Tyson, Shelbyville, Tenn., was expanding, so they converted the two layer houses into broiler houses, adding solid side walls. He also purchased additional land and built two 55’x 600’ houses and began growing a 6.5 lb. bird for Tyson-Shelbyville.
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Transitioning to the larger houses was not without some minor problems. Prentiss says that there was a real learning curve. One area that took some getting used to was the difference in the way the two styles of houses ventilated. He has noticed that his feed conversion is slightly better in the two older converted egg houses. His Tyson rep credits that to the fact that the houses have concrete floors, an Aviagen requirement. Just as he had with Aviagen, Prentiss has enjoyed success with Tyson, winning the award for Top Broiler Grower of the Year – Shelbyville Complex in 2011. That year, Levi announced that he was interested in farming full time, precipitating the building of two more high capacity broiler houses on the site of the two other large houses, bringing the farm’s capacity to 205,000 birds. Levi has now begun construction of another house nearby, this house, however, is a residence for himself. Levi and Lake are integral parts of the farm. They have worked on the farm from an early age. Both have also had experience working away from the farm, at a grocery store in Rogersville. The grocery store experience was not a choice either of them gladly made. It was, however, necessitated by separate automobile accidents. Each had been told by
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their parents that as long as their insurance rates didn’t go up through getting a ticket or an accident, that Prentiss and Jennifer would carry their insurance. One mishap and, well … you get the picture. Levi started work at the grocery store shortly after he turned 16, seven years later, after a mishap of his own, Lake joined Levi at the store, all to pay for their car insurance. While working at the store, they also attended school, graduating from Lauderdale County High School, and worked on the farm. Lake even found time to play football. He’ll be carrying that talent to Huntingdon College in Montgomery this fall as a linebacker. He plans on majoring in sports science or sports management. He says that he chose Hundington because of the family atmosphere.
The family currently farms a total of 300 acres. Not only do they raise chickens, but also have an award-winning herd of 200 commercial breeding cows from which they sell calves every August through video auction. Prentiss’s record of public service is impressive. He has served as chairman of the Lauderdale County Young Farmers Committee and has served as the vice chairman of the Alabama State Young Farmers Committee. He has served as both the beef and poultry committee chairman of the Lauderdale County Farmers Federation. The Romines are also active in their church, Rogersville Baptist. Congratulations, to Prentiss, Jennifer, Levi and Lake Romine – Alabama Poultry Farm Family of the Year!
This picture of the four big houses was taken from the poured concrete slab on which Levi’s new home will be built.
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Industry News
Aviagen Holds 50th Annual International Production Management School
Students gain hands-on experience at an Aviagen facility in Albertville.
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“For the 50th time, the best and brightest people in the poultry industry gathered to immerse themselves in the latest science and best practices that define the finest in poultry production management,” said Randall Ennis, CEO at Aviagen. “While the content taught in the Aviagen Production Management School has evolved considerably since 1967, the goal remains the same: to ensure that every graduate returns home with a firm, end-to-end understanding of broiler breeding and the vital issues that surround it, from best production practices to animal welfare and biosecurity.” The 2013 school curriculum featured 17 field trips and workshops focusing on fertility, ventilation, gut health,
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feed formulation, and much more. Classes and hands-on sessions were taught by instructors and experts, from Aviagen employees to professors from local and international universities. The month-long school offered Aviagen customer nominated students from 21 countries a chance to gain hands-on experience with virtually every facet of poultry production. More than 1,500 poultry professionals from 62 countries have completed the program since 1967, when it was founded in Connecticut as the Arbor Acres® Production Management School. The school ended with a graduation ceremony and dinner in Huntsville on June 27.
Practical Applications J.B. Hess, K.S. Macklin and J.J. Giambrone Reducing Disease – Poultry Science Department, Auburn University Proper Management, Immunity and Antibodies: A Growers Guide
An obviously sick broiler
The duodenal loop, showing external lesions characteristic of a disease called necrotic enteritis
Maintaining poultry flock health is an important way in which growers can optimize income from their poultry farm. Environmental management can minimize the incidence and severity of disease. Good house management, including sanitary water, dry litter, good air and feed quality, effective rodent and insect control, as well as proper biosecurity including signs, gates, locked doors, and the use of boots and coveralls. Poultry integrators help to reduce disease threats by vaccinating breeders so that they pass immunity to the broiler chicks and by vaccinating broilers either in the hatchery or on the farm. Good house conditions insure that the company’s health programs are not overwhelmed by a buildup of organisms in the house. Control of flies, litter beetles, wild birds, and rodents is extremely important in keeping microorganisms from surviving in a house and reinfecting the next flock. Obvious disease outbreaks are not always apparent when there are disease losses. Subclinical disease, without obvious signs in the majority of the birds often leads to important losses even when a major disease problem is not affecting broiler operations regionally. Occasionally, LT, bronchitis, Newcastle disease, viral arthritis, gangrenous dermatitis, or runting and stunting syndrome can cause obvious symptoms, but often losses are due to silent reductions in performance, such as poor weight gain and feed conversion, and unevenness in growth. Proper farm management techniques, already mentioned, can minimize losses from these subclinical infections. Also, birds that have responded optimally to good vaccination procedures will be less susceptible to infections and perform maximally. For viruses, coccidia, and some bacteria and mycoplasma, vaccination is an important means to protect birds from devastating outbreaks of contagious diseases. Breeder pullets receive a number of killed and live vaccinations in the
field prior to breeder house placement to prevent disease in them and so that they can pass protective antibodies to broilers through the egg yolk. Protective immunity from the hen does not generally last more than two weeks in the broiler chicks, therefore broilers must often be vaccinated. Broilers are vaccinated with live (mild) or recombinant (molecularly produced) vaccines in the hatchery, mostly by injection in the egg against several viruses. Some broilers are also vaccinated by coarse spray in a small cabinet after they hatch. A few diseases require boosting usually in the drinking water or with a coarse spray machine during the second to third weeks of age. For field boosting, farmers need to follow their portion of vaccination protocols carefully to make sure that birds get the desired dose of vaccine in a live form. Insuring on-farm vaccination success will help growers avoid health losses in their birds. Placement and early brooding conditions can influence the start chicks get and how well they will respond to vaccines delivered just prior or after placement. Water line management through any on-farm vaccination procedures can be an important health tool for growers. Water lines should be kept clean routinely to maintain bird health. If lines are cleaned prior to water vaccination, sufficient time should be allowed to clear line cleaning compounds from the water system so that live vaccines are not killed by the water line sanitation efforts. Having clean water lines and an accurate working proportioner are important along with strictly following in-house vaccination procedures. Poor vaccine delivery due to dirty water lines can lead to uneven coverage among the birds, which can lead to rolling reactions later and an increase in the amount of virus in the house. When using spray machines, care must be taken to make sure the birds receive the vaccine directly into the facial area. Proper wearing of cov-
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Alabama Poultry Magazine
A layer that has coccidiosis, specifically E. tenella or cecal coccidiosis.
eralls, boots, and eyeware and respirator are also important for grower not to be spray in their own eyes or nose so that they do not carry the live vaccine out of the house. Poultry face a number of contagious pathogenic (disease causing) organisms during grow out; including viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma (MG and MS), protozoa (cocci), fungi, and worms. Birds have immune organs in their nose, eyes, and respiratory tract, but also have a large amount of immune producing tissues in their digestive and reproductive tract as well. These are in place to react to any organisms that enter a bird’s body. They can produce local antibody or other immune cells that work in a small area surrounding the infection or produce circulating antibodies that can migrate to most parts of the body in a short time through the blood and lymphatic system. With broilers, understanding how growers can help to minimize disease in the house requires an understanding of how the immune system of a young bird develops and changes during the growing period. Day-old chicks have circulating antibodies to most of the viral and bacterial disease organisms they are likely to face thanks to passive immunity derived from hen vaccination, or by a series of primary vaccinations in the hatchery and possibly boosters given later in life. Live and/or killed booster vaccines are often needed because the immunity induced by some microorganisms can last no more than six to eight weeks. Maternal antibodies from the hen can help chicks from getting infected during the first few weeks of life. If young birds are infected with low levels of an organism and can fight it off with maternal antibodies, no disease results and birds are protected for a short time period. After about two to three weeks, maternal antibodies have cleared from the chick’s blood and lymphatic system and the birds must develop their own active immunity from vaccination. Unfortunately, there is a short window around two to three weeks of age when bird’s maternal immunity has waned, but the immunity received by their vaccination has
not become maximized. Regardless of the effectiveness of vaccination, the bird’s immunity can be overwhelmed if it is exposed to many organisms or if their immune system has been suppressed. Immunosuppression can come from a number of causes, including stress from poor management. Therefore, growers want to keep disease producing organisms low by optimizing air, water, feed, litter quality, biosecurity, maintain proper temperature and have a rodent and insect control program. Coccidia are intestinal protozoa that cause poor weight gain and feed conversion. They present a different control challenge for growers and poultry companies alike, since they are more complex than bacteria, mycoplasma, or viruses, which means that immunity develops in a different way. Birds still develop immunity to the various cocci species that cause problems in all commercial poultry if they are vaccinated or are given anticoccidial drugs. There are three types of cocci control programs in use for broilers and breeder pullets. Two of these are feed additives, while the third involves vaccination with live cocci organisms. Some of the feed additives shut down cocci completely, which leads to maximum performance for a short time. In general, resistance develops quickly to these types and they are often used only for one grow out per year. A second class of feed additives control most of the negative effects of cocci, but allow small numbers of the organism to “leak” through, triggering the broilers’ immune system. This program tends to work for longer periods since the bird’s natural immunity will react to the continual shedding and reinfection of the organisms. Coccidiosis vaccines containing live organisms in small amounts are also used extensively and can give good control without a significant loss of performance provided house conditions (wet litter) do not allow the live vaccine organisms to build up in the litter and reinfect the bird before it develops significant immunity to the cocci species. The vaccine is usually injected into the egg at transfer, given in the spray cabinet at day of age in the hatchery, or given by drinking water during the first week of age. Health maintenance through controlling house conditions is a constant concern for poultry farmers since air and feed quality, litter moisture, temperature control, water line sanitation, biosecurity, and rodent and insect control, are all important in reducing the number of disease organisms in a house until the birds’ immune response has been maximized. Critical periods to protect birds from a health standpoint include; placement/early brooding, during vaccination, and two to three weeks of age (when maternal antibodies are waning). Finally, bird health is maintained by a combination of vaccination programs and feed additives from the integrator and good house conditions from the farmer. All are necessary to keep diseases from spreading and reoccurring on the same farm.
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Tunnel ventilation technology has matured and been used in the U.S. poultry belt for about 25 years. Most growers and managers have a pretty good feel of how to manage tunnel houses as birds get bigger. However, many growers and managers are less sure of how to keep small younger birds comfortable in extremely hot weather. Many of the calls we have been getting lately are from growers asking something like, “If the temperature is at or above 98-100°F outside and birds are only a few days old, what is the best way to get them comfortable in a tunnel house that has 6-inch cool cell pads?” Tunnel ventilation for very young birds does need to be managed differently from the way we tunnel ventilate older birds. This is why one of the old rules of thumb, “Do not tunnel ventilate birds until they are 21 days old,” came into being. This rule of thumb has been around a long time. It came about to keep managers from doing more harm than good with tunnel ventilation on small birds and it came about before we had in place the modern equipment and controls to run a tunnel house. It also came about in an era when the industry was still early on in the learning curve of understanding and managing tunnel ventilation. But experience has taught us that if we understand the basic principles of bird heat transfer when using tunnel ventilation and apply these principles correctly, tunnel can be a very valuable tool to make any age bird comfortable. Tunnel Basics – Applied to Younger vs Older Birds Whatever the age, any bird that is panting is too warm. Panting is the natural mechanism birds use to rid themselves of excess deep body heat. When a bird gets too warm, it will also cut way back on its eating – because burning more calories makes the problem worse by adding more body heat – and consequently weight gain will suffer. There are lots of other problems that pop up when birds are hot and stay hot. The worst case, of course, is that extreme heat increases mortalities. Seeing lots of panting birds is the symptom that tells you the birds are out of their comfort zone and if possible something needs to be done to correct the situation. There are two basic tools that are designed into a tunnel house with cool cells: 1) Putting an airstream directly over the birds to pick up and remove body heat (wind chill); and
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2) Lowering the actual temperature of house air. The house air temperature can often be lowered by just bringing in cooler air from outside. If this is not sufficient or possible (extreme hot weather, outside air temperature higher than inside target temperature) the cool cells are there to lower the incoming air temperature by evaporative cooling. It is really pretty basic. A good tunnel ventilation management strategy generally is to use air movement and wind chill first, staging on various combinations of fans and air inlets, and turning on cool cells last. Actually the principles of tunnel ventilation for big birds and small birds are the same: Use the tunnel tools to balance the bird heat loss so as to keep the birds in their comfort zone. With big birds the mass to surface area ratio and R value of the bird’s surface are dramatically different from small birds that lack feathers or are not yet fully feathered. This is what makes managing tunnel ventilation on smaller birds a more demanding and less forgiving task. Figure 1 is based on research showing how important wind chill is in keeping birds comfortable and gaining weight. At an air temperature of 85°F, five-pound birds will be suffering from excess body heat in still air and will have to be panting to shed that excess heat (left side of chart). As wind speed increases (toward right side of chart), they are able to shed enough of their body heat through wind chill so that they can resume normal breathing (and eating). For birds at three weeks and older, research shows that the wind chill effect typically does not begin to result in improved weight gain or feed efficiency until wind speed gets over 200 feet per minute. The response of younger birds to tunnel air is very different. Figure 2 illustrates research showing just how differently younger birds experience wind chill cooling. At an air temperature of 90°F, the effective temperature felt by fourweek birds as tunnel wind speed increases will be 3 to 8 degrees lower than the effective temperature experienced by mature birds. The effect is even more pronounced for 1-day to 3-week birds because of their smaller body size and lack of feathers. The most important principle to keep in mind in ventilating younger birds is that just about anything you do to increase air movement or reduce air temperature will have greater effect on young birds than on older birds. One-week birds in 98°F air will benefit from some wind chill cooling,
Alabama Poultry Magazine
but they don’t need nearly as much air movement or wind chill as larger birds, and if you overdo it you will chill them, which is as bad as or worse than overheating. Tunnel Ventilation Strategies for Younger Birds In managing tunnel ventilated houses (with perimeter vent doors) we always set ventilation programs to start out in the power ventilation vent door mode. As house temperature increases, more fans are turned on in an effort to cool the house off by bringing in outside air. In the vent door mode there is no wind chill cooling placed on the birds and no tunnel effect. If we can get the house near the desired target temperature, the birds will be comfortable. This works well if it is cooler outside than we want it to be inside. But in hot weather, turning on more and more fans does not lower the in-house temperature much and somewhere around 5 to 7 degrees F above target most ventilation controller programs will change the house to the tunnel mode of ventilation. This now puts a direct air stream across the birds and greatly accelerates the heat loss from the birds. If this direct airflow does not sufficiently reduce the deep body bird heat, the last step is to bring on the evapora-
tive cooling (cool cells) and reduce the air temperature. Most of the time with larger birds after two weeks of age, the controller can handle this with very little grower intervention. Very young birds (day old to two weeks) require a slightly different strategy and closer management. First, run vent fans through perimeter inlets (tunnel curtain closed). Tunnel should be the last resort. Try to get the birds comfortable in the vent door ventilation mode. If you cannot get the birds comfortable (still panting) consider tunnel ventilation. With very young birds tunnel needs to be done carefully. You need to be there on the farm to observe the birds. If the birds are hot they can benefit from tunnel but because they are young, very small in mass, and have few feathers, we must tunnel them gently. Two-fan tunnel ventilation with vent doors closed and tunnel inlet opened half way would be a good starting point. Windspeed with two fan tunnel might be somewhere around 100-120 fpm depending on fan size and other variables. Watch the birds for at least 30 to 45 minutes to see how they react. Adding one more fan for a total of three fan tunnel (150-180 fpm wind speed) might be the next step to try. Adding any more air speed (more fans) probably will not
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help much. If the birds continue to be very hot, a good tip is to cut back from 3 fans to two fans and consider putting a small amount of water on the pads. A good practice has been to add water to one side of the cool cells (not both sides) and this water should be limited and not continuous. Some cool cell systems have been installed so that only the first half of the system can be used. This might be an option on some farms. We like to call it tempering the air. Try to regulate the water to the pad to maintain the desired incoming air temperature. You don’t want to see birds sitting down or crowding together, which they will do when they feel chilled. Also, you don’t want to let the house get cool enough to yo-yo out of tunnel. Consistent, correct temperature is the key. Find the right combination to get the bird heat balance correct so birds are back in their comfort zone, not too warm and not chilled. As evening approaches and outside air temperature drops, get the house back into the vent door power mode of ventilation. In determining if you are close to the right temperature heat balance combination for a young flock, it is important to realize is that if you cool it off to the point where there are no birds panting at all, you have probably gone too far for the flock as a whole. At the point where 5-10 percent of birds are panting or close to panting you are pretty close to the right temperature and heat balance.
One of the old rules of thumb for tunnel management that is still good to know is, “For about 10 degrees F of wind chill cooling turn on the number of tunnel fans equal to bird age in weeks, plus one fan.” For example, 2 week old birds need about 3 tunnel fans in tunnel to feel 10 degrees F of wind chill cooling. Four week old birds need 5 fans. Fan sizes have changed so much in the past 10 years that some modifications of this rule might be necessary to fit some farms. The take-home point on making young small birds comfortable is that you need to observe birds closely and tweak the air flow (ventilation) and if necessary the air temperature (by cool cell) just enough to get the birds comfortable. The Bottom Line Birds that are not kept comfortable at the beginning of a growout will not get off to a good start. Flocks that do not start well typically do not finish well. Research has consistently shown that lowered weight gain and feed efficiency in the first weeks cannot be made up in later weeks. Used judiciously, tunnel ventilation and evaporative cooling when needed can help flocks get off to a good start even in extremely hot weather.
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A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words
By Jim Donald, Jess Campbell, Dennis Brothers & Gene Simpson, National Poultry Technology Center, Auburn University College of Agriculture
Photo #1
Photo #2
Photo #4
Photo #3
Neglected maintenance on your farm’s generator might be responsible for a premature generator failure and an expensive catastrophic loss of birds. A generator with a dirty radiator (photo 1) , or one that cannot get airflow to the unit or around the generator body (photos 2, 3, 4) may pass a 30-minute run test once per week but could likely fail if asked to run for a couple of hours under full load on a 95 degree day. And a generator that won’t start because the battery is weak or dead is of no value (photo 5). Recent NPTC farm visits have verified the need for continued attention to generator preventive maintenance. Something as simple as replacing the battery or making sure the radiator of your generator is not plugged could save a farm of birds. You might be surprised at what you might learn about your generator and backup systems by doing a 2-hour full load test with all the fans running between flocks. For more information on good generator maintenance see our YouTube video at:
Photo #5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um88-Y8GJZY
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pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg. pg.
28 5 31 22 11 4 7 28 15 2 28 32 29 23
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Allied Fund-Raising Golf Tournament Thursday, September 26, 2013 Chesley Oaks Golf Course, Cullman COUNTY ASSOCIATION MEETINGS Central Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Thursday, August 15, 2013, 6:30 p.m. Beeland Park, Greenville Randolph, Clay, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair, & Talladega Counties Tuesday, August 20, 2013, 6:30 p.m. Bobcat of Oxford, Oxford
Alabama Poultry Magazine