Neighbors Magazine, July 2019 by Alabama Farmers Federation

Relationships That Pay Dividends.

“We trust Alabama Farm Credit as a company that knows our business and supports our needs.”

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Land Purchasing and Reﬁnancing New and Used Equipment Purchases Livestock Financing Varying Terms and Rates Operating Loans Serving north Alabama

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Call Alabama Farm Credit to learn how low rates and relationship lending help farmers harvest savings that pay dividends.

In This Issue 4 | Teaching The Teachers

7 | Beef Tour Moves

28 | Cool Off With

No-Bake Desserts

Through Mississippi

12 | Alfa Scholars Honored 19 | Boosting Investments In Rural Alabama

POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

On The Cover

Tim and Dawn Smith are Air Force veterans learning to serve others in a new way – through their Tallapoosa County farm.

Photo By Marlee Moore

www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQAM

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

alfafarmers.org

July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Summer Institute Brings Farm And Outdoors Into Teachers’ Classro oms

Teachers learned about farm-to-table beef production at Spry Mitchell Cattle Farm in Florence.

By Debra Davis eachers who want to bring the T outdoors inside to students should go to the Alabama Agriculture In The

Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute — that’s according to Britney Jones, a kindergarten teacher from Spring Garden School who attended this year’s program May 29-31 in Florence. The institute included integrated agricultural activities for grades K-6 and farm field trips for the 83 educators who attended. “My favorite part was visiting the farms and looking behind the scenes at how they operate,” said Jones, 33. “I

uAllen, left, farmer Larry Lo ty un Co e nc re Law s horticulture tours around hi on rs he ac te d le . oulton May 30 operation in M 4

NEIGHBORS

July 2019

From left are Britney Jones of Spring Garden School (SGS) in Cherokee County, farmer Greg Hamner of Clemmons & Hamner Seed Inc. in Killen, Teresa Westbrook of SGS and retired Huntsville City Schools teacher Linda Hardee of Madison County.

also loved the workshops. I learned so many things that I know my students will be interested in, and we got lots of supplies and materials to help get them engaged. The entire program was filled with ideas, lessons and resources I can take back to my students.” Farm tour stops included Spry Mitchell Cattle Farm in Florence, Clemmons and Hamner Seed Inc. in Killen and LouAllen Produce Farm in Moulton. A panel of local farmers also answered questions from teachers. Subjects included poultry production, the environment, precision agriculture, GMOs and consumer perceptions. Greg Hamner, a farmer and owner of Clemmons and Hamner Seed Inc., is a former ag education teacher who said he was excited to have teachers visit the farm and tour its seed-cleaning and packaging facility. “I want them to understand how seed is grown and produced,” Hamner said. “That’s why we carried the teachers to our wheat field — so they can understand how wheat is harvested and becomes seed for another farmer to plant and grow crops.” Teachers took home more than knowledge and experiences. Drawings were held for 10 incubators and egg

scope kits valued at $360 each, along with eight soybean science kits for classroom experiments worth over $500 each. Each teacher received numerous books, educator guides, resource guides and classroom activity materials. AITC Steering Committee Chairman Kim Earwood said Summer Institute is one of her favorite events. “It’s always great to see how excited the teachers get and how appreciative they are,” Earwood said. “I think the program helps renew their spirit, and they are grateful to receive so many materials to help introduce agriculture to their students.” In addition to the summer program, AITC sponsors mini grants, excellence in teaching awards and opportunities to attend national AITC conferences. The Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries partner to provide the institute. Much support is provided by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, which is primarily funded by the sale of ag tag license plates. For more information, visit AlabamaAITC. org. View photos from summer institute on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Facebook, Instagram and Flickr pages. alfafarmers.org

How long have you been farming? I was raised on a broiler farm but started growing breeder chickens in 1993. We also have about 100 head of commercial beef cows.

Corey Hill Corey Hill is the quintessential people person. The 49 year old is the mayor of Douglas in Marshall County and owns Douglas Food Valu grocery store with wife Stephanie — all in addition to raising breeder chickens, cows and hay. He also serves on the State Poultry Committee, where he helps fellow producers adapt to a changing poultry industry. The Hills have been married 30 years and have three children, 24-year-old Rhea and 22-year-old twins Redden and Ramsey.

Why are you in the grocery business? I love talking to people. I get to do that at Food Valu. My family was in the grocery and convenience business until about 15 years ago. About 10 years ago, we got the chance to buy it back.

Why do you like to farm? I enjoy the challenge of doing something different every day. It’s becoming more important that we have safe food to feed our family and country.

How do you spend your spare time? We love to travel. For 16 years, I’ve gone on a guys’ trip to baseball games across the country. That’s how I’m attempting to see all 50 states.

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July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Alabama Beef Producers

Tour Sister State Among the stops on the Federation Beef Tour was a visit to Ted Parker Grow Yard in Edwards, Mississippi. From left are Colbert County farmer Jerald Wallace, Autauga County farmer Van Smith, Carl Parker, and Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

By Debra Davis mproving herd genetics, exploring Idiscussing new selling opportunities and niche marketing were

among discoveries on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Beef Tour through Mississippi June 4-7. About 50 Alabama farmers visited purebred seedstock farms, a new dairy, the Mississippi State University beef unit and meats lab and progressive stocker operations utilizing buying stations, where farmers direct market cattle to stocker buyers. “My favorite part of the tour was learning how a lot of Mississippi farmers sell their stocker calves through buying stations,” said Choctaw County’s Jeff Lassiter. “I live only 10 miles from the Mississippi state line and had no idea there were so many feeder calves in Mississippi. The buying stations give producers another selling option besides taking calves to a stockyard.” Learning about Mississippi’s buying

alfafarmers.org

stations was also a favorite aspect of the trip for Autauga County Farmers Federation President Van Smith. “I think buying stations are something we need in Alabama, and I think they’d be very successful,” Smith said. “It would be particularly helpful to our small producers, and the buying stations benefit from having farm-fresh cattle.” Buying point operators in Mississippi explained how cattle shrink (lose weight) when they’re hauled or stand in a stockyard for several hours before auction. At buying stations, cattle are weighed and sorted upon arrival, and farmers are offered a price. If an agreement is reached, farmers are paid immediately, and no commission or yard fees are deducted. Buying point operators claim shrinkage can cost farmers as much as $50 per head on a typical 550-pound feeder calf. Smith said the tour included several stops where cattle were the sole source of income for the farm.

“That’s encouraging,” Smith said. “You’ll often hear that a farm can’t make it on cattle alone, but several in Mississippi are proving it can be done.” The tour also included a stop at Remington-Lott Farms near Jackson and the farm’s local beef retail store. The farm’s vacuum-packed beef fetches a premium price, with ribeye steaks at $22.99 a pound and ground beef for $6.99 a pound. Federation Beef Division Director Brady Ragland said he enjoyed interacting with Mississippi producers and learning things that could be applied on Alabama farms. “Other highlights for me were seeing real-world producers who make their living in the cattle business,” Ragland said. “Some of the operations we saw are running 25,000-30,000 head of stocker cattle a year, and they’re doing innovative things to make it work.” Find photos from the Beef Tour on the Federation’s Facebook, Instagram and Flickr pages. July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Growers Bring Farm-Fresh Goods To Alfa Home Office By Marlee Moore

appy farmers, fresh produce and top-notch farm products helped H put smiles on curious customers’ faces

during the Alfa Farmers Market in Montgomery June 13. Held annually for staff at Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation home office, the market connects Alfa to the company’s roots. The Federation founded Alfa in 1946 to provide fire insurance for farmers. Laura Maxey, who works in Alfa’s Accounting Department, snagged a haul of fresh produce during the market, like blueberries, peaches and peas. Although she’s worked at Alfa for 13 years, it was her first Alfa Farmers Market, since her vacation typically overlaps with the market. “I told my husband the market was happening, and he said, ‘I want fresh peas!’ Then he wanted peaches for peach cobbler, too,” Maxey said with a laugh. “I like that the produce is local and that I don’t have to get in my car and drive somewhere. In the store, it’s not typically fresh like this.” Penton Farms of Verbena in Chilton County was one of five central Alabama farms set up at the market and sold items like freshly picked peaches, squash, zucchini, cucumbers and peas. Other vendors offered goods such as stone-ground grits, tomatoes, homemade pies, jams, jellies and pickles. Rachell Penton, who owns the farm with husband Scott, said the market is a great reminder for Alfa staff that the best quality fruits and veggies are grown right here in Alabama. “These people are awesome to come out and support us,” Penton said. “I liked seeing all the familiar faces, and we had a great time.” The Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA), a division of the Federation, helped coordinate the market. The group is also organizing biweekly, one-vendor pop-up markets for home office staff. AFVGA Executive Director Hunter McBrayer said he was excited to help Alfa employees interact with the members they serve. 8

NEIGHBORS

July 2019

Alfa home office employees purchased farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and visited with farmers at the annual Alfa Market Day. Top: Laura Maxey of Alfa’s Accounting Department bought blueberries, peaches and peas from Penton Farms of Verbena. Above: Negrita Smart of Alfa’s Underwriting Department bought fresh strawberries from Boozer Farms of Thorsby.

“On the surface, the Alfa Farmers market gives our folks the chance to buy fresh, locally grown produce, but we’re also achieving company-wide goals — to serve, grow and be healthy,” McBrayer said. “We’re giving back to our members, we’re growing relationships with those we strive to serve, and we’re improving the health and happiness of our home office employees.”

Besides Penton Farms, vendors included Boozer Farms of Thorsby in Chilton County, Hornsby Farms of Auburn in Lee County, Oakview Farms of Wetumpka in Elmore County and Slay Farms of Five Points in Chambers County. The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with 335,000 members in all 67 counties. alfafarmers.org

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New Virus Targets Alabama’s Cotton Crop

s cotton matures this growing A season, Alabama farmers could battle a new strain of cotton blue

disease (CBD) that reduced yields by nearly 50,000 bales in 2018. Cotton leaf roll dwarf virus (CLRDVAL) is an aphid-transmitted disease that diminishes blooms and bolls in the upper canopy, resulting in lower yields — particularly in late-planted cotton, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady highlighted the importance of checking fields for initial signs of CLRDV-AL. “The most obvious sign that aphids spread CLRDV-AL to your field is a reduction in bolls,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Cotton Division director. “However, farmers should stay vigilant and look for early symptoms like red leaf veins and cupped leaves. Severely damaged plants also grow taller and may look healthy from far away.”

CLRDV-AL symptoms include stunting due to internodal shortening, leaf rolling, distorted new growth, reduced flowers, decreased boll size and sterility. This new strain of virus was first observed in Brazilian fields of CBD-resistant cotton in 2006. Researchers identified the virus in Alabama in 2017 before discovering CLRDV-AL in Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. ACES experts report symptoms are most severe in June-planted cotton, a concern for farmers delayed by a wet-then-rainless planting season. Signs of CLRDV-AL appeared in August and September the last two years, though mild winter weather and aphid overwintering in wheat and live cotton stalks could lead to earlier onset symptoms in 2019. Hornady said the best defense against CLRDV-AL will be new, resistant cotton cultivars, which could take years

Cotton leaf roll dwarf virus is an aphid-transmitted disease that diminishes blooms and bolls in the upper canopy of the cotton plant.

to develop, test and get to market. Report signs of CLRDV-AL to your local Extension agent or contact Hornady at chornady@alfafarmers.org. Cotton is Alabama’s largest row crop, with state farmers expected to plant 510,000 acres this year.

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July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Alfa Insurance Announces 2019 Foundation Scholarship Recipients Choctaw County Bailey Manning, senior, South Alabama Marshall Manning, freshman, South Alabama Brennan McIlwain, freshman, South Alabama Aaron Wilson, freshman, South Alabama Clarke County Hannah Boykin, freshman, Wallace State CCHanceville Clay County Colton “Cole” Runyan, freshman, Auburn

Cleburne County Elizabeth Riddle, freshman, South Alabama Coffee County Leslie Caroline Richey, junior, Auburn

Colbert County Andrea Jacks, freshman, Alabama Carlie Smith, freshman, North Alabama

ne hundred hard-working Alabama students will get a little relief when tuition bills come due for the 2019-2020 school year. Each student earned O a $1,000 scholarship through the competitive Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program. The program is administered through Scholarship America, which selects recipients based on academics, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals. “This year’s scholarship recipients prove the future is bright for Alabama,” said Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “I’m excited that we can help these students reach their goals by covering a portion of the cost of their education.” The 100 students hail from 45 Alabama counties and are seeking degrees at 20 institutions of higher learning in the state. Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies. Over six years, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $550,000 in scholarships to students from 64 counties studying at 35 different Alabama universities, colleges and technical schools. To view recipient photos, visit AlfaInsurance.com or Facebook.com/AlfaInsurance.

Autauga County Daniel Carter, sophomore, Auburn Margaret Rhodes, junior, Huntingdon Baldwin County Arcole Brandon, senior, Auburn Richard Strum, freshman, Alabama Zoe Vicich, sophomore, Auburn Blount County Seth Ingram, junior, Auburn 12

NEIGHBORS

July 2019

Butler County Grayson McCall, freshman, Auburn

Cherokee County Claudia Graves, freshman, Auburn Piper Longino, freshman, Alabama William McKinney, freshman, Alabama

Chilton County Zoey Collum, freshman, Auburn Carson Littleton, sophomore, Jefferson State CC

Conecuh County Avie Etheridge, freshman, Coastal Alabama CC Ashley Riley, junior, Troy Noah Whittington, senior, Mobile Coosa County Chloe Harrell, freshman, Jefferson State CC Covington County Garrett Davis, freshman, South Alabama

Cullman County Lillimae Allen, freshman, Mobile Olivia Ball, freshman, Wallace State CC-Hanceville

Dallas County Elizabeth Adams, freshman, Alabama James Utsey, sophomore, Wallace State CC-Selma DeKalb County Seth Maddox, freshman, Auburn Kinnsley Travis, freshman, UAB

Elmore County James Duer, sophomore, Auburn

Etowah County Sydney Barkley, freshman, Auburn

Franklin County Destiny Deaton, freshman, Northwest-Shoals CC Geneva County Harrison McGriff, freshman, Troy-Dothan

Houston County Chandler Davis, senior, Troy Ricky Hall II, junior, Auburn Alex Reynolds, senior, Troy Alyssa Sizemore, sophomore, Auburn Leah Grace Strickland, sophomore, Auburn alfafarmers.org

Jackson County Loren Grider, freshman, Auburn Julia Webb, junior, JSU

Jefferson County Libby Dyess, senior, Auburn Joel Slone Earnest, junior, Auburn Anna Johnston, freshman, Samford Albert Moore V, freshman, UAH Maryl Stone, freshman, Auburn Maleah Walker, sophomore, Samford Lamar County Carson Lindsey, junior, Alabama

Lauderdale County Bethany Belue, freshman, North Alabama Evan Swinea, freshman, South Alabama

Lawrence County Gabriel Peluso III, sophomore, Calhoun CC Lee County Kaylan Colvin, senior, Troy Lee Givens, sophomore, Auburn Kaycie Mashburn, freshman, Troy Stanford Roarke, freshman, Troy Macon County Chelsey Cox, senior, Auburn

Madison County Nathan Giles, freshman, Wallace State CCHanceville

Perry County Atkins Webb, sophomore, Auburn

Catherine Perkins, sophomore, Samford Chassity Terrell, junior, UAH Kathryn Veno, freshman, UAH Andrew Washington, senior, UAH Benjamin Werth, freshman, Auburn

Pike County Abbie Barron, sophomore, Auburn Landon Overby, junior, Troy

Marion County Jayda Stinnett, freshman, Mobile

Marshall County Nathan Cornutt, junior, Auburn Audrey-Mae Taylor, freshman, Auburn

Mobile County Katherine Allred, freshman, South Alabama Courtney Bryson, senior, Coastal Alabama CC McKenzie Perry, junior, Troy Monroe County Katie Wiggins, sophomore, Auburn

Montgomery County Ruby Bryan, junior, South Alabama Claudia Hubbard, sophomore, Auburn Meredith Moore, senior, Alabama Tionna Taite, freshman, Alabama Cooper Waller, junior, Auburn

Morgan County Katherine Ambrose, sophomore, Alabama Mary Catherine Beggs, junior, Alabama Jake Cantrell, junior, UAB Margaret Pace, freshman, Auburn

Shelby County Ansley Azar, freshman, Auburn Molly Bailey, junior, Auburn Collin Dorrill, freshman, Auburn David Smith, freshman, UAH

St. Clair County Ben Castleberry, junior, Auburn Joseph Layton, senior, JSU Robert Levi Perry, freshman, UAB Ashlea Posey, sophomore, UAB Kaila Posey, sophomore, UAB

Talladega County Landon Macoy, freshman, Gadsden State CC Tuscaloosa County Erin Chism, sophomore, Alabama Madison Clary, senior, Alabama Callie Corley, senior, Alabama

Walker County Benjamin Tyler Morrow, freshman, Alabama Sawyer Thompson, freshman, Bevill State CC Winston County Jonathan Baker, freshman, UAB

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July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Farmers Federation Offers Summer Interns Real-Life Experiences

he Alabama Farmers Federation T is offering real-world experiences for Auburn University (AU) student

Tanner Quick and Troy University’s Allison Glenn during internships in Montgomery. Cullman County native Tanner Quick is amplifying her agricultural education skills through the Organization Department by working on outreach programs like Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute and FFA State Convention. Meanwhile, Lawrence County’s Glenn is assisting with Federation and Alfa Insurance events through Destinations, the organization’s in-house meeting and travel agency. “I’m interested in learning how to better communicate with people about agriculture and where their food comes from,” said 21-year-old Quick, who graduates from AU in December. “At Auburn, I’ve learned a lot about Ag in the Classroom, and it was great to educate teachers during Summer Institute so they can help their students.”

Quick studies poultry science production with an agribusiness minor and is involved in the Poultry Science Club, Young Farmers and Sigma Alpha, a professional agriculture sorority that helps with AITC.

Quick

Glenn

Alabama AITC Chair Kim Earwood said Quick’s enthusiasm for ag education is an asset. “Tanner’s outgoing personality and passion for teaching others will serve her well on our team,” said Earwood, who also serves as the Federation’s Women’s Division director.

Glenn, who is studying hospitality and tourism management with a minor in event planning, will graduate from Troy in summer 2020. At Troy, she’s president of the Hospitality and Tourism Club and Eta Sigma Delta, the hospitality and tourism honor society. She also works for Troy’s yearbook, the Palladium. “I’m excited to learn the corporate side of planning large-scale events,” said the 20 year old. “I’ll get to see how meeting planning works in the real world, which is an invaluable experience.” Glenn is no stranger to the Federation. She was raised on a Hillsboro row crop farm, and her father, Brian, serves on the state board as District 1 director. “Experiences planning events like the Federation Presidents Conference and Alfa incentive trips will supplement what she’s learned in the classroom and prepare her for a career in the hospitality industry,” said Destinations Department Director Shane Watkins.

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MISSION POSSIBLE:

By Debra Davis ransitioning from military life to farming seemed natural in many T ways to Tim and Dawn Smith. They

said both careers are part of a bigger community where dedicated people share a common goal. “In the military, and in farming, you have a focused mission and know what you’re doing is important,” said Tim, 48, who spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force. “As farmers, we’re helping feed communities.” Dawn, 49, retired after 20 years in the Air Force. She said she was frustrated the first 10 years after military retirement while searching for work that gave her a

Veterans

Plow Into New Career 16

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July 2019

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sense of purpose. She and Tim found their passion when they bought 40 acres in the southern Tallapoosa County Liberty City community near Notasulga. Their new property became Lone Oak Farm. Tim grew up on a family farm in Citronelle where they raised beef cattle, fruits and vegetables. He and Dawn, a Michigan native, met in the Air Force. They married and raised their son, Zach, while traveling the globe and serving their country. Tim was called to the ministry during his last six years in the service. After retirement, he became pastor of First Baptist Church in Reeltown. The couple built what they described as their “dream retirement home” in Eclectic. However, Tim said he felt led to move

closer to his church and a rural lifestyle. “I mentioned to a friend that we might be looking for some acreage, and literally in 10 weeks we had sold our house, bought this farm and moved to Liberty City,” Tim said. That was the fall of 2017, and a few months later they moved into their new home at the farm. For the Smiths, the days since have been filled with a lot of hard work, sweat and satisfaction. They also made plenty of mistakes — which they described as learning experiences — but said they couldn’t be happier. “It’s just been an amazing journey,” said Dawn. “It is so gratifying to see people who have eaten the beef we raised or the vegetables we grew and hear them tell you how good it was. There’s nothing better than a grandmother who tells me how much her grandchildren loved my strawberries.” The Smiths are involved in the Farmer Veteran Coalition, a not-for-profit organization that helps military veterans begin farming and supports them through the transition. The Smiths use the group’s “Homegrown By Heroes” label, which was created with help from the Farm Credit System.

And like a strong military, the Smiths believe farming helps support and protect America. “We both think our nation and our military benefit from the food we grow,” Dawn said. “As our population rises, the need will continue to grow. Food security is a national security issue.” The Smiths raise beef cattle, which is marketed to individuals who purchase an eighth, quarter or half a calf for their freezers. They also grow herbs, tomatoes and other produce in a hoop house. This year, they had a quarter of an acre of strawberries and have plans to enlarge it to 1 ¼ acres next year. Tim describes himself as a big-picture guy and Dawn as a detail person. Both say they are thankful for help from other farmers who willingly share their knowledge and experience. “God has blessed us with this little piece of dirt, and we use it to provide something for somebody else,” Tim said. “It’s rewarding to know we grew something that looks good, tastes good and is good for you.” Find the Smiths’ farm on Facebook at Lone Oak Farm in Notasulga. For more information on the coalition, visit FarmVetCo.org.

Veterans Tim and Dawn Smith found a new passion in farming after careers in the U.S. Air Force. They raise freezer beef and vegetables on their farm near Notasulga. alfafarmers.org

July 2019

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Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Incentives Modernization Act into law June 6 in Montgomery. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Poole and Sen. Greg Reed, expands investment opportunities in rural Alabama.

Alabama Legislature Boosts Investment In Rural Alabama

ural economic development R took center stage in the Alabama Legislature this spring as lawmakers

approved legislation related to infrastructure, broadband, jobs and more during regular and special sessions. The Alabama Incentives Modernization Act passed during the closing days of the regular session. “I’d like to thank Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, and Sen. Greg Reed, R-Jasper, for navigating this piece of legislation through their respective chambers,” said Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Director Matthew Durdin. “The rural jobs bill is the third leg of legislation we have worked hard on this year to help rural communities. With infrastructure, broadband and jobs bills all passed, rural Alabama is now poised to prosper as our urban friends have these last few years. Without Rep. Poole’s and Sen. Reed’s leadership, this vital piece of legislation wouldn’t have passed both chambers unanimously.” The new law expands investment credits to rural projects creating at least 10 new jobs. The definition of rural counties under the Jobs Act was changed to include those with populations less than 50,000. The legislation allows the Growing Alabama Credit to be used for investment in

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industrial parks and the Alabama Farm Center. It also expands the Opportunity Zone program and reduces capital gains taxes for investment in those areas. Efforts to expand access to high-speed internet were bolstered with the passage of two bills. SB 90 by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, enhances the Alabama Rural Broadband Act by changing the definition of an “unserved area,” increasing the percentage of project costs eligible for funding and broadening the permitted use of other federal and state support. HB 400 by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Cullman, allows electricity providers to use existing easements for the installation and operation of high-speed internet systems. Other Federation-supported legislation to win final passage included a bill extending state immunity for civil liability to Soil and Water Conservation District personnel; a measure prohibiting laboratory-grown proteins from being labeled “meat;” and an effort to address the trucker shortage by allowing 18 year olds to be issued a commercial driver’s license. The Legislature approved a constitutional amendment allowing voters to decide whether to replace the elected Alabama State Board of Education with an appointed

commission. The referendum will be on the ballot March 3, 2020. Meanwhile, a proposed paper ticket lottery stalled in the House of Representatives. Other action of interest to Federation members included approving a new license for the hunting of deer and feral swine over bait on private property. Meanwhile, the organization successfully educated legislators about several bills that would have increased regulatory burden or created dangerous precedent for production agriculture. Agriculture and forestry fared well in state budgets. The $2.1 billion General Fund budget included $575,000 to offset registration fees for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and $81,403 in matching funds for a federal program to increase on-farm irrigation. The record $7.1 billion Education Trust Fund budget included $451,900 for agricultural education programs including Ag in the Classroom; $250,000 for the Alabama 4-H Center; and continued funding for the Career Tech Initiative. The Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and Resources Conservation and Development all received substantial funding increases. July 2019

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Patriots Honored With Plaque In Goshen Town Hall

Above: World War II veterans Homer Lesueur and William Orris Sanders unveil the plaque honoring Goshen-area servicemen and servicewomen. Right: Linda Park Scott of the Henderson Community in Pike County finds the names of her father and two uncles who served their country. The plaque has 381 names of those from the area who served from 1935-1975. It will be on permanent display in Goshen Town Hall.

By Debra Davis atriotism, pride and memories filled P Goshen Town Hall May 25 when a plaque honoring local men and women

who served the U.S. military from 1935 through 1975 was unveiled. About 100 people gathered for the ceremony to view the 4- X 5-foot plaque with 381 names that will be on permanent display in the town hall. Stories and memories of those who served were as varied as the families on hand to honor the veterans. For Linda Park Scott of the Henderson community in Pike County, the day was a time to recall the sacrifices made by her father and other relatives. “I was so excited about the ceremony today and about the plaque,” said Scott, whose late father, Joe W. Park, and uncles Oscar Brantley Park and William Byron Park are listed. “So

NEIGHBORS

July 2019

many memories of Daddy were on my mind lately. Seeing his name on the plaque was emotional and made me so proud. He was seriously wounded while fighting in France in 1944. He lost a kidney from his injuries and was told he would never walk again. But he did, and he went on to have a successful career. Men were tough back then.” Organizers of the program earlier published a book with the names of known service members from the Goshen area. The 120-page book has 381 names with their military branch, service years and more information. “There’s a high degree of patriotism in this town and the surrounding communities,” said Charles Horn, 72, a native of Goshen and Goshen High School 1965 class president. “In our research for the book, we discovered that since 1935, over 50% of the male students, plus some female students,

served our country in the military. I don’t know what the national average is, but I’d say that’s a pretty high percentage.” Unveiling the plaque was a highlight in the dedication ceremony. Two World War II veterans and former Goshen High School (GHS) students —William Orris (W.O.) Sanders, a former U.S. Army first lieutenant and Army National Guardsman, and Homer Lesueur, a former U.S Navy petty officer second class — did the honors. “I thought it was tremendous,” said Sanders, a retired farmer and Baptist minister. Lesueur now lives in Hiram, Georgia. The men smiled as they peered closely at names on the plaque. “I was 20 years old in 1943 when I went into the Army,” said Sanders, 96. “I felt like it was my patriotic duty to serve our country. I was a farmer before I went into the Army, and I went back to farming when I got home. Pretty much everybody in Goshen was a farmer back then.” In addition to Horn, other GHS graduates Bill Sanders, Ramon Stroud and Watson Kyzar spearheaded the plaque idea. “Last October, we started asking for donations to cover the cost of the plaque,” said Pike County Farmers Federation board member Bill Sanders, whose father, W.O. Sanders, is listed on the wall. “The response was overwhelming and heartwarming. Since the plaque and book were finished, we’ve found others who served, and we plan to make additions to the book.” Horn, who now lives in Montgomery, said he thinks the plaque is especially important. “It seems like there’s a lot of disrespect for the flag and for those who are serving and have served our country in the military,” he said. “We want the members of our military to know we appreciate them, and they will never be forgotten.” alfafarmers.org

SUNDAY DOWN SOUTH

’m no psychiatrist, but that doesn’t mean I can’t prescribe mindnumbing medication — which I most certainly can. So if you feel like your life has turned into cosmic kitty-litter clumps, here’s a script straight from the doctor’s notepad: 1. Get in your car. 2. Head south. Do it now — since it’s summer. And do it on Sunday because this is when small towns come alive. Don’t take my word for it. Listen to Joel: “Sundays in my town were somethin’ else. My dad invited folks home after church. It was his goal to get so many people around our table that they had to stand around holding plates. His mac and cheese was somethin’ else.” You’ll note: “somethin’ else” is Southern for “pretty stinking good.” Marsha remembers Sundays from another point of view. “For my family,” she says, “the whole day was church. Mother and I arranged the ﬂowers for two services. Afterward, we’d go home, hang up our Sunday clothes, eat lunch, then put’em back on for Sunday NIGHT.” Sunday night service. You haven’t seen anything until you’ve watched an out-of-town preacher slap the Bible on a Sunday night. It’s somethin’ else. Now meet Gregory and his brother, two middle-aged fellas I met while eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I asked what their childhood Sundