February 2021 by afccooperativefarmingnews

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Cooperative Farming News

IN THIS ISSUE:

Editor-in-Chief: Samantha Carpenter Editor: Jessie Shook Contributing Editor: Jade Randolph Associate Editor: Mary Delph

pg. 20

CO-OP MATTERS 20 Store Spotlight: Wayne Gilliam Reaches 50 Year Milestone 36 Deer Boss: Quality Deer Feed Made by Quality People LIFE ON THE HOMEPLACE AND IN THE COMMUNITY 40 Where the Buffalo Roam: Green Acres Buffalo Farm 43 Josh Webb: A Well-Lived Life YOUTH MATTERS 24 PALS: Helena Library Partners with PALS

pg. 26

pg. 36

26 4-H Extension Corner: Greene County 4-H: A Place to Call Their Own 30 FFA Sentinel: Building Leaders One Row at a Time 38 Co-op In The Classroom: Ads Designed by Students from Brewer High School

On the Cover: Green Acres Buffalo Farm provides bison meat for restaurants and meat markets across the state of Alabama. Story on page 40. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

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Wendy McFarland 334-652-9080 or email McFarlandAdVantage@gmail.com Cooperative Farming News is published monthly by Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. 121 Somerville Road NE, Decatur, AL 35601-2659 P.O. Box 2227, Decatur, AL 35609-2227

OUR REGULARS Letter from the Editor................ 4

How’s Your Garden?................... 47

Ag Insight.................................... 8

Simple Times.............................. 49

Business of Farming................... 12

Howle’s Hints.............................. 51

Feeding Facts ............................. 14

The Magic of Gardening........... 54

From the State Vet’s Office......... 16

Food Safety................................. 56

What’s the Point.......................... 19

Grazing Grace............................ 59

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and will not be responsible for copy errors or misprints in advertising or editorial material, other than to publish corrections of errors in fact. Feature articles, news items and columns are published for the information of our readers from qualified, reputable sources; however, the editors and publisher make no guarantees and assume no liability for any reader’s decision to implement any procedure, recommendation or advice printed in this publication. Photos are credited to author unless otherwise noted. Advertised sale items may not be stocked by every Quality Co-op store and prices may vary.

On the Edge of Common Sense... 22

The Co-op Pantry....................... 61

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Outdoor Logic with BioLogic.... 32

What’s Happening in Alabama... 64

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Cooking with Stacy Lyn............. 35

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February 2021

Letter from the Editor While we’re still participating in virtual meetings and practicing social distancing, our year is off to a busy start! This month, AFC is hosting our 84th Annual Membership Meeting to celebrate the success and growth of our company and look forward to the future. This issue hosts a variety of stories from across the state — from highlighting a new “Deer Boss” feed created by AFC Grain to visiting Green Acres Buffalo Farm in South Alabama. We’re also showcasing the art of Brewer High School’s creative eighth-grade students and what they envisioned the perfect Co-op ad would look like. Check it out and you’ll see for yourself how talented they are. This month’s Co-op Pantry is full of breakfast recipes, which in my opinion, is the perfect meal for any time of day! Our 85th birthday celebration continues through 2021! Over the next few months, we are looking forward to sharing recipes, history and adventures from our contributors and partners. Thank you for being a loyal reader, customer, and part of the AFC family.

Samantha Carpenter Editor-in-Chief

Cooperative Farming News

February 2021

Serving gardeners, farmers and everyone in between

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Cooperative Farming News

DIRECTORY OF MEMBER COOPERATIVES ALTHA FARMERS COOPERATIVE James Lynn, Mgr. Phone 850-674-8194

ELBERTA FARMERS COOPERATIVE William D. Carlew, Mgr. Phone 251-986-8103

ANDALUSIA FARMERS COOPERATIVE Russell Lassiter, Gen. Mgr. Phone 334-222-1851 FLORALA - Pete Blackwell, Mgr. Phone 334-858-6142 OPP - Brandon Bledsoe, Mgr. Phone 334-493-7715

FARMERS COOPERATIVE MARKET Doug Smith, Gen. Mgr. FRISCO CITY - William Womack, Mgr. Phone 251-267-3175 Fertilizer / Phone 251-267-3173 LEROY - Jeff Hughston, Mgr. Phone 251-246-3512

ATMORE TRUCKERS ASSOCIATION Todd Booker, Mgr. Phone 251-368-2191

FARMERS CO-OP OF ASHFORD Timothy Tolar, Mgr. Jerome Hinson, Asst. Mgr. Phone 334-899-3263

BLOUNT COUNTY FARMERS COOPERATIVE Eric Sanders, Mgr. Phone 205-274-2185 CENTRAL ALABAMA FARMERS COOPERATIVE Tim Wood, Gen. Mgr. SELMA - Thomas Reeves, Mgr. Phone 334-874-9083 FAUNSDALE - Bryan Monk, Mgr. Phone 334-628-2681 DEMOPOLIS - Tom Eunice, Mgr. Phone 334-289-0155 CHEROKEE FARMERS COOPERATIVE Andrew Dempsey, Gen. Mgr. CENTRE - Seth Eubanks, Mgr. Phone 256-927-3135 JACKSONVILLE - Tommy Thomas, Mgr. Phone 256-435-3430 PIEDMONT - Kevin Bobbitt, Mgr. Phone 256-447-6560

FARMERS COOPERATIVE, INC. Todd Lawrence, Gen. Mgr. LIVE OAK, FL - Barry Long, Ag Div. Mgr. Phone 386-362-1459 MADISON, FL - Jerry Owens, Operations Mgr. Phone 850-973-2269 GENEVA COUNTY COOPERATIVE HARTFORD - Todd Smith, Gen. Mgr. Phone 334-588-2992 WEST GENEVA - Robert Pittman, Mgr. Phone 334-898-7932 GOSHEN FARMERS COOPERATIVE Danny Dewrell, Mgr. Phone 334-484-3441 HEADLAND PEANUT WAREHOUSE CO-OP Jay Jones, Mgr. Chris Hix, Store Mgr. Phone 334-693-3313

CLAY COUNTY EXCHANGE Jeff Kinder, Mgr. Phone 256-396-2097 COFFEE COUNTY FARMERS COOPERATIVE ENTERPRISE - Ricky Wilks, Gen. Mgr. Phone 334-347-9007 ELBA - Colin Morris, Mgr. Phone 334-897-6972 COLBERT FARMERS COOPERATIVE Daniel Waldrep, Gen. Mgr. LEIGHTON - Tommy Sockwell, Mgr. Phone 256-446-8328 TUSCUMBIA - Chuck Hellums, Mgr. Phone 256-383-6462

JAY PEANUT FARMERS COOPERATIVE Ryan Williams, Mgr. Phone 850-675-4597 LUVERNE COOPERATIVE SERVICES Perry Catrett, Mgr. Phone 334-335-5082 MADISON COUNTY COOPERATIVE Keith Griffin, Gen. Mgr. HAZEL GREEN - Phone 256-828-2010 MERIDIANVILLE - Matt Dunbar, Mgr. Phone 256-828-5360 NEW MARKET - Phone 256-379-2553 Ramsey Prince, Mgr. SCOTTSBORO - Phone 256-574-1688 Patricia Rorex, Mgr. STEVENSON - Phone 256-437-8829

DEKALB FARMERS COOPERATIVE Lance Ezelle, Gen. Mgr. RAINSVILLE - Andrea Crain, Mgr. Phone 256-638-2569 CROSSVILLE - David Tierce, Mgr. Phone 256-528-7188 ALBERTVILLE Phone 256-878-3261

MARION COUNTY COOPERATIVE Steve Lann, Gen. Mgr. HAMILTON - Phone 205-921-2631 FAYETTE - Kellie Trull, Mgr. Phone 205-932-5901 HALEYVILLE - Jessica Steward, Mgr. Phone 205-486-3794

MARSHALL FARMERS COOPERATIVE Brian Keith, Gen. Mgr. HOLLY POND - Phone 256-796-5337 ARAB - Mark Upton Phone 256-586-5515 MORGAN FARMERS COOPERATIVE Bradley Hopkins, Gen. Mgr. HARTSELLE - Phone 256-773-6832 DECATUR - Phone 256-353-4663 PIKE FARMERS COOPERATIVE Wayne Ward, Mgr. Phone 334-566-3882 QUALITY COOPERATIVE, INC. Daniel Salter, Mgr. Phone 334-382-6548 RANDOLPH FARMERS COOPERATIVE Tim Brown, Mgr. Phone 256-357-4743 TALEECON FARMERS COOPERATIVE Scott Hartley, Gen. Mgr. Phone 334-257-3930 WETUMPKA - Timothy Richardson, Mgr. Phone 334-567-4321 TALLADEGA COUNTY EXCHANGE Chris Elliott, Gen. Mgr. Phone 256-362-2716 ASHVILLE - Allen Bice, Mgr. Phone 205-594-7042 PELL CITY - Joseph Taylor, Mgr. Phone 205-338-2821 COLUMBIANA - Barry Keller, Mgr. Phone 205-669-7082 TENNESSEE VALLEY COOPERATIVE, INC. John Curtis, President ATHENS – Britt Christopher, Mgr. Phone 256-232-5500 LYNNVILLE, TN - Kyle Doggett, Mgr. Phone 931-527-3923 PULASKI, TN – Celena Williams, Mgr. Phone 931-363-2563 Reggie Shook, Vice Pres. FLORENCE - Robbie Neal, Mgr. Phone 256-764-8441 ELGIN - Wendell Walker, Mgr. Phone 256-247-3453 John Holley, Vice Pres. MOULTON - Greg McCannon, Mgr. Phone 256-974-9213 COURTLAND Phone 256-637-2939 TUSCALOOSA FARMERS COOPERATIVE Wayne Gilliam, Mgr. Phone 205-339-8181 WALKER FARMERS COOPERATIVE Cody King, Mgr. Phone 205-387-1142

*PLEASE CONTACT EACH STORE DIRECTLY FOR ALL OF THE SERVICES THEY OFFER* PEANUTS

PECANS

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PEA SHELLING

CATFISH

February 2021

AG INSIGHT Agricultural trade affects other parts of economy The Agricultural Trade Multipliers, one of many data products offered by USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS), provide annual estimates of the effects of trade in farm and food products on the U.S. economy. Because agricultural sales are one of few segments of the U.S. economy with a positive trade balance, the story they present is important. Expressed as multipliers, the trade figures reflect the amount of economic activity and jobs generated by agricultural exports. Similarly, the agricultural trade multiplier can be utilized to evaluate impacts of shocks such as COVID-19 on the agricultural sector. As the accompanying chart shows, exports constitute a large market for U.S. farm and food products and send ripples of activity through the nation’s economy. For instance, farm purchases of fuel and fertilizer to produce agricultural commodities for export spur economic activity in the manufacturing, trade and transportation sectors, and the movement of these exports requires data processing, financial, legal, managerial and administrative services. In 2018, U.S. agricultural exports valued at $139.6 billion generated an additional $162.9 billion in economic activity, for a total of $302.5 billion in economic output; thus, on average, every dollar of U.S. agricul-

tural product exported generated $1.17 of additional domestic economic activity. No sector benefited more than the services, trade and transportation sector, which realized $88.2 billion worth of additional economic activity due to U.S. agricultural exports. On the farm, agricultural exports supported an additional $22.1 billion of business activity beyond the value of the agricultural exports themselves.

Companies join to reduce food waste Two major U.S. food companies have joined the growing list of corporations that have pledged to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50% by the year 2030. Meijer, an American supercenter chain throughout the Midwest, and UNFI, a North America Food wholesaler, are recent additions to the roster of U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. The commitment and action of all participating businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources, and improve food system efficiencies while reducing waste. Other companies involved in the effort include Amazon, Aramark, Bon Appetit, Browns Superstores, Campbells, ConAgra, General Mills, Giant Eagle, Hilton, Kellogg’s, Kroger, MGM Resorts, Pepsico, The Wendy’s Company, Unilever, Walmart, Walt Disney World, Wegmans and Yum! Brands.

… more food (over 75 billion pounds) reached landfills and combustion facilities than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 22% of discarded municipal solid waste.

Cooperative Farming News

BY JIM ERICKSON

The most recent available EPA data estimates that in 2017 more food (over 75 billion pounds) reached landfills and combustion facilities than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 22% of discarded municipal solid waste. Food waste not only affects landfill space and methane emissions, it has a negative impact on the economy. USDA estimates the yearly value of food loss and waste for retailers and consumers is more than $161 billion.

COVID likely to reverse lower WIC participation trend Although the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a countering impact, the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has experienced a 30% drop in participation in the years leading up to the decade beginning in 2020. The WIC program helps to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing supplemental foods, nutrition education, and health care referrals at no cost to participants. On average, 6.4 million people per month participated in the program in fiscal year 2019, 7% fewer than in the previous fiscal year and a 30% drop from

the program’s historical high of 9.2 million participants in fiscal year 2010. The number of WIC participants in each category — women, infants and children — fell by 6-7% between fiscal years 2018 and 2019. This marked the ninth year in the program’s history that participation for all three groups fell. Declining U.S. births and improving economic conditions have likely played a role in the falling WIC caseloads. The latest available data in the accompanying chart predates the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on WIC participation.

AskUSDA Contact Center now available

In an effort to streamline providing information to the public about its numerous programs and services, USDA has launched its AskUSDA Contact Center. The new center will serve as the “one front door” for phone, chat and web inquires, transforming how the public interacts with USDA and providing an enhanced experience for the public, USDA says. Prior to AskUSDA’s creation and implementation, callers might need to navigate numerous phone numbers and had no chat function or online platform for self-service, creating frustrations and inefficiencies. AskUSDA was created to make USDA more responsive to the public by providing a single destination for phone, chat and web inquiries. Whether it’s talking to a USDA representative via phone, chatting with a live agent on the USDA website or communicating with experts via email, the public will have streamlined access, the agency believes. February 2021

With over 29 agencies and offices, USDA’s mission potentially touches every person in the U.S. and hundreds of millions around the globe. AskUSDA is designed to make sure farmers, researchers, travelers, parents and others have efficient access to the information and resources they need.

Net farm, cash income forecast higher Net farm income (NFI), a broad measure of profits, is forecast to increase $36.0 billion (43.1%) in 2020 to $119.6 billion, according to USDA’s latest projections. In inflation-adjusted 2020 dollars, NFI is forecast to increase $35.0 billion (41.3%) from 2019, increasing for the fourth consecutive year. If realized, NFI in 2020 in inflation-adjusted terms would be at its highest level since 2013, 32% above its 2000-19 average of $90.6 billion. Net cash farm income (NCFI) is forecast to increase $24.7 billion (22.6%) to $134.1 billion in 2020. Inflation-adjusted NCFI is expected to increase $23.4 billion (21.1%) from 2019, which would put it at its highest level since 2014 and 22.5% above its 2000-19 average ($109.5 billion). NCFI encompasses cash receipts from farming as well as farm-related income, including government payments, minus cash expenses. It does not include noncash items – including changes in inventories, economic depreciation and gross imputed rental income of operator dwellings — reflected in the net farm income measure above. Cash receipts for all commodities are forecast to decrease $3.2 billion (0.9%) to $366.5 billion (in nominal terms) in 2020. Total animal/animal product receipts are expect-

Cooperative Farming News

ed to decrease $9.7 billion (5.5%) with declines in receipts for broilers, cattle/calves and hogs. Total crop receipts are expected to increase $6.5 billion (3.3%) from 2019 levels. Higher receipts for fruit/nuts and soybeans are expected to more than offset lower receipts for corn and cotton. Direct government farm payments are forecast at $46.5 billion in 2020, an increase of $24.0 billion in nominal terms (107.1%). The expected increase is because of supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance for COVID-19 relief. Total production expenses, including operator dwelling expenses, are forecast to decrease $5.2 billion (1.5%) to $343.6 billion (in nominal terms) in 2020. Interest expenses, livestock/poultry purchases, and oils/fuels expenses are expected to decrease, but fertilizer expenses and net rent to landlords are expected to increase. When grouped by commodity specialization, nearly all groups of farm businesses are expected to see average net farm income rise in 2020. Farm debt is forecast to increase by $16.6 billion (4.0%) to $435.2 billion (in nominal terms), led by an expected 6.1% rise in real estate debt. The farm sector debt-to-asset ratio is expected to rise from 13.61% in 2019 to 13.95% in 2020. Working capital, which measures the amount of cash available to fund operating expenses after paying off debt due within 12 months, is forecast to increase 6% from 2019. When adjusted for inflation, farm sector equity and assets are relatively unchanged from 2019.

Biden selects Vilsack for USDA post President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Obama Cabinet veteran and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack headed USDA for eight years during Obama’s tenure as president. Although the former governor is well known in the nation’s capital, the nomination quickly sparked controversy among traditional farm groups said to favor former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and reform-minded supporters of Rep. Marcia Fudge of Cleveland who want USDA to spend more combating hunger and climate change. Biden earlier had nominated Fudge as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Vilsack has been serving as chief executive of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, a dairy industry-supported group. The nominee would replace current Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

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February 2021

BUSINESS OF FARMING

BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES for Alabama Farmers

12 12 Cooperative Cooperative Farming Farming News News

B Y W E N D I A M S AWA D G O

In a world full of seemingly endless products, include Washington Apples and Idaho Potatoes. convincing customers to choose yours is key to busi- State-branding programs offer farmers the opportuness success. Branding allows companies to convey nity to market their products while promoting local information about their product to potential custom- agriculture. Seeing the success of such programs in ers while differentiating their product from competi- other states, Sweet Grown Alabama was established tors.’ Attracting consumers to a product is especially in 2019 to bridge the gap between producer and conimportant because of brand inertia – the idea that sumer, by allowing consumers to easily identify Alaconsumers are more likely to purchase a product bama-grown products. that they have previously tried and liked. Brand inFarmers might decide to brand their product as ertia comes into play in many Sweet Grown Alabama to idenagricultural settings ranging tify their product as being “lofrom farmers purchasing seed cal.” This can be beneficial to Sweet Grown Alabama to customers buying produce the producer because consumat their local farmers market. ers are often willing to pay more was established in 2019 Ultimately, businesses can for a product that was grown to bridge the gap take advantage of this concept within their state, and the logo and increase their profitability can act as a signal to consumbetween producer and by encouraging repeat sales, ers that the product was proconsumer, by allowing since the cost of retaining a duced in Alabama. In a study customer is typically far less of six contiguous states in the consumers to easily than the cost of attracting a U.S., researchers from Virginia identify Alabama-grown new customer. Therefore, esTech, Oklahoma State Universiproducts. tablishing a brand identity can ty and Purdue University found be crucial to the success of that consumers were willing to any agribusiness. pay a higher price for milk proFarmers have many ways duced in their own state comto brand their products, depending on the agricultural pared to milk produced in neighboring states. This market setting. When directly marketing products to suggests that Sweet Grown Alabama might present consumers – such as through farmers markets, farm a new marketing opportunity that could help producstands or community supported agriculture (CSA) – ers increase their revenues. farmers can promote their business to attract cusJust as our eyes are drawn to our favorite brand tomers and build relationships with their clientele. of chips or cookies on the shelf at the grocery store, In farmers market settings, installing signage with the consumers of agricultural products tend to gravithe farm name and logos throughout the booth can tate to the brands that they know and trust. Brand inhelp attract customers. Roadside banners, television ertia persists, as customers breed loyalty to their faor radio advertisements, social media pages and a vorite brands and default to purchasing the product website can direct customers to farm stands/stores that has treated them well in the past. Developing a and convey important information such as hours of brand identity for your agribusiness can encourage operation. An eye-drawing label that includes brand customers to make repeat purchases of your prodname, logos, words, symbols, and/or colors that com- ucts and improve revenues. As such, branding should plement and represent the brand can also be placed be a consideration when business planning. on the packaging of value-added products, for example honey, jams and jerky. Contact Information: Alternatively, farms can often glom onto larger Wendiam Sawadgo branding efforts by joining agricultural cooperatives Assistant Professor & Extension Economist or adopting state-branding labels, which can be use313A Comer Hall ful especially in settings lacking direct interaction Auburn University with the customer. These types of efforts are comwendiam@auburn.edu mon throughout the U.S. and allow a large group of (334) 844-3538 farmers to market their product together. Examples February 2021

FEEDING FACTS

Grass Tetany There have been thousands of articles written about grass tetany, but since it is the most common time of year for this particular problem, it seems prudent to do yet another one, especially since there are some relatively new twists in the research on ways to prevent the disorder. Grass tetany is a most often fatal nutritional or metabolic disorder characterized by low blood magnesium levels. It is not as simple as just a magnesium deficiency and several factors can play a role. Some of those factors include low dietary magnesium, low salt intake, nutrient imbalances such as high nitrates or potassium, ambient temperature, frost or freezes, types of forages and fertilization practices just to name a few. Magnesium levels in the blood are important for many reasons and when it gets below a required threshold, animals tend to lose coordination, collapse and die within a short time. There are effective treat-

14 14 Cooperative Cooperative Farming Farming News News

ments if caught early on, but generally the first noticeable sign will be a dead animal. Prevention is the best strategy available. We normally see grass tetany on cool, cloudy, early spring days. Most often these days follow a warm spell which was followed by a freeze or frost and cattle are grazing young, tender, frost-damaged grasses that have been fertilized. Offering high quality hay or dry lotting cattle on such days can help in prevention, but may not always be possible. When cattle graze frost-damaged young grass, there is typically a spike in nitrate levels in the blood. Cattle generally use sodium to tie up and eliminate the excess nitrates, but when sodium levels are not sufficient, the next best option is magnesium. This, along with high levels of milk production, will cause severe magnesium deficiency in the blood stream and grass tetany becomes likely. Grass tetany is most often seen in middle-aged to

B Y J I M M Y PA R K E R

older cows that are nursing young, less than 60-dayold, calves. Peak milk production is one of the important contributing factors. Another set of factors is the type and maturity of the forages being grazed combined with the fertilization practices. Cool-season grasses, both perennial grasses such as fescue and winter annuals such as ryegrass and wheat, are among the riskiest. Adding a legume, such as clover, will significantly reduce the occurrence of grass tetany because legumes tend to bring more magnesium from the soil when compared to cool-season grasses. The most common and surest prevention is to make sure that cattle are consuming a high magnesium mineral such as the Formax Grazing minerals during times of highest risk. It is recommended to switch to higher magnesium mineral a few weeks before the grass begins to grow rapidly and keep your herd on those minerals well after the greatest risk has passed. With that said, magnesium supplements tend to be bitter and are not palatable and extreme care is needed to make sure that the cattle are consuming the needed amount every day. Cattle do store limited amounts of magnesium in bone, but do not store it in the blood stream. They cannot metabolize the bone magnesium rapidly enough to be useful when blood nitrate levels spike during that perfect storm that causes grass tetany.

This reduction in salt cravings can reduce salt and mineral consumption and adds to the chances of seeing grass tetany by reducing both the sodium and magnesium available to the animals. To summarize the best ways to avoid grass tetany in your herd, a good place to start is providing a high magnesium mineral supplement such as the Formax Grazing minerals. When possible, waiting to graze grasses until they are taller than six inches and grazing younger animals and those not lactating on the higher-risk pastures makes sense. Fertilizer is good and clearly needed, but being aware of how it can contribute to grass tetany is important, as is making sure soil phosphorus levels are adequate. Providing a good quality hay on those days when the conditions favor grass tetany can help prevent problems. Several environmental, production and nutritional factors must come together to have grass tetany. They all have to line up in the right order at the right time and any one of the management practices listed above will go a long way in preventing the problem. Any two of those management practices will almost rule it out entirely. That is the good news. The bad news is that the factors that we cannot control, like the weather conditions required, often catch some producers by surprise and animals are lost.

Adding a legume, such as clover, will significantly reduce the occurrence of grass tetany because legumes tend to bring more magnesium from the soil when compared to coolseason grasses. While more mature forages can surely be magnesium deficient, it is almost always the young, tender grasses that cause an issue. They are much higher in nitrates, which help deplete blood magnesium in some cases, and much higher in potassium which can in some cases reduce an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salt craving. February 2021

FROM THE STATE VET’S OFFICE

Managing the Chaos of Disasters

It is commonly accepted that 70% of planning for disasters is the same. Whether it is a hurricane, a foreign animal disease outbreak, a terrorist attack, a forest fire out West or even a pandemic such as COVID-19. Planning and the response to these events should follow a pattern that provides some consistency, at least on a 30-thousand-foot level. One of the key components that disasters bring along with them is a certain level of chaos. That is just a fact of life. However, the chaos around these events can be managed using the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS was developed by the United States Forestry Service in cooperation with a few agencies in California back in the 1970s after a wildfire that burned for 13 days took 16 lives, destroyed 700 structures and burned half a million acres. It was reported that the responding agencies did their very best to work together, but problems with communication and coordination hampered their efforts. The losses from that fire totaled $18 million. I don’t know if that was in 1970s dollars or today’s dollars, but it was still a 16

Cooperative Farming News

devastating loss. After that, an effort was made to get everyone involved in fighting forest fires on the same page. I read about a group of people back in the book of Genesis in the Bible who decided to build a tower to Heaven. They got started but were unable to finish their project because of communication and coordination problems. Thus, the project was a complete failure. I don’t think the problems fighting forest fires ever rose to that level, but it is easy to see that if a group from Alabama fight fires one way and a group from Wyoming fights fires another way and a group from Vermont fights fires yet another way, there could be some issues when they all descend on California to fight a raging wildfire. The ICS was put into place so that wherever a forest fire was being fought, the way things were done would be consistent by all responders. Down through history, events have taken place that have changed the way things are done. Back in September 1982, some evil person or persons put

BY DR. TONY FRAZIER some cyanide into some bottles of Tylenol in a store in staff, has the factual information concerning the reChicago. Nine people died from taking the capsules. sponse and is able to get necessary and accurate inAs a result, the way over-the-counter medications are formation out to the public. I know we sometimes see packaged changed forever. They began making the reporters find some unhappy worker who thinks the containers childproof, which at times makes it almost whole operation is not being run properly. But I believe impossible for me to open a bottle of ibuprofen. In media generally wants to get accurate information to September 2001, the incident known as 9/11 promi- the public. And on occasion, the command group may nently brought the ICS into play outside the forest fire need the media to get important information out to fighting world. the public. The public information officer allows inI had only been State Veterinarian for a few formation to be funneled through one voice to reduce months when 9/11 took place. It really brought home confusion during a chaotic time. the importance of responders We often see people with being able to integrate and comgood intentions self-deploy to municate within a system that help respond to disasters. But you In the ICS, all the managed the incident or event know what they say about good response. As I watched the reintentions and the road to hell. response assets are sponse to 9/11 unfold, I realized Those who try to work outside the put into five that our animal health workers ICS sometimes become a liabiliwould be first responders if an ty rather than an asset. Suppose categories. event involved animals. I was fasomeone drives from Montana They are command, miliar with the ICS, but knew we to the Gulf Coast of Alabama to needed to become much more help clear debris after a hurricane. operations, planning, familiar with that system and do When that person arrives at the logistics and adminit quickly. Gulf Coast area with their chain We were able to have somesaw, they find they have no place istration/finance. one come to Alabama and teach to stay because no hotels are opour animal health workers the erating. There is no convenient fundamentals of the ICS so that place to buy fuel for their chain we would be able to fit into the framework of the ICS saw after they run out. And there is no place to buy when the need arrived. food and water. They now become a liability, not an In the ICS, all the response assets are put into five asset. Those are just a few of the issues that go along categories. They are command, operations, planning, with someone not working within the ICS. logistics and administration/finance. Suppose we On the other hand, a person that is credentialled have an outbreak of bird flu. The boots on the ground and working within the system will have assigned folks are tasked with euthanizing and disposing of work under a supervisor, a place to sleep, and food and the chickens on several poultry farms. Operations water. The safety officer, who is part of the command oversees the daily activity on the farms. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oper- staff, assures that workers are not put in unsafe situations were put into place by the planning group yes- ations, as well as assuring that the workers are getterday. Operations lets logistics know that they need ting enough rest. Those issues are not addressed if backhoes and bulldozers to dig holes to dispose of a person self-deploys outside the Incident Command the carcasses. Logistics makes arrangements to have System. the equipment on-site when needed. Administration/ Recently, after nearly 20 years, our workers were finance makes sure that assets can be purchased or trained or retrained on ICS 100 and 200. We have sevrented that are needed for the response, including the eral workers that have retired and several new workworkers being paid, housed and fed. And command ers that have not been trained. One thing that is for signs off on the entire operation. certain, there is a time down the road when we will It is truly a thing of beauty when worked properly. face another disaster. Whether here in Alabama or in In the ICS structure no one has more than one person some other state, our people will be able to plug and to report to up the chain of command. There is one play within the ICS. We continue to do our best to be public information officer position that is part of the prepared to respond to whatever disaster, event or incommand staff. That person, as part of the command cident may come our way. February 2021

WHAT’S THE POINT WITH GREENPOINT AG

Advancing Stewardship GreenPoint Ag Sustain collaborates with Cotton Incorporated to connect consumer brands to sources of sustainable cotton. GreenPoint Ag has announced a new collaboration with Cotton Incorporated, a not-for-profit research and marketing company representing upland cotton, to advance the adoption of sustainable farming practices across 50,000 acres of cotton in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. GreenPoint Ag will participate in the collaboration through its partnership with Truterra, LLC, the sustainability business at Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives. The 18

Cooperative Farming News

BY GLEN LIFORD

initiative will help connect consumer brands to allows them to begin compiling data detailing their verified sources of sustainable cotton in their supply management, irrigation, and conservation practices chains. Truterra and GreenPoint Ag will work with on a field-by-field basis. participating cotton growers to establish an environ“The program allows us to help growers build mental sustainability baseline for each field, identi- a baseline from which farmers can document their fy year-over-year improvement opportunities, and sustainability efforts and create a customized plan model the impact of various conservation practices for how they operate and their goals,” says Greenon sustainability and profitability. These efforts will Point Ag Customer Service Assistant Manager & help participating growers measure and improve wa- Sustain Lead Savanna Cox. “Many of the farmers ter quality, land use, soil conservation, soil carbon, who have enrolled are already doing a good job and irrigation water use, greenhouse gas emissions, bio- just want to keep it up. Others are improving their diversity, and energy use on their cotton fields. practices.” Truterra and GreenPoint Ag will also help parThe program utilizes the powerful Truterra™ Inticipating growers enroll in the U.S. Cotton Trust sights Engine. After the grower’s information is Protocol, a comprehensive program of verification entered, a report can be created for each field that against environmental benchmarks that connects identifies options for improvement and helps farmconsumer brands to sustainably grown cotton in ers plan scenarios across a variety of steward activtheir supply chains. ities. It identifies products, “Consumers are depractices, and technolomanding more transpargies to match conditions ency about the practices on each acre. The tool evalConsumers are used to grow and make uates five key stewardship demanding more transparenproducts, whether they’re indicators to help farmers on the dinner plate or make their decisions: Nicy about the practices used hanging in closets,” said trogen use efficiency, sheet to grow and make products, Jason Weller, Vice Presand rill erosion, wind eroident, Truterra, LLC. “At sion, soil quality trend, and whether they’re on the Truterra, we are commitnet GHG (greenhouse gas) dinner plate or hanging ted to working with growemissions. ers across the country “It essentially quantiin closets. to unlock the enormous fies these efforts in a way untapped value and pothat’s easy to understand,” tential in the market for says Cox. “We can then essustainability. This new timate the potential return collaboration expands our footprint into a new crop on investment for these choices.” – cotton – and offers cotton growers a compreCox says this will become an important tool in hensive view of all of the factors impacting the the future as consumers continue to demand more profitability, performance, and sustainability of their information about where their grains and fiber come farm business to enable them to not only meet con- from. Our goal is to take the grower’s story and transsumer demand, but to make even smarter business late it so consumers can understand and relate. decisions.” “Our growers want to protect the land, and they Initially, the program will work with growers to want their children and grandchildren to be able to analyze 2020 agronomic data and generate sus- farm it in the future,” she says. “This effort is good tainability insights that can be incorporated into the for the farmer and good for the land and makes the growers’ production decisions throughout the early consumers happy, too. It’s not too early to get startspring months in advance of the 2021 harvest sea- ed.” son. Truterra and Cotton Incorporated will look to exFarmers who are interested in GreenPoint Ag Suspand the project to include additional acres in 2021. tain should visit https://www. greenpointag.com/ For the past three years, the GreenPoint AG has sustainability for more information on how to enroll offered growers of soybeans, corn, and cotton the or contact your local Co-op Agronomist who can faopportunity to enroll in the Sustain program, which cilitate the conversation with GreenPoint Ag.

“

February 2021

STORE SPOTLIGHT BY C O R E Y E S P Y

Wayne Gilliam Reaches 50 Year Milestone

As of February 2020, Wayne Gilliam reached the milestone of 50 years of service to Tuscaloosa Farmers Cooperative. During those 50 years, Wayne has seen many changes in the Cooperative system. Wayne has worked with many different employees and two store locations. This is a momentous achievement of a career by any stretch. Wayne was raised in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, area on his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm by his mother, father, two sisters and two brothers. Wayne went to Northside High School, which is just outside of Tuscaloosa in Northport, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. Around this time, there were 250,000 young men called up to the military for the Vietnam War and Wayne was one of those men. During his stint in the military, Wayne spent time at Fort Polk in Louisiana for basic training and Advanced Individual Training. He then moved to Fort Benning,

Cooperative Farming News

Georgia, for NCO School and infantry training. After his training at Fort Polk and Fort Benning, he served one year in Vietnam with time spent in Saigon during the Tet Offensive. Once he returned, Wayne extended his service for one more year because of the lack of jobs in his area. During his post-tour service, Wayne taught recon for the Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky, which included time teaching soldiers from Tuscaloosa. He left the army in January 1971 and went to work for Tuscaloosa Farmers Cooperative. When Wayne originally came to work for Tuscaloosa Farmers Co-op, the store was located in downtown Tuscaloosa on Fourth Street where the Co-op leased a building. When Wayne started, he worked in the warehouse, made deliveries and worked the counter under Bud Taylor who was the general manager at the time. As time went on and Wayne learned the Co-op, he began running the store on days when Bud was away.

After Bud left, Wayne was named general manager and began preparations for building a new store, which was built soon after. Wayne and the Tuscaloosa Farmers Cooperative have been in this location on McFarland Boulevard in Northport ever since. Wayne said that his secret for such a long career was his love of working with people and the change of pace that happens from day to day. “You have to be able to do it all at the Co-op,” Wayne said. “Blending fertilizer, running the sales counter and bookkeeping. You have to wear many different hats.” Wayne attributed his longevity in one career path to his upbringing. “I was taught that when you start something, you become the best that you can be, at whatever it may be,” Wayne said. “If you want to be a ditch digger, be the best ditch digger out there.” Wayne added that he didn’t mind the hard work even if it meant leaving his house before his kids got up in the morning and getting home after they were in bed that night. Wayne’s outlook on the future of the Co-op is bright and he is taking the steps to ensure better service to the customers of Tuscaloosa County for many years to come. His theory on staying ahead is making sure that when changes are made, they are made for the better.

To ensure success continues after his career comes to a close, his beliefs and lessons have all been instilled to his son, Cole, the store manager. “One key to being successful is having good communication, having a plan in order and being able to keep great employees year after year,” Wayne added. AFC would like to congratulate Wayne on his 50 years of service and his commitment to excellence for his customers.

February 2021

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

B Y B A X T E R B L A C K , DV M

Pleasure Horse I consider myself among other things, a former horse mechanic. The horses I did veterinary work on were ranch and feedlot beasts of burden. Workin’ animals from man’s point of view. Up until about 50 years ago, that would describe most of the horses vets worked on. I was always a little vain about distinguishing that my patients worked for a living, earned their daily oats and made a contribution to the good of mankind. Backyard horse practice sorta ranked with spayin’ cats and trimming Chihuahua’s toenails. That same kind of “snobbery” still exists, I think. Somehow working on a valuable race horse, a Tennessee Walkin’ show horse, an endurance Arabian, a Budweiser Clydesdale, Fred Whitfield’s ropin’ horse, Kathy Petersen’s barrel racin’ horse, a New York City policeman’s horse, a ranch horse, a rodeo bucker, a Quarterhorse cutter, an outfitter’s packmule or a Lippizan performer is interpreted as doing something more worthwhile than floating the teeth on a backyard plug. These working horses have a purpose. That dignifies your veterinary efforts, lends some value to your education and experience. All your acquired ability isn’t being wasted in frivolous endeavor on a horse that isn’t really ‘workin’ for a livin.’” But, with all that being said, what’s work to a horse? Is it something they feel good about? Does it give them a sense of self worth? Of course not. 22

Cooperative Farming News

“Well, my little mare, I better finish this hay. Crooked Jack will be comin’ to take me to the mall where I can walk in circles all day giving joy to little boys and girls.” “I’m so proud of you, Geldy. You bring so much happiness into the world.” Coyote Cowboy Proverb: Work to a horse is anything he does because you make him do it. I tell people my horse likes to rope. Meaning, I guess, that he likes to chase cattle. But he spends a lot of time in the pasture with cows and calves; I’ve never seen him chase them on his day off. Ah, but you good horsemen say, “This horse loves to run,” or “He was born to buck,” or “I can tell he loves to pull this plow. He can’t wait for me to crack this whip!” I see them run and kick up their heels in an open pasture ... but not for long. Are they having fun? Can horses have fun? Are they bored? Can they get bored? I’d be hard put to argue that they can’t have fun, get bored or get mad. Horses are domesticated animals. Under the care of and at the pleasure of those who pay for their keep. It is not their choice. It is ours. Like teenagers, if we give them room and board, we expect something in return. At our pleasure, even if our pleasure is team roping, showing Arabians or just a good companion. But in the end, it’s all work to a horse. www.baxterblack.com

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CHOOSE YOUR TOOLS

Alabama Farmers Co-op gives you plenty of great Alliance, Galaxy and Primex tires to choose from to get the job done on your farm. High performance? Choose rugged Alliance radials for long life and minimal compaction. Looking for value? Check out versatile, economical Alliance Farm Pro and Galaxy Earth Pro bias-ply tractor tires. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget innovative Alliance radial sprayer and spreader tires, Galaxy skid steer and loader tires. Alliance is offering a $75-$100 mail-in rebate on its Agri Star II and Agriflex IF/VF tires. Go to farmersfirst.alliancetireamericas.com for more details.

We have a tire for all of your needs. Ask your Co-op, call (800) 343-3276 or visit www.atgtire.com.

February 2021

PALS

BY JAMIE MITCHELL

Helena Library Partners with PALS In addition to awareness through schools, Alabama PALS welcomes the opportunity to work with counties, cities, municipalities and any organization interested in decreasing litter in their community! Most recently, the Jane B. Holmes Public Library in Helena featured a local awareness campaign as a fun way to address litter and generate publicity for Alabama PALS’s events and programs. While looking for new ideas to engage patrons, the Programming Department at the Helena Library ran across the newly produced Alabama PALS Clean Campus video. After contacting me at PALS for more info, an idea took shape: getting the word out about litter control by reaching some of Alabama’s dedicated citizens, library patrons! The library featured an event for kids where if they checked out 10 books, they received a prize. This prize was a bag with information about Alabama’s lit24

Cooperative Farming News

ter problem and how to help. Information about PALS was also available in the library foyer and presented to members of the Library Board. Finally, the library offered a link on their website so local schools, patrons and the public could view the PALS Clean Campus Video. We asked Helena Public Library Director Daniel Dearing to tell us more, and he added, “PALS was so helpful to the library when we requested information. They have sent a representative for a program at The Helena Kiwanis Club in the past and seem to work tirelessly to curtail litter. The library was honored to partner with them, and we hope to keep working on this problem in the future. Remember: ‘Don’t drop it on Alabama!’” If your community would like for PALS to partner with your local library or school for a similar program, please have them contact Jamie Mitchell at (334) 263-7737 or jamie@alpals.org.

. e g a r e v o c r u o p u d e f e e b e v Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

AlfaInsurance.com February 2021

4-H EXTENSION CORNER

Greene County 4-H A Place To Call Their Own

In June, 2018, students from Robert Brown Middle School attended 4-H Summer Camp at the Alabama 4-H Center. This was the first time youth from Greene County school system had attended camp in over 20 years.

Since 2017, Greene County, the second smallest county in Alabama, has experienced record-breaking interest and enrollment in its 4-H programs. For the first time in 20 years, Greene County was even able to send 20 kids to 4-H camp. With enthusiasm soaring, 4-H leader Trenisha Mack faced a challenge: How to offer more activities for children when she was housed in a 10-by-14 county office with five other agencies? As the 4-H Foundation Regional Extension Agent for Greene County, Trenisha often used the Eutaw Activity Center, but she was limited by the costs 26

Cooperative Farming News

of using that facility. 4-H members of Greene County needed a room of their own! Trenisha and County Extension Coordinator Lovie Parks approached the Eutaw City Council for help. They partnered with the city so that its leaders could not only understand how much the Alabama Cooperative Extension System impacted local children but they could also see how rapidly the 4-H programs were growing. Eutaw’s mayor at that time, Raymond Steele, came up with a brilliant idea! A former 4-H’er himself,

B Y C A R O LY N D R I N K A R D

The Rabbit Project teaches management practices for growing and raising rabbits. Members learn about rabbit behaviors, feed and nutrition. They also learned to keep accurate records.

Steele was an avid supporter of all 4-H programs and activities. The City of Eutaw had purchased the Carver Elementary School property, so they decided to give space to the Alabama Cooperative Extension office and two classrooms to 4-H! In this win-win solution, the city could also house other entities there as well. For Trenisha, the extra space was a godsend. “The Eutaw City Parks and Recreation Department was housed there, too, so we could work together. It was a double blessing because kids were already onsite, or they were coming to this site for after-school and summer programs.” An added benefit was that Trenisha also had access to the gym, so she could move her members into that area, as needed. By the 2019-2020 year, Greene County saw its 4-H enrollment expand from 125 to 409 kids. This was a big milestone for the program, which has also enjoyed an increase in students attending summer camp. The greatest achievement, however, has been that 4-H leaders can now offer even more activities such as STEM and animal projects, which attract even more children. Greene County 4-H participated in a rabbit project. In four different sessions, 4-H’ers learned about the anatomy of rabbits and how to properly handle, show and market them. They also got to see and touch these animals. “Some kids have been around animals,” Mack ex-

(L to r) Zoee Means, Niana Ellis and Aniya Jones were participants in the photography project.

plained, “but others have never even touched these animals.” The pandemic may have stopped many activities at the 4-H room and learning center; however, leaders still found ways to involve members and encourage healthy living. Greene County Extension Coordinator Lovie Parks utilized AL Pro Health grant funds to purchase exercise equipment and yoga materials for

Greene County Extension Coordinator Lovie Parks (L) and 4-H Foundation Agent Trenisha Mack (R) partnered with the Eutaw City Council to find more space for 4-H activities. After the city purchased the old Carver Elementary building, Mack was given two rooms for 4-H activities.

February 2021

Robert Brown Middle School fourth-graders participated in the 4-H Skins and Skulls project.

Jaron Lavender teaches horsemanship skills, tack care and basic management for the Greene County Horse Project.

youth to participate in 4-H Yoga. The goal was to help citizens of Greene County battle obesity and practice the importance of physical activity. An Innovation Grant from the 4-H Foundation has also involved more members in STEM projects. Trenisha added 10 drones for 4-Hers to learn about aeronautics. She also secured 10 Chromebooks, so members could learn coding and participate in virtual reality sessions. In addition, she purchased two rockets to start a rocketry program. The pandemic changed 4-H for Greene County members, but it has not dampened the enthusiasm and support for these programs. In fact, Greene County 4-H has continued to grow. In October, 4-H’ers started small group activities. “4-H is moving in Greene County,” Trenisha stated. “Parents are actively involved now. Our County Extension Agent Lovie Parks has helped tremendously. But most importantly, the City of Eutaw has given us a safe haven for our kids, so they can participate in more 4-H activities.” 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Since 4-H’ers learn by doing, the actions of the civic leaders of Eutaw, Alabama, provided a real-life example of working together to make things better for all. By providing 4-H’ers a room of their own, these caring adults changed the world for the children of Greene County. 28

Cooperative Farming News

Trenisha Mack

Trinity Fulghum

It is never too early to get a jump start on scholarships! AFC & Auburn University & the John H. Mathews Scholarship Deadline for Scholarships: December 31, 2021

Visit our website at www.alafarm.com/scholarships for more information. February 2021

FFA SENTINEL

Building Leaders One Row at a Time This year’s peanuts being harvested by Preston Stevens.

When you think of a spring football game or the turning of the fall leaves, what is the most iconic snack that comes to mind? Most people would say peanuts, but have you ever stopped and wondered where these tasty legumes come from? Well, in fact, Alabama is one of the top three producers of peanuts in the United States, and half of the peanuts grown in the United States are grown within a 100mile radius of Dothan, Alabama. Dale County, Alabama, sits a few miles west of Dothan, and peanuts are a customary crop grown in our area. In many years peanuts can be the deciding factor if a farm has a profitable financial year. Peanuts can also be a really good source of healthful fats, protein and fiber. Despite being high in calories, peanuts are nutrient-rich and low in carbohydrates. Here in Dale County, the peanut does so much more for the members of the Dale County High School FFA Chapter than just acting as a salty snack. This Alabama-native commodity gives way to dreams of pursuing a college degree! With lots of planning and a whole lot of praying and hard work, our chapter was able to partner with our local farmers and Ag industries to create our very own Peanut Scholarship Peanut Patch. The Peanut Patch has allowed our chapter the opportunity to teach members more about agriculture and how closely connected our community is with global agriculture markets. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Peanut Patch are used to fund the scholarship that the chapter will award to one deserving senior member 30

Cooperative Farming News

who wishes to pursue a degree in Agriculture. It is the chapter’s goal to flood our local Ag industries with Dale County High School FFA Alumni as the leaders of tomorrow. This year’s peanut crop yield off the 9.5 acres was 41,179 pounds, translating to an average of 4,333.89 pounds per acre, and solidifies a successful crop year in most farmers’ eyes. Though it took lots of planning and praying, as mentioned, the dream could not have come true without the help and support of a few important people and companies. Preston Stevens, who is a member of our chapter, planted, sprayed and harvested the peanut crop this year with guidance from his father, Tommy Stevens. Preston used his family farm’s equipment to farm the peanuts and enjoyed every minute of it. When asked about this year’s crop, Preston said that the Peanut Patch field has one of the

Preston Stevens, the student who took care of this year’s crop.

J OY A N N A L OV E

Close-up of the peanuts being dumped.

Peanuts being dumped to take to market to be sold.

best types of soil formations for growing peanuts, which is common in Dale County. The sandy loam soil type makes gathering peanuts much easier and allows for little to no yield loss. Preston admits he has gained many important skills needed to be a successful farmer from his father, who has many years of experience farming in Dale County. The task of caring for the peanuts taught Preston more about agriculture and the responsibilities needed to harvest a crop from start to finish to gain optimum yields. He also enjoyed being a part of a project that can help others who wish to pursue a college degree in a field that he so deeply loves and enjoys. The Headland Peanut Warehouse Cooperative and the Golden Peanut Company, which are big supporters of FFA and all things agriculture-related, donated the seed and helped cover drying expenses that come

along with growing a peanut crop. The chemicals that were sprayed all year were donated by Agri-AFC Headland Agronomy, and we are so thankful for their support of our chapter. The 9.5-acre field that this year’s crop was planted on was donated by David Byrd Farms. Mr. Byrd believes in our youth and wishes to see more young adults take interest in the agriculture industry. Without the help of our community, this year’s groundbreaking scholarship opportunity would not have been possible. This is why we are grateful to be able to give back to our members and make the financial burden that college can have on a student a little lighter. Our chapter looks forward to continuing the development of well-minded students that will be the future leaders in this amazing industry and continuing the growth of agriculture in Dale County, Alabama.

From left to right: Josh Jones, FFA Advisor;Tyler Baxter, Chapter Reporter; Elizabeth MacAloney, Chapter President; Lilly Jacobs, FFA Advisor

February 2021

OUTDOOR LOGIC WITH BIOLOGIC

“Must Haves” For More Turkeys Got Turkeys? Want More? Here’s How!

Just like all living creatures, turkeys require water. They tend to roost close to water and need a stable source somewhere nearby. (Photo Credit: Todd Amenrud)

Most wildlife species require the “F+W+C+S Formula” (food, water, cover and sanctuary) functioning in an area for them to take up residence. For wild turkeys, it’s a bit more detailed and complicated than that. They do need each element listed, but turkeys are a bit more persnickety. Everything needs to be just right for turkeys to take up habitation in your hunting area. There are also a couple things you MUST NOT have for turkeys to be found consistently in the vicinity.

Turkey Chow Wild turkeys need a wide array of food types at different times of the year. These foods would also vary region to region, and thus subspecies to subspecies. An Eastern gobbler in Missouri is going to have a different diet than a Merriam’s in South Dakota. While some would think that planting a cornfield might take care of the majority of their food needs, they aren’t even close. Crops like clover, corn, rye, fescue, oats, millet, sorghum and chufa are great places to begin, but turkeys will also require “bugging habitat” and native foods like 32

Cooperative Farming News

mast (acorns, beechnuts, hickory nuts, pinyon pine nuts and soft mast like wild cherry, grapes and berries), buds from deciduous trees and shrubs, along with other natural foods. My favorite planting for turkeys is a well-managed clover stand. I prefer Clover Plus because of the specific mix of white and red clovers. I say “well-managed” because turkeys prefer the small-leaved white clovers in the blend. It has small-leaved, medium-leaved and large-leaved white clovers, but the small-leaved varieties will emerge to the forefront if the plot is mowed often, and during the cooler parts of the growing season, aggressively. Large-leaved varieties typically prefer being mowed less. So if managing the plot to attract turkeys, I would suggest mowing four to six times during the growing season. Remember that crops like corn, sorghum and chufa are annuals. They aren’t even planted until turkey season is usually over. A perennial plot or native food sources are best to concentrate on for hunting time attraction.

BY TODD AMENRUD

While most times you shouldn’t need to supply special bugging habitat … I would. Most of the time, mowed open areas or your whitetail food plots create excellent bugging habitat, but insects can make up over 80% of a poult’s diet! My suggestion would be to provide some wildflowers and an assortment of other pollinator favorites. Besides attracting invertebrates, many of these species will also produce seeds relished by turkeys and other birds. Oak, cherry, plum and crabapple trees should be fertilized and released. The same can be said for raspberry patches, grape vines and native plants like staghorn sumac. The most important of these are oak trees. Turkeys savor acorns just like whitetails do. In my view, turkeys don’t seem to mind as much whether the acorns are from a white or red oak, but any acorn-producing oak is a good one.

Cool, Clear, Water Duh, got to have it! Let’s add “reliable” to that. They must have a consistent, reliable water source. The dew in the bottom of a boot print or a creek that dries up during a drought doesn’t cut it for turkeys. In fact, they prefer to roost near water. Just like you, they need it every day. On average, an adult gobbler will drink about .220 gallons of water per day – so that means approximately 1 gallon for every five gobblers. Housing Here’s where a turkey’s habitat requirements become a bit more sophisticated than that of a whitetail. Turkeys require roost trees, nesting habitat, open areas and escape cover. Most often they will reside in timbered areas during the winter and utilize food plots, agricultural fields, meadows and other clearings during the summer – where they can find food, but also escape quickly to cover. Mature timber of some kind is required for roosting. Tree height and structure is more important than species; however, oaks, pine, maple and cottonwood are some of the favorites that I’ve seen them use. Here is where some managers may be goofed. If they don’t have mature timber what should they do? I have seen turkeys roost in maple trees no more than 12-15 years old, but mature trees are favored. As they say, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago … the second-best time is now.” Warm-season grasses, sometimes called “bunch grasses,” grow in thick clusters instead of spreading out to form a layer of sod. This type of growth allows for space between the bunches, so your flock has nesting, foraging and escape cover all in one. In my view, these warm-season grasses are one of the most important habitat features; however, they can be tough to manage. They will require prescribed fire every three to five years and the light, fluffy seeds are difficult to plant.

One of the most overlooked aspects of a “turkey-appealing property” is a grit source. They need these small pebbles to grind down food so that it is more easily digested. Here’s the author with a tom that was likely using the gravel along this creek as a source for grit. (Photo Credit: Todd Amenrud)

True Grit A grit source is possibly the most overlooked habitat feature for attracting turkeys to a property. Managers are often missing grit, but don’t realize it. An old stream bed, a gravel county road or a wash-out on a ridge side can all be great grit supplies for your birds. They need these small pebbles to grind down food so that it is more easily digested. If you don’t have this habitat feature, commercial turkey grit can February 2021

be purchased at your local farm supply store, or simply bringing in a couple yards of gravel and putting it out in several locations should suffice.

anctuary, security, safety, space, whatevS er you want to call it … leave them alone! Obviously we want to hunt turkeys, so we need to encroach into their territory sometimes, but protecting roost areas and nesting ground is especially important. They won’t tolerate much before they change something to avoid the disturbance and oftentimes moving to your neighbor’s property is all it takes – so give them some space. Regrettably this “safety thing” isn’t directed just at you and other humans. This means your dog, neighbors on a horseback ride and PREDATORS! You must keep your property relatively free of coyotes, bobcats and fox, but also nest predators like skunks, raccoons and opossums. It’s all but impossible to remove all predators, but it’s especially important for recruitment to concentrate your efforts just before nesting. You must look at what turkeys need and, on the other hand, things a turkey doesn’t like. The solution

Mast, whether hard mast like acorns or hazelnuts or soft mast like cherries or crabapples, is a huge part of a turkey’s diet. Enhancing these food sources can help you to produce tons more food for your turkey flock. (Photo Credit: NWTF)

to more birds may be easier than you think. Over time, add desirable features and remove those that don’t benefit these magnificent birds. Just like all wild critters, they need food, water and cover – and what they don’t like is “pressure!” Give them these necessities, and you’ll see and harvest more toms.

Remember that most crops favored by turkeys aren’t even planted until turkey season is over. So perennials like clovers or native food sources should be your focus for the spring season. (Photo Credit: Covert)

Cooperative Farming News

Bolognese with Venison, Beef and Pork 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground venison 1 pound ground beef 1 pound ground pork belly 1/4 pound prosciutto 1 sweet onion, diced 1/2 to 3 stalks celery, diced 3 carrots, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tablespoon Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 cup red wine 1 1/2 cups milk 2 (28-ounce) cans tomatoes 3 bay leaves 1 1/2 pounds fettuccine or homemade pasta Freshly ground Parmesan, for serving In a Dutch oven, brown the venison, beef, pork and prosciutto in olive oil, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. Remove any accumulation of fat and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes. The meat will look a little dry, but that is exactly what you want. It will be full of flavor. Add the onions, celery, carrots and garlic, and cook for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add wine and reduce by half, cooking for about 15 minutes. Add the milk, tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer. Allow to cook for about 1 1/2 hours. During the last half hour, bring a large pot of water to a boil and heavily season with salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta. Remove bolognese from the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Grate fresh Parmesan over the top.

About Stacy Lyn Harris Stacy Lyn Harris is a best-selling cookbook author, blogger, TV personality, public speaker, wife and mother of seven children. She currently lives in Pike Road, Alabama, with her husband Scott and their children. Stacy Lyn regularly appears on cable and broadcast television as a guest chef and sustainable living expert. Her critically-acclaimed “Harvest Cookbook” was published in 2017 and contains many of her family’s favorite recipes, along with stories from her life growing up in the Black Belt and tips she’s learned along the way. February 2021

Y BEA N SO

PREMIUM

AS T E D RO

EER FEED

Photo credit for all deer photos: Hurricane Creek Lodge

Deer Boss: Quality Deer Feed, Made by Quality People

AFC Grain Division has created a deer feed focused on increased antler growth and overall health of your herd. Deer Boss feed is made with tumble roasted soybeans and double cleaned corn, with three different protein levels to choose from – 12%, 20% and 32% protein. The availability of different protein levels ensures Deer Boss products can be fed year-round. Protein requirements change throughout the different seasons. Therefore, higher protein levels can be fed in the spring and summer months, while reducing protein levels in the colder months. Protein promotes overall

health, fawning and antler growth of the deer. “Male deer require more protein in their diet during antler development,” said John Gamble, Vice President of the AFC Grain Division. “Deer Boss will ensure that the deer have enough protein to really develop those big antlers that everyone is chasing.” For obvious reasons, keeping deer on your property is important for a successful hunting season. “This product will keep your deer on your property, which is huge for the majority of deer hunters who do not have high fences,” Gamble said. “Your deer will stay with this product.”

BY JESSIE SHOOK

Cooperative Farming News

Since Deer Boss was created by the AFC Grain Division in March 2019, customers are already seeing the results. According to Deer Boss customer Dee Murphy, General Manager of Hurricane Creek Lodge of Vina, Alabama, since adding Deer Boss 20 to their base foundation of Purina Antler Max pellet, they are seeing great results. “We have seen our herd take it up another notch, from antler production, body conditioning, to fawning,” Murphy said. According to Gamble, the main advantage of this product is the quality of the roasted soybeans. “These soybeans are double cleaned and then tumble roasted, which is the biggest difference when compared to other roasted soybean products,” Gamble said. “Tumble roasting ensures that the bean is uniformly and wholly roasted all the way through to maximize protein levels. Other soybeans are often roasted with flame, which cannot ensure the soybean is wholly roasted.” Deer Boss is a versatile product that can be mixed with other products or used alone. Some Deer Boss customers mix it with salt minerals or other attractants. It can be fed by feeder or ground and many have had success with free-choice feeding. Hurricane Creek Lodge utilizes free-choice feeding from gravity and covered bunk feeders. As the general manager of a lodge that allows visitors to experience wildlife of many forms, Murphy recognizes the impor-

Tumble roasting ensures that the bean is uniformly and wholly roasted all the way through to maximize protein levels.

tance of proper nutrition for the whitetail deer of Hurricane Creek. “If you want a quality deer feed and also be able to see the results, I would recommend Deer Boss 20 to anyone,” Murphy said. “It is not just the quality of the feed; it is also the quality of the people that stand behind what they make.” Deer Boss feed is available at your local Co-op. For more information on Hurricane Creek Lodge, visit their website www.hurricanecreeklodge.com.

BLACK & WHITE M EA D OWS C REEK 6 T H A N N UA L

SPRING FORWARD BULL & FEMALE SALE

Saturday, February 27, 2021 - Noon CST Montgomery Stockyards, Montgomery AL

50 Two year-old bulls

Charolais | Angus | Sim-Angus

Including a special offering of Angus & Charolais Purebred and Commercial Females

For more information Contact: Meadows Creek Farms Richard Meadows 334-797-4870

Collins Farms Jim Collins 478-957-6572

Online bidding at www.cowbuyer.com

www.meadowscreekfarm.com February 2021

co-op in the classroom ADS DESIGNED BY STUDENTS FROM brewer high school

Cooperative Farming News

February 2021

Where the Buffalo Roam:

Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker

Green Acres Buffalo Farm

BY JESSIE SHOOK When imagining where the buffalo roam, does South Alabama come to mind? For Weston Spivey and his grandad, a buffalo farm was an opportunity to fill a need for Alabama. This family-owned farm, located in Slocomb, Alabama, is providing bison meat to restaurants and meat markets throughout the state. “The primary purpose of our farm is to raise quality bison for the harvest of meat,” said Weston Spivey, owner of Green Acres Buffalo Farm. “We are also equally dedicated to raising 40 Cooperative Farming News

quality animals for purchase of herd animals to our colleagues in other states.” Raising buffalo for meat is a unique but growing industry. The meat is more red in color, without the marbling you will find in beef. “It’s a leaner, more nutrient-packed meat,” Spivey said. “We have grass-fed and grain-fed, so the fat content is more natural and sweeter than regular beef if your program is correct.” While bison meat does not have the demand of beef, Spivey expressed that bison meat has

Weston Spivey and his grandad wanted to fill a need of buffalo meat in the state of Alabama. Green Acres Buffalo Farm now provides bison meat to restaurants and meat markets throughout the state. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

its place in the agriculture industry. “Buffalo meat is nearly cholesterol-free and is extremely heart-healthy,” Spivey added. “We have had many customers through the years purchase our products for this reason.” According to Spivey, raising buffalo is similar to raising any kind of domesticated herd animal. “You have to make animal care top priority and always seek out new ways to be more efficient,” he said. Buffalo also present more challenges when it comes to safety due to their size and because they are wild animals. “I can say it is hard to take the Wild

Green Acres Buffalo Farm is home to as many as 100 buffalo. Due to production limitations the herd is fluctuating. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

West out of buffalo,” Spivey added. “It is a part of the animal’s culture, so with that being said, we have had our experiences with a stampede!” Keeping the right team in place can make all the difference in the safety and well-being of the buffalo. “We obviously make animal health top priority,” Spivey said. “I must say, we are very fortunate to have a veterinarian who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty with our very large-in-size animals.” A buffalo farm is in some ways like a cattle ranch in terms of responsibility. “Any farmer will tell you that little problems can become big problems if you let them,” Spivey said. “Therefore, day-to-day, the buffalo herd is checked, and risk managed to ensure the buffalo have everything they need.” Buffalo require quality grazing, a great mineral program and worming, like other livestock. “We meet these needs by staying up-to-date with what buffalo producers are doing across the country,” Spivey said. “We have built great lifelong relationships with people that we stay in regular contact with.” Buffalo also share their adaptability to different climates with cattle. Buffalo have lived and thrived in various climates for centuries, from as far north as Canada and as far south as Mexico. “The biggest issue for us in South Alabama is keeping the gnats in the summertime managed,” Spivey said. “But that can be taken care of with back-rubs and minerals.” Due to COVID-19 production limitations, the Green Acres herd is fluctuating, but at times, they have had February 2021

Weston Spivey has a breeding program in place to grow his herd and raise for purchase of herd animals to buffalo colleagues. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

Bison are naturally wild animals and Weston Spivey has had his experience with a stampede. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

as many as 100 buffalo in their herd. Spivey also has a breeding program in place to continue the growth of their operation. “The herd is growing, and we continue to learn more and more every year we do this to raise quality stock,” he said. This unique meat industry is regulated by the USDA and buffalo are ready for harvest anytime between the ages of 2 ½ to 4 years old. “We have a federally-certified USDA inspector on-site for slaughter,” Spivey said. Green Acres Buffalo Farm products can be found in over 30 locations in the Wiregrass, but the status of some of these locations has changed due to COVID-19 and availability for processing. Spivey continues to look for more opportunities to continue their mission to make bison meat available across Alabama. “People have become more adventurous in their food choices,” Spivey said. “The wider the availability, the more people will try it and want to eat it.”

While Green Acres is not open to the public, Spivey likes to give tours to 4-H and FFA whenever possible. “I hope we can continue to educate the public and our neighbors in Alabama that farming itself is the state’s largest economic engine,” Spivey said. When asked about the future, Spivey said that the future is bright for this unique industry. “Alabama farmers as a whole help feed our entire country and drive growth throughout our state,” Spivey said. “We’re the backbone of a way of life that we all love.”

Bison meat is a nutrient-packed meat that is cholesterol-free and heart-healthy. The health benefits have kept customers throughout the years. (Photo Credit: Kaylee Baker)

Cooperative Farming News

All photos by Brett Cardin Ousley

JoshWebb A We l l - L i v e d L i f e B Y C A R O LY N D R I N K A R D

The Webb family love the great outdoors and spend time hunting together. Pictured are (l to r) Addyson, Josh, Suzanne and Lydia Webb.

t’s a mighty lucky man who finds a job doing the things he loves! Josh Webb is one of those people, but he has managed to go one step farther. Josh has two jobs that he loves! He has a full-time job in the great outdoors and a “side job” that has made him something of a celebrity in Southwest Alabama. Josh Webb is a forester who manages both public and private tracts of forestlands for Scotch Land Management in Clarke County. Josh helps thousands in this area who depend on woodlands for their livelihood, by keeping forests healthy and productive. As he plants trees, cruises and marks timber and oversees controlled burns, he is a vital part of protecting, preserving and restoring the natural environment. Josh is a dedicated sportsman who knows the importance of preserving and protecting animal hab-

itats. As a youngster, he spent many happy hours in the woods with his father, hunting deer, turkeys and ducks. Once his two daughters were old enough, he also took them hunting. Addyson (11) has already downed two deer, while Lydia (7) waits for the right one to come along. Josh is proud that his job as a forester helps to protect wildlife and conserve land and water. This means his girls will be able to hunt and enjoy the forests for years to come. For the past 23 years, Josh Webb has also worked a “side job.” During hunting season, Josh processes deer at Skinner’s Wild Game, owned by Jay Graddick and managed by Bruce Sanders. Even though the business has changed owners through the years, Josh has remained a constant. Josh is the “senior” deer skinner, or “hair snatcher” February 2021

As Josh plants trees, cruises and marks timber and oversees controlled burns, he is a vital part of protecting, preserving and restoring the natural environment.

(as old hands call it in this area). His skinning techniques have become legendary, and many say he is the best around. His co-workers have clocked him skinning a grown deer at one minute and 46 seconds (without removing the ribs) and 1:58 (with the ribs out). His boss, Jay Graddick, even recorded this moment and uploaded it to YouTube. (Josh said that he had actually skinned faster.) “His skinning speed is unmatched,” stated Jay

Graddick. “He makes a city boy like me stand in awe when I watch him.” Josh Webb estimates that he has skinned over 6,000 deer. The largest, killed in Bashi, Alabama, was a 12-point that weighed 242 pounds. Field dressing a deer is something hunters have been doing for ages, and anyone can learn to do it. However, few can actually remove the skin without getting little, if any, hair on the carcass. Josh is one of the best at this, and he

Josh Webb (r) has worked at Skinner’s Wild Game for 23 years. Even though the business has changed hands through the years, Josh has been a constant. The business is now managed by Bruce Sanders (l).

For years, Josh Webb has mentored young teens who have worked at Skinner’s Wild Game. Josh (center) teaches the tricks of the trade to (l to r) John Tyler Newsome, Caden Baker, Dee Grissom and Kelsey Cox.

Cooperative Farming News

As a forester for Scotch Land Management in Clarke County, Josh Webb helps to manage both public and private tracts. He spends many hours in the woods and works to keep the woodlands healthy and productive.

is able to do it in record times. Through the years, he has learned a few tricks, which have made his job safer. First and foremost, since Josh works with extremely sharp knives, he must know where to place his hands at all times. An improper slit in a strategic area can ruin a priceless cape. A slip of the knife while skinning tedious areas around the nose, mouth, eyes and ears will cost a hunter extra money for repairs.

Josh registers deer as they come in and handles other paperwork. He records CID numbers and assigns each deer a number. Skinner’s is a busy place during hunting season, and most customers have been coming there for years.

Josh often takes his two girls deer hunting. His 11-year-old daughter, Addyson, has already downed two deer. His younger daughter, Lydia, is seven, but she already loves being in the woods with her dad.

“When you’ve done it as long as I have, your fingers are trained!” he laughed. “You have to get your hands out of the way though.” Unassuming and modest, Josh Webb never takes any credit for his skill. Instead, he enjoys teaching younger teens the art of skinning and processing venison. Many of these young men compete with him and with each other, trying to surpass “the old man” and gain the bragging rights themselves. Through the years, Josh has gained the trust of dedicated hunters who bring their prized trophies for him to skin. His precision, skill and care with capeing are known far and wide. Since taxidermists want hides in top condition, Josh is vigilant, making sure he provides a quality product for the taxidermist to work his magic. After all, this skin preserves a priceless moment for the hunter. Josh’s big smile and infectious personality welcome everybody that pulls in to the “meat house.” From processing to paperwork to butchering, he is something of a jack-of-all-trades at Skinner’s. “It’s hard work, but I love it,” Josh explained. “It’s a side job for me, but I really like all the people who work here. Skinner’s is a good place to work. Lots of people come in, and some customers have been coming here for years. I really enjoy meeting people and talking to them.”Josh Webb lives life well! There are very few people who find even one job doing what they love. Josh is blessed with two jobs! Someone once said that the best feeling in the world is doing what you love and getting paid for it. Josh Webb could not agree more! February 2021

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84+/- AC - This rural country home is located on Prospect Road near Goodwater in Clay County, AL. The 84+/- acre property is highlighted by the stunning 3 bedroom 3 bathroom 2650 sq ft log cabin home. This log cabin is made from Cypress wood from the floors to ceilings and features a picturesque wrap around porch with a door on all four sides. $499,000

randolph County #3084

707+/- AC - Just outside of the Rock Mills community in Randolph County, only two miles from the Georgia line. Features include: quality soils and gentle topography, mixed timber stands, Big Wehadkee Creek runs through this tract for over a mile, old farm pond and beaver ponds, wildlife food plots, abundant game, old farm structures like barns and silos are still standing. $1,302,060

talladega County #3124

174+/- AC - Cattle Farm located in Talladega County in Central Alabama. The farm is currently running beef cattle, but several acres have been row cropped in the past. The farm features gently rolling pasture, hay barn, cattle working pens, stream fed lake, cross fenced pastures, two rental houses, and mature hardwood timber. The farm can currently easily maintain 50 cow units with the capacity for more. $549,000

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640+/- AC - 640ac cattle farm on the Cahaba River in Dallas County, Alabama. 3 bedroom home, 18 acre lake, and over 1 mile of river front. $1,472,000

chambers County #2947

595+/- AC - This tract is setup for hunting/recreation and has all the components to provide excellent recreational opportunities with a diversified timber investment. MUST SEE! $1,175,125

220+/- AC - This tract has it all! Approximately 1500 feet along the scenic Tallapoosa River, huge hardwoods and a well-managed pine plantation. This tract also has a 3 acre lake that is fully stocked and a landing on the river for canoe put in where the fish are plentiful along the shoals. Great turkey and deer hunting can also be had on the 220 acres of gentle rolling timberland. $550,000

perry County #2982

sumter County #2836

lamar County #3032

209+/- AC - The camp house has 4 bedrooms, a renovated bathroom, and a living room. A garage with an electric roll-up door is used for storing atvâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and equipment. The Sprott area is well known for good deer and turkey hunting. There are 6-8 food plots on the property for hunting, and miles of internal roads and four wheeler trails take you throughout the tract. $420,000

baldwin County #2980

143+/- AC - 100 ft of frontage on Stucki Road that goes back 525 ft opening up to the larger tract and access to the side/back of the property from Fell Rd. All utilities are available. Suitable use â&#x20AC;&#x201C; residential development or country retreat. Property is conveniently located: Beach Express(6 miles), Orange Beach & Gulf Shores(17 miles), Foley(9 miles), Mobile(47 miles), Pensacola(25 miles) Covenants and Restrictions can be provided by request. $629,000

174+/- AC - The topography on the tract is primarily flat with a gentle slope on the acreage to the south. There is also a lake site on the property that is close to an acre in size, but could be made larger. Tifallili Creek crosses the southwestern corner of the property. Timber on the tract consist of hardwoods, cedar thickets, hackberry, and some pine stands, which when all combined make great wildlife habitat. $346,260

Lauderdale County #3083

227+/- AC - This tract is as versatile as it is beautiful, with multiple homesites perched on top of hills with spectacular views. Threet Creek runs through the mixed hardwood stand providing year-round water and multiple springs can be found throughout the tract. $726,173

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If you have a medical issue, you call a doctor. If you have a legal issue, you call an attorney. If you have a car issue, you call a mechanic. So, why not trust a team of experienced farm agents to handle the sale of your poultry farm? LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROCESS AT POULTRYSOUTH.COM RANDALL UPCHURCH PoultrySouth Co-Founder 256-239-5379 randall@selandgroup.com

Cooperative Farming News

ROBERT KING

PoultrySouth Co-Founder 844-855-0680 robert@selandgroup.com

HOW’S YOUR GARDEN BY LOIS TRIGG CHAPLIN

Stumped by a Shower Rod Liner

Orchids

Raccoons have been clever about emptying our bird feeders, but now they can’t. A 4-foot extended-reach hanger holds each feeder beyond reach from the deck so that the only way to get to the feeder is to scale the hanger itself. But the raccoons can’t. Thanks to a helpful tip from “the bird lady” at our nearby hardware store, we simply put a plastic shower curtain rod liner around each hanger’s metal arm. So far, we have not met a raccoon that can grab on to reach the feeders. The plastic is too slippery and the piece rotates. The long hangers are mounted with a locking swivel so we can swing the feeders in when it’s time to refill, then swing them back out and lock in place. This is our second winter using this handy little trick, and so far, so good. What a great use for a shower rod liner!

A fresh orchid bloom can last two to three months where the air is warm and moist. Most orchids don’t need soil; they are happy to grow in a very coarse orchid mix, which is big chunks of bark. In their native environment, many orchids cling to the bark of trees and take their moisture and nutrients from the air. That is why they love a bright bathroom, where the plants benefit from the mist of a steamy shower. Popular Phalaenopsis orchids are easy to keep at home and will bloom yearly if given enough soft light and high humidity. Although the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is by far the most common, Dendrobium orchids will bloom several times per year. Recently I got an orchid that came with instructions to “water once a week with three ice cubes.” I thought that was clever. It’s not about the cold, but about limiting the water. Melting ice cubes on the surface of the pot supply the needed water while limiting any tendency to overwater, which

Bird feeder

Orchids

SIMPLE TIMES

THE CO-OP PANTRY

February 2021

is a sure killer. No matter which orchid you buy to brighten February, don’t overwater it and keep it in a humid room with indirect light.

Prune Hydrangeas Now? Or Wait? Pruning hydrangeas at the wrong time is a good way to wipe out a season of bloom. Not all of them can be pruned in winter. Only those that form flower buds on new growth are OK for pruning in late winter, before new growth appears. That means now is a good time to prune Limelight, Peegee, Tardiva, Strawberry Sundae and many other panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata). Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) and its selections also fall into this category; this includes Annabelle, Hills of Snow, Grandiflora, Incrediball and others. Both smooth and panicle hydrangea types can be cut back to 18 to 24 inches from the ground if needed, but height depends on personal preference. On the other hand, some hydrangeas have already formed this year’s flower buds (back in August), so pruning them now removes blooms. If pruned now, one is left wondering “what happened?” come summer. Those that bloom on last year’s growth include oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia) such as Alice, Ellen Huff, Harmony, PeeWee, Snowflake and Snowqueen. They should be pruned shortly after the flowers fade. Perhaps the most confusing group is the beloved French or bigleaf hydrangea. At one time, all French hydrangeas bloomed on old wood and were not pruned until after they flowered. This includes selections such as Lace-

Hydrangeas

Cooperative Farming News

cap, Marieseii, Abracadabra, Nikko Blue, Lemon Wave, Buttons ‘N Bows, Blue Wave and Domotoi. To make things confusing, some newer ones have been developed to bloom on both old and new wood; they can be pruned in winter or summer! Often their names are a hint: Endless Summer, All Summer Beauty, Forever and Ever, etc. Other repeat-bloomers include Big Daddy, Dear Delores, Penny Mac, Mini Penny, Let’s Dance series, Decatur Blue and David Ramsey. In recent years, weather extremes have made the older hydrangeas less dependable because their tops have been killed back by cold. Replacing them with reblooming types will solve that problem. With so many new hydrangeas and other plants on the market, I keep tags of all my new plants in a zip-lock bag and write the date of planting on the tag. It sure helps when I have a question to research. For more help with hydrangeas, try the University of Tennessee’s very informative publication, “A Tennessee Landscape Contractor’s Guide to Hydrangeas,” available at https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W304.pdf

Indoor Winter Project Winter is a good time to work on gardening projects that can be done in the garage. This bright blue cedar trellis is a good example of a small wooden structure that may be made at home or purchased then painted a color that you like. Once used in a home and garden show display by Bonnie Plants, it drew lots of compliments from its observers.

Painted trellis

SIMPLE TIMES B Y S U Z Y M c C R AY

Poverty THE CO-OP PANTRY was a great motivator ...

Who couldn’t use a little extra money during these unsettling times? Whether you live on a many-acred commercial farm, a rugged homestead, a small city lot or even a tiny apartment, if you set your mind to it, there are simple ways to bring in a little extra cash. While your circumstances will likely be a little different than mine, hopefully this will give you some ideas! Our little farm store started almost by accident more than two decades ago. I was selling eggs from my happy chickens to neighbors. Terry, who lived on the scenic road behind us, grew tired of having to ring the doorbell any time he needed some of the dark-yellow-yolked goodness for his early breakfasts, so he brought over a refrigerator that was unused in his ceramic workshop and plopped it down in our carport. I installed a handy glass fruit jar and a little sign telling folks to “help yourself” to the eggs and leave their money in the jar. And it began. Everybody joked about the “cold hard cash” in the fridge, but it really worked! Seeing an opportunity, I set a card table beside the fridge and placed some of my homemade jellies and goat milk soaps there with another small sign telling folks to leave payment in the jar in the egg fridge. Soon my treasures outgrew the small table. There was a little unused 10-by-10 storage (junk) room just off the carport. I installed sturdy shelves, moved the

fridge inside, and I was off and running. I’d already checked with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health, and determined I could legally sell my eggs directly from the farm to other individuals, I just couldn’t sell them for resale and not to restaurants, etc. Then I discovered that in our county and Alabama, you can go to your county’s Extension service office at the beginning of each year and get a free “Grower’s Permit” that allows you to legally sell whatever you grow and have listed, from your farm or at any farmers market in the state! A few years went by and I dreamed my mama (who had passed away a couple of years before) was helping me carry items from the tiny storeroom to a bigger outbuilding situated near the woods at the other end of our house. In my dream, we spent all night carrying things back and forth. I woke with a plan in place! I drew out a business plan for the little 20-by-11foot building showing improvements like wiring and insulation I needed to make to the actual building and what I hoped to accomplish there. I carried that yellow legal pad to our local bank and walked out with a check to do the improvements! That was in 2009, and there have been many changes since then! I attended one of the very first Alabama Cottage Food Classes about seven years ago which explained exactly what someone could sell from such a home-based business. That certification February 2021

is good for five years and I’ve since had to renew. As I wanted to sell a few items from other folks because I had more room, I was now required to buy half a city business license (since our homestead is just inside the town’s police jurisdiction) and a county/state license (which costs a whole $2 each year!). I also must pay local, county and state sales tax on those items which we don’t produce on the farm. It sounds complicated, but it’s really not! I also must renew a food permit with the state each year now as well as someone shows up unannounced every now and then to check temperatures in our refrigerators in the tiny store. Last winter, my husband doubled the size of the store and this summer he built a sidewalk that ties the store and greenhouse all together making it easier for folks on walkers or wheelchairs. We really tripled our garden this year to have more to preserve for ourselves and to sell! Turnip greens were an easy crop and a big seller this fall! While we are blessed to have this little building, neighbors and customers tell me of many ways they are adding to their income (and having fun) as well! This week, one customer, who lives in the heart of town, told me she had made $1,500 simply making bowl cozies last year, enough to make a sizeable dent in the total needed for a cruise she and her husband hope to make to Alaska next year. Moody Farms, just a couple of miles back toward Oneonta from us, planted Christmas trees seven years ago! They opened this year, the day after Thanksgiving, with over 400 trees tagged which could be harvested this year, and they sold more than 90 trees that first day! They are replanting every year and have a wonderful future ahead right there on the 40 acres that have been in their family for ages. Valor Bakery wanted to go beyond what the Alabama Cottage Food Laws allowed so they added a small wing to their Highland Lake house with a commercial kitchen. Kathy Brodock is now renowned for her wedding cakes, birthday cakes AND teaching “making cookie” classes! Another friend has a commercial chicken house farm near Snead, and her husband and his uncle farm hundreds of acres raising peanuts and cotton every year. She finds time to often make and sell homemade sourdough bread! A young friend needed $300 for a mission trip a few years ago. When I visited her home, there were 300 Styrofoam cups sitting in the sunshiny front bay window. She sold those tomato plants for only $1 each and had just enough for her mission trip expenses! Another acquaintance who lives in town found a simple apron pattern when she was cleaning out her 50

Cooperative Farming News

mother’s home after she passed away. She’s been making and selling those cute aprons to her friends ever since. There’s always someone on homestead forums on social media asking how they can make extra money, oftentimes while tending to young children or aging parents. Here are some other ideas I’ve seen in our community: • A woman who sits with the elderly crochets many times almost all day, making hats, including the popular ones with holes for your ponytail, and she sells every one! • I make simple baby quilts, often using panels, but the design is in the quilting, either hand stitched or sewn on the machine. If you can sew a straight line, you can make one! And they sell like hotcakes! • Another friend sells heirloom tomato plants each spring. She started out with a four-by-eight greenhouse and two chicken house lights. She sold 1,000 plants last spring! • Another friend does chain saw carvings; a husband often refurbishes antique furniture; a younger man searches thrift stores for specific electronics and resells them to a steady market on eBay; a neighbor sells firewood – although they only live on a little over an acre, almost all the wood he cuts and sells is free from storm damage or when others need to simply thin an area; another neighbor helps in cleaning out houses that are to be rented or when someone passes away … she has found some delightful things which she sells individually or at twice-yearly yard sales! The list is almost endless! Think of what hobbies you possess. Can you teach a cooking class? How to paint Christmas ornaments? How to make just about anything? While I was a widow and running this farm alone, folks would often ask me how I found time or energy to make all the items such as honeysuckle jelly, aprons and lap quilts to sell. My answer with a laugh was always that “poverty is a great motivator.” If you’ve got a head on your shoulders and a little time (stay off the internet and don’t be binge watching those TV shows!) you can bring in some extra income. Call the appropriate agencies if you need guidance and get to work!!! “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIV) (Suzy and Mack live on a small homestead in Blount County and can be reached on Facebook or at suzy.mccray@yahoo.com.)

HOWLE’S HINTS B Y J O H N H OW L E

THE HERB FARMER

February

HOW’S YOUR GARDEN “Why should conservationists have a positive interest in farming? There are lots of reasons, but the plainest is: conservationists eat.”

and resources so they can continually get returns on their time, money and work invested to ensure that future generations can also make use of it. Even in Genesis 1:26, we get an idea that conservationists will have an important role. “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Conservation to the cattle farmer means stopping erosion from washing topsoil away, leaving timber for shade and wildlife, and planting forage that co-exists and creates fertility and ground cover. Conservation to the deer hunter means selective harvesting of whitetail deer and practicing quality deer management principles. For example, conservation might mean selectively harvesting timber instead of clear-cutting. Each land manager has to decide which conservation techniques are best for the available land. Whether it is hunting and fishing or farming, nurturing and car-

SIMPLE TIMES

- Wendell Berry

What is the difference between an environmentalist and a conservationist? There are plenty of generalizations on both sides, but for simplicity’s sake, an environmentalist believes that for the environment to be protected, the land is to be isolated or set aside from human use. Conservationists believe that the environment is something we have to use every day so we must conserve it and care for it so future generations can enjoy it, hunt it, fish it and farm it. Farmers and outdoor enthusiasts are typically conservationists. Both groups take care of the land

THE CO-OP PANTRY

February 2021

ing for the land through conservation is what lets us enjoy outdoor pursuits for generations to come. The National Wildlife Federation has a Conservation Hall of Fame. Many of the inductees are names that may be familiar to you, and by researching their writings, we can apply some of their principles to our current practices for success. Here are a few of the inductees: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, John James Audubon, Henry David Thoreau and John Wesley Powell.

Axe-ology Supposedly, Abraham Lincoln said, “If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” Lumberjacks, back in the days before modern logging equipment came along, would always keep an axe blade sharp enough to shave, and these men would shave with an axe to show their sharpening skill. This February, whether you are cutting firewood or removing a tree that has fallen on the fence, it’s wise to keep a sharp axe on hand. A well-sharpened axe will help you de-limb a fallen tree faster than a chain saw. A single bit axe with the hammer shape on one end and the cutting blade on the other makes a ver-

Using a flat file, make smooth downward strokes on both sides of the bit.

Cooperative Farming News

satile tool. To find out if an axe fits before buying, place the end of the handle under your armpit. For a good camp axe, you should be able to comfortably cradle the axe head in the cup of your hand. For felling trees, you might want a longer-handle axe with double bits. Before you sharpen your axe, here are a couple of tips. First, think safety. Wear thick, leather gloves. Second, before you use your flat file, place a large washer over the handle tip and stick a wooden handle on the file. The washer will keep you from slipping past the rough part of the file and running your hand across the blade. While holding the axe head firmly in a vise, make long, smooth strokes against the bit on both sides until you achieve maximum sharpness. Avoid using grinders because the heat and friction will ruin the temper of the blade. As a wooden-handle axe or hatchet gets older, the wood often shrinks from a loss of moisture in the wood. This is dangerous because the axe or hatchet head could fly off while swinging or chopping. Soaking the head in a bucket of water or a creek will work as a temporary fix because the wood absorbs moisture and swells, securing the head. Better advice is to keep the wooden handle soaked with linseed oil because the wood absorbs and holds linseed oil well

Linseed oil preserves the wood in axe handles and keeps the head from slipping off from shrinkage.

and should keep the head secure for the life of the tool.

Predator Control Speaking of managing the land through conservation, sometimes it is necessary to control predator populations on your property. We all know what damage coyotes can do to small livestock and turkeys, but the bobcat can do great damage as well. Turkey populations are vulnerable to attack by these cats, and if you ever hear a bobcat scream at night, it can really make your hair stand up. Coyotes can get to turkeys on the ground, but bobcats can climb, making them an even larger threat to roosting birds. Male cats can get to be above 30 pounds. If you see populations of bobcats increasing on your property, and you want to protect your turkeys, you might want to start thinning the population for the overall good of wildlife. It is an open season on both coyotes and bobcats in Alabama, but you can only shoot them during daylight hours.

This February, go squirrel hunting and use this time to get youth involved in the outdoors.

Squirrel Season February is a great time to go squirrel hunting and expose youngsters to the outdoors. Squirrel season runs until March 7 in Alabama this year. Invest in a squirrel call for some excitement, and remember squirrel hunting teaches patience, attentiveness, accuracy and value for hard-earned food. This February, get pleasure out of nature, and enjoy the fruits of conservation.

Isonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery SINCE 1934

Grow Half-Dollar Sized Muscadines and Blackberries!

Keep predators like bobcats under control to help preserve your turkey population.

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February 2021

THE MAGIC OF GARDENING

Starting Vegetable Transplants February may not seem like a month to start a garden but for those adventurous souls who want to grow their own vegetable or flower transplants from seed, it is the time to get started. The keys to starting plants from seed are: good quality seed, adequate light, correct temperature, good seed starting soil mixture, correct watering and proper fertilization. Ideally, natural light is the best and least expensive light source, but if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a greenhouse or a south facing window with good light you may need artificial lighting. There are several different light sources that can work well, but it probably comes down to cost for small-scale setups. I have

had good success with fluorescent grow lights. The grow lights provide the full spectrum of light for good plant growth. The key to success is keeping the light very close to the plants. Place the light fixture on a chain that can be raised as the plant gets taller. The light should be within two to four inches of the top of the plant. The soil temperature is very important to the germination of seeds and different species have different optimum germination temperatures. Extension has a publication with a list of seed germination temperatures. Visit our website at www.aces.edu and search for publication ANR 1061. The air temperature also

Tomato Seedlings

Cooperative Farming News

B Y T O N Y G L OV E R

Grow lights

Young plants

impacts growth once the seed have germinated. When they are young, the air temperature of most homes is good, but as the plants get larger they need to be toughened up by exposing them to cooler temperatures. This can be done by moving them outdoors on warmer days and placing them in an unheated garage or utility room on nights with cool but not freezing temperatures. I mentioned the need for good soil, but actually it is best to start seed using a soilless seed starting mix. If you use garden soil, the chance for seedling diseases is very high and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost impossible to have the proper drainage. Your local Quality Alabama Farmers Co-op store will have a seed starting media made up mostly of peat moss. These seed starting medium will be sterile, well-drained, and will allow for good water and nutrient retention. Some starting mixes have a small amount of fertilizer, but additional fertilizer will be needed for good growth. I like to use a liquid or soluble fertilizer with the three major nutrients (20-20-20) plus microelements. For seedlings, I usually use about half of the recommended garden mixture rate especially when the plants are small. Watering the plants appropriately may seem like the easiest thing to manage, but it can be the quickest way to complete failure. A good medium will not only hold water but also drain well. That means you can easily keep the plants too wet or too dry if not monitored frequently. Constant monitoring is needed to avoid these extremes. However, as the plants become more mature, you can use the water management to help toughen the plants up. Gradually allow them to get drier between waterings to the point of slightly wilting without reaching the permanent wilting point.

This can make the plants both better adapted to outdoors and control excessive stretching and spindly growth. After reading all this, you may be wondering why I grow transplants at all when I can buy them already large enough to plant out in the garden. I do both, and the main reason I grow some of the plants myself is to try new varieties that are not readily available as transplants. For an advanced gardener, it is another challenge and it gives us something to do in the bleak winter days which give us hope that spring is coming soon.

February 2021

FOOD SAFETY

Are Value Added Products Right for You?

Cooperative Farming News

B Y A N G E L A T R E A D AWAY

Direct marketing and value-added products are two of the best strategies farmers can employ to improve net profitability. Value-added products can open new markets, enhance the public’s appreciation for the farm and extend the marketing season. In fact, adding value to agricultural products beyond the farm gate usually has several times the economic impact of the agricultural production alone. This offers the farmers a much larger potential to capture a larger share of the food dollar. Most agricultural producers receive a much smaller portion of the consumer’s dollar than food processors, especially processors who produce brand name items (e.g., Sunkist, Del Monte). Capturing those additional dollars by adding value to farm or ranch products is a goal of many producers in the United States today.

What is Value Added? At the most basic, a value-added product simply means any product or action that helps you raise the value of your products or business, or something you can add to a product that enables you to increase your profit margin. You also may hear the term “value-added opportunities,” which relates more to actions you can take such as making jam from your organic berry harvest, making a unique cheese on your dairy farm, fire roasting your vegetable crops for the farmers market, packaging organic products together in a special way that may increase their value, hosting farm tours or educational workshops, the list could go on infinitely. Many growers are inviting the public onto their farms to harvest their own produce. These farms are known as pick-your-own, or PYO, and they are attractive to farmers because there is reduced labor required for harvesting; plus they can sell produce that is too fragile to ship. PYOs do, however, require long working hours and more liability insurance. With the right location and crop offerings, PYOs offer an opportunity to diversify existing farm businesses. Value added might mean something slightly different to nearly every person who owns a farm that is hoping to raise or make products from the items they are growing. The breadth of crop production — from grains and oilseeds to fruits and vegetables; from nursery and landscape crops to herbs and handcrafted items like pine needle baskets or grapevine wreaths. It is different for every farm. You don’t always

have to farm a large number of acres to have a value-added product either.

Increasing Profits and Enjoyment with Value-Added Products At best, value-added endeavors increase profit, but value-added products and opportunities have other perks as well, such as: • Personal fulfillment. Maybe there’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to pursue or a product you’ve always really wanted to produce. Considering this hobby or this product as something value-added for your business can help you both fulfill that personal dream and make more money. • Excitement. OK, it’s not as if making jam is akin to skydiving but growing the same crops year after year can result in boredom. Anything gets mundane and routine if you do it often enough. Value-added endeavors can add some diversity and excitement to your work routine. • Marketing value. Never underestimate how cool niche products can look to consumers. Organic veggies are available everywhere, but if consumers can also pick up organic cut flowers or dried herbs at your farm stand, then you start to stand out. The same goes for organic jam made from your organic berries. • Fun and learning. It’s fun to try new things, and value-added products can increase your organic knowledge in a new niche area. • Eco-friendly aspects. Value-added items and opportunities are very eco-friendly for the most part because they usually utilize the resources you already have, and keep new land use and new raw material use to a minimum, or both.

Starting a Value-Added Enterprise One of the first things you should do when considering a value-added business is to decide on the products you want to create, the implications of creating these products and the steps involved in beginning the business. These steps will vary depending on your skills and your location and which overseeing agency you will need to work with. The National Sustainable Agriculture Assistance Program’s publication, “Adding Value to Farm products: An Overview,” is a good place to begin. February 2021

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has a list of resources you should review when considering a new value-added venture. The information included contains topics and articles from several universities with information covering a value-added enterprise. There are grants you could possibly apply for on this website as well for small producers who want to do value-added products. Just go under Value Added Producer Grants. If you do research online, look for articles from the Extension service and other educational sources to find trusted sources to get good information. Producers wanting to start doing value-added products need to research the buying habits, tastes, income levels and proximity of their potential customers. Knowing customer needs can help producers decide what to sell. Advertising can be as simple as a roadside stand, selling at a couple of different farmers markets or it could go as far as to do a direct mail flyer or putting ads in local papers. Building a new business is difficult and takes hard work. But for all the uncertainty, there are ways to craft a successful value-added business strategy. The key factors in a detailed business plan are: perations plan — flow of the business, quality and O cost control Personnel plan — needs, skills and training

ales plan — including challenging but realistic goals S Management plan — strengths, weaknesses and resources Investment and financial plan — cash flow planning

Summary Beyond business planning and market research to get to know the customer, the essential elements for success in a value-added business can be boiled down to four key ingredients for business managers: • Adapt to market changes. • Be open to exploring new ideas. • Operate more as a resource manager than as a producer. • Realize the importance of networking and the need to develop alliances. Managing resources and exploring new ideas means you will constantly need to be looking at new ideas of ways to increase your profits. That may seem tedious, but that is precisely what adding value is all about. The sky is the limit if you can just find the right products and markets to match. There are many resources online to research for new ideas as well as ways to manage.

MARCH 5-6, 2021

78th ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Join us for the largest beef cattle industry event in Alabama!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: BamaBeef.org/Convention 58

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DAN HALSTROM UNITED STATES MEAT EXPORT FEDERATION

DR. SARA PLACE ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH

Finders ... and Keepers A Valentine Story

It was Valentine’s Day of 2019, and I had just sat down at the kitchen table to write checks for our monthly bills when I realized the checkbook was missing. So, I searched in all the regular places it could usually be found: on my desk, on the kitchen table and on top of the bookcase. Not finding it in any of those spots, I went to the only other place it could possibly be … my wife’s purse. Her purse was hanging from the back of a chair at the kitchen table. I picked it up and began to rummage through it. Having searched seemingly every nook and cranny within the purse, I finally gave up the hunt, laid it on the table, and called out to my wife. She was in the back of the house. “Lisa, do you know where the checkbook is?” I asked. “Did you look in my purse?” she replied. “Yes, I just looked through it. It’s not in there,” I answered. I heard her footsteps coming down the hallway. She came to the kitchen table where I was standing, picked up her purse (the

one I had just completely and thoroughly searched through) reached in, and pulled out the checkbook. As she handed it to me, there was just a slight note of irritation in her voice as she said, “You need to learn how to find things!” Without hesitation, and with a boyish grin upon my face, I replied, “I found you!” If you’ve been married any length of time, a similar scenario has probably played out in your home. Men, we’ve just got to face the facts. We are not very good at finding things around the house. Women are just better at finding stuff! I don’t have a problem admitting it …

February 2021 59

my wife is a better “finder” than me … that’s why she’s “a keeper!” But, there’s good news for all you married men out there. Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” Maybe we can’t find the checkbook, or the keys or our sunglasses, or a clean pair of socks, but one day we found something of greatest importance and value. We found our wives. And, in so doing, we received favor from the Lord. So, maybe men aren’t great at finding things, but because our wives are, they complete us. They fill a void where we have a deficiency. They are strong in an area that we are weak. That’s the way God planned it on the day He made woman. He saw Adam, alone in the garden, needing something more than just the beautiful Earth He had provided for him. Needing something more than just the animals that he ruled over. Needing something more than the job He had given him to do. God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” So, God put Adam to sleep with a little Heavenly anesthesia and performed surgery on him. He took a rib from Adam’s side and fashioned it into the form of a woman. Now, just think about that for a moment. God took something OUT OF Adam and turned it into something that Adam needed. In essence, Adam became incom21 SLE Rodeo _ AFC Ad.pdf 12/9/20 2:11 PM plete without the woman that1God created. A piece of

Maybe we can’t find the checkbook, or the keys or our sunglasses, or a clean pair of socks, but one day we found something of greatest importance and value. We found our wives. himself was missing. A void was created that could only be filled when the woman was by his side. So, a man comes into this world searching for something that’s missing. Something that will fill that empty spot in his side. Something that will complete him. He spends days, weeks, months and even years trying to find that special someone who will take away the loneliness he felt when he was first created. He searches diligently until the day he finally finds her. He finds the woman God pulled out of his side. His search is finally over. But, her search has just begun as she searches for his keys, his sunglasses, his socks … and the ever-elusive checkbook. Husbands, tell your wives today that they complete you. Tell them how much you need them and love them. Then, thank God for the favor He showed you when you finally found her. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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March 18-20, 2021

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SLERodeo.com

THE CO-OP PANTRY B Y M A RY D E L P H

Best Ever Pancakes 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar or sweetener 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups milk 1/4 cup butter 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 large egg Combine together the flour, sugar (or sweetener), baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large-sized bowl. Make a well in the center and add the milk, slightly cooled melted butter, vanilla and egg. Use a wire whisk to whisk the wet ingredients together first

before slowly folding them into the dry ingredients. Mix together until smooth (there may be a couple of lumps, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK). If you find the batter too thick, fold a couple of tablespoons of extra milk into the batter at a time until reaching desired consistency. Set the batter aside and allow to rest while heating up your pan or griddle. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over low-medium heat and wipe over with a little butter to lightly grease pan. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan and spread out gently into a round shape with the back of your ladle or measuring cup. When the underside is golden and bubbles begin to appear on the surface, flip with a spatula and cook until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. Note: Serve plain or with honey, your favorite syrup, fruit, ice cream or frozen yogurt.

February February2021 2021 61 61

Cheese, Bacon & Egg Hash 4 m edium-sized potatoes, scrubbed clean and peeled, then diced into small 3/4 inch cubes 2 Tablespoons olive oil 7 ounces diced bacon, trimmed of fat 2 s callions, spring onions or shallots, trimmed and finely sliced 4 large eggs 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Cracked pepper, optional Stove Top: Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or pan over medium heat. Fry the potatoes in the hot oil and cook while stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy (about 20 minutes). To speed up cooking time, cover pan with a lid, checking the potatoes every 4-5 minutes or so to stir them (this takes about 15 minutes). Add the bacon pieces to the pan and fry while stirring occasionally for 10 minutes until crisp. The potatoes will be golden with crisp edges, while soft on the inside. Add the spring onions; stir them through and season with pepper (optional). Using a wooden spoon or spatula, make four wells in the hash, crack an egg

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Burrito

4 flour tortillas, cooked or warmed 8 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 pound chopped ham, sausage or bacon 1 1/3 cups shredded cheese, your choice Salt and pepper, to taste Warm flour tortillas in oven or microwave. If using raw tortillas, prepare them according to package directions. Whisk eggs and milk together in a bowl. Set aside. In a large skillet, cook preferred breakfast meat. If using diced ham, use a little oil or cooking spray in the pan before heating. Remove meat from the skillet and set aside. Add

into each well and arrange the shredded cheese around each egg. Fry until the whites are set and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve immediately. Oven Method: Heat oven to 400 F. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in a cast-iron skillet or ovenproof pan or baking sheet. Spray with a light coating of cooking oil and bake for about 30 minutes, stirring around halfway through cook time, until crisp and golden. Remove from oven, add the bacon, and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Make four wells in the hash, crack an egg into each well and arrange the shredded cheese around each egg. Place skillet (or pan) back into the oven until the whites are set and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve immediately. 62

Cooperative Farming News

Chilled Overnight Milk & Honey Chia 2 cups old-fashioned oats 4 Tablespoons chia seeds 4 Tablespoons honey Milk or unsweetened plant-based milk 4 16-ounce jars with lids

eggs and milk mixture. When eggs start to set, add breakfast meat. Continue stirring until eggs are cooked through. Remove from heat and top with cheese. Divide egg, meat and cheese filling between the four tortillas. Roll each tortilla into a burrito.

To each of four 16-ounce jars, add 1/2 cup oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon honey and 2/3 cup milk. Cover; shake to combine. Refrigerate.

Notes: TO FREEZE: Wrap each tortilla in plastic wrap or foil. Place in a resealable plastic freezer bag or plastic container with lid. Freeze up to one month. Reheat in microwave: Remove plastic wrap and wrap burrito in a paper towel. Cook for 4-6 minutes on high, turning once. Reheat in oven: Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

February 2021

QUILTS IN THE COURTROOM February 1-26, 2021 Monroeville - Monroe County Museum Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Call 251-575-7433

ORDER OF INCA February 5, 2021 Mobile - Route A 6:30 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

LIVING HISTORY CREW DRILL February 6, 2021 Mobile - Battleship Memorial Park 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call 251-433-2703

APOLLO'S MYSTIC LADIES MARDI GRAS PARADE February 5, 2021 Daphne - Olde Town Daphne 6:45 p.m. Call 1-800-745-SAND

20TH ANNUAL GENEALOGY WORKSHOP February 6, 2021 Monroeville - Old Courthouse Museum - Admission 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call 251-575-7433

CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE February 5-6, 2021 Troy - Troy University Admission Call 334-670-2283 MOBILE MYSTICS MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 2:00 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

HIKE OF SEVEN WATERFALLS February 1-28, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports Admission - Closed on Sunday Call 256-997-9577

MOBILE MYSTICAL REVELERS MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 2:30 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

WILD CAVE TOUR February 1-28, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports Admission - Closed on Sunday Call 256-997-9577

MOBILE MYSTICAL FRIENDS MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 2:00 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

DAUPHIN ISLAND PEOPLE'S PARADE February 2, 2021 Dauphin Island - 101 Bienville Blvd Call 251-432-3324

MOBILE MYSTICAL FRIENDS MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 2:00 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

ART NIGHT February 3-28, 2021 North Port - Kentuck Art Center 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Call 205-758-1257

MAIDS OF MIRTH MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route G - 6:30 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

DAMON WAYANS JR.: THE PSNWA TOUR February 4-6, 2021 Huntsville - Standup Live Admission - 7:00 p.m. Call 256-261-3374

ORDER OF BUTTERFLY MAIDENS MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 7:00 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

1ST FRIDAY ART WALK February 5, 2021 Fairhope - Art Center Call 64 251-928-2228 Cooperative Farming News

KREWE OF MARRY MATES MARDI GRAS PARADE February 6, 2021 Mobile - Route A - 7:30 p.m. Call 251-432-3324

CAJUN TAKEOVER/MARDI GRAS PARADES February 6, 2021 Monroeville - Various locations Noon - 7:00 p.m. Call 251-923-7470 ROTUNDA SINGING February 6, 2021 Montgomery - Alabama State Capital 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call 251-923-7470 26TH ANNUAL SUPER CHILI BOWL COOK OFF February 6, 2021 Orange Beach - Flora-Bama 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call 850-492-0611 ZIP LINE ADVENTURE (BASIC) February 6, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports Not open on Sunday Call 256-997-9577 DOWNTOWN GADSDEN'S ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF February 6, 2021 Gadsden - 4th to 6th Street Downtown Gadsden - Noon - 2:30 p.m. Call 256-547-8696 WILD ABOUT CHOCOLATE February 8, 2021 Birmingham - 4th Ave. North Admission - 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Call 205-663-7930 HIKE OF SEVEN CAVES February 8, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports Admission - Not open on Sunday Call 256-997-9577 RAPPELLING ADVENTURE (LITTLE RIVER CANYON AREA)

February 10, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports Admission - Not open on Sunday Call 256-997-9577

VALENTINES MOVIE NIGHT February 13, 2021 Foley - 1501 S. OWA Blvd Call 251-923-2111

'TILL BETH DO WE PART – A JONES, HOPE & WOOTEN COMEDY February 10-14, 2021 Union Springs - Red Door Theater Admission Call 334-738-8687

KREWE DU CIRQUE MARDI GRAS PARADE February 14, 2021 Foley - Downtown OWA Call 251-923-2111

WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY MID-DAY MUSIC: YELLOWHAMMER February 15, 2021 Montevallo - American Village SAXOPHONE QUARTET Admission February 12, 2021 Call 205-665-3535 Birmingham - Cathedral Church of the Advent - 12:30 p.m. ZIP LINE ADVENTURE (BASIC) Call 205-251-2324 February 16, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports ROCK CLIMBING / RAPPELLING Admission - Not open on Sunday ADVENTURE (COMBO) Call 256-997-9577 February 12, 2021 Fort Payne - True Adventure Sports DOTHAN AREA CHAMBER OF Admission - Not open on Sunday COMMERCE ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT Call 256-997-9577 ON BUSINESS ALABAMA BALLET VISITS NORTH- February 18, 2021 Dothan - Dothan Civic Center EAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY Call 800-221-1027 COLLEGE February 12, 2021 CHILI COOK-OFF Rainsville - Northeast Alabama February 20, 2021 Community College - Admission Atmore - Atmore Area Chamber of 7:00 p.m. Commerce - Admission to taste Call 256-638-4418 Judging starts at 4:30 Call 800-221-1027 FARM TOY SHOW February 12-13, 2021 12TH ANNUAL RUSSELL Sheffield - Clarion Hotel FOREST RUN Admission - 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. February 27, 2021 Call 256-320-7490 Alexander City - 17 Russell Farms Rd. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. WORLD OF WHEELS http://russellforestrun.com/ February 12-14, 2021 Birmingham - BJCC North Hall ORANGE BEACH SEAFOOD 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. FESTIVAL & CAR SHOW Call 205-655-4950 February 27, 2021 Orange Beach - The Wharf ARX MORTIS HAUNTED 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ATTRACTION – MY BLOODY Call 251-981-1524 VALENTINE February 12-14, 2021 COTTONTAIL'S VILLAGE ARTS, Killen - 4051 Hwy 72 CRAFTS AND GIFTS SHOW Call 256-272-5405 February 28 - March 1, 2021 Birmingham - BJCC - Admission CARNIVAL CANINES ON PARADE Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. February 13, 2021 Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Decatur - Bank Street Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - children’s parade 2:00 p.m. - Carnegie Carnival Parade Call 205-836-7178 Call 256-341-0562

BRIDGE CROSSING JUBILEE March 4-7, 2021 Selma - National Voting Rights Museum & Institute - Admission Call 256-765-4592 ACA CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW February 5-6, 2021 Birmingham - Sheraton Birmingham Hotel - Admission Call 334-265-1867 NAC SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW February 12-14, 2021 Gardendale - Gardendale Civic Center - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 205-681-8028

***Please note that some of these events may be postponed or canceled due to COVID-19. Please contact the event directly in order to find out more information about the event.***

“What’s Happening in Alabama” Policy The AFC Cooperative Farming News publishes event listings as space allows, giving preference to agricultural events of regional or statewide interest and those that are annual or one-time events. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information submitted for publication and advises calling ahead to confirm dates, locations, times and possible admission fees. To be included in the calendar, send listings to: Cooperative Farming News Calendar of Events P.O. Box 2227 Decatur, AL 35609 -oremail to Calendar of Events at subscribe@alafarm.com *Please include name of event, where it will be held (both town and physical location), a phone number for more information, and an email or website.* *Event Listings must be received at least two months in advance and will be accepted up to a year in advance.*

February 2021

MID STATE STOCKYARDS LLP.

8415 State Highway 97 South, Letohatchee, AL 36047 - Interstate 65 Exit 151

Sale Day: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. 1-877-334-5229 | 334-227-8000 www.midstatestockyards.com

“Serving the Southeast since our beginning in 2003” PARTNERS: Billy Younkin 334-313-3542 Clanton205-288-6298

Scott Garrett 334-303-1488

Dick Farrior 334-399-0170

Drop-Off Locations:

Wetumpka334-313-3695

East AL706-577-1900

Covington Co. 334-488-0934

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS SUPPORT THE AUCTION. WE WORK FOR YOU.

CLAY COUNTY STOCKYARD

VALLEY STOCKYARD

1050 Airport Road - Ashland, AL Sale Every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. Tad and Kim Eason, Owners

Check us out on Facebook!

13130 AL HWY 157 - Moulton, AL Cattle Auction - Wed. at 11:00 a.m. Billy Wallace (C) 256-303-7097 Phone: 256-974-5900 Fax: 256-974-5899 Your Full Service Stockyard

SAND MOUNTAIN STOCKYARD, LLC

TOP RANKED MARKET RECEIPTS SINCE 2006

Barn: 256-354-2276 Tad: 397-4428

Hauling available

19509 AL Hwy 68 - Crossville, AL 256-561-3434 Cattle Auction - Every Wed.

SW AL 251-989-3992

& Sat. at 11:30 a.m. Call for any hauling & catching needs

MID STATE STOCKYARDS 8415 State HWY 97 South Letohatchee, AL 36047 Sale Day: Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. 1-877-334-5229 or 334-227-8000 www.midstatestockyards.com

If you would like to advertise your stockyard, please contact Wendy McFarland at mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com

We’re rooted in our farmers. Whether you grow cash crops, raise livestock, or farm as a hobby, TriGreen Equipment has the John Deere agricultural machinery you need, with local farming knowledge you can trust.

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LOW-RATE FINANCING

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Office - 601-928-5309 and 601-928-5308 Jregister@registermetals.com Locations: 321 Madison Avenue, Wiggins, MS 39577

*Please call for pricing*

*Offer ends 05/31/21. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

Cooperative Farming News

RegisterBarns.com

(806) 258 - 7394 carson@gaylandwardseed.com www.gaylandwardseed.com

Sorghum Sudangrass • BMR Dwarf Varieties • Grain Sorghum Forage Sorghum • Pearl Millet February 2021

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Cooperative Farming News

1119-534HO_0520

February 2021

Articles inside

5 "Must Haves" For More Turkeys

Advancing Stewardship

Feeding Facts: Grass Tetany

Starting Vegetable Transplants

Josh Webb: A Well-Lived Life

Managing the Chaos of Disasters

Building Leaders One Row at a Time

Grazing Grace: Finders... and Keepers

Where the Buffalo Roam: Green Acres Buffalo Farm

Deer Boss: Quality Deer Feed, Made by Quality People

Wayne Gilliam Reaches 50 Year Milestone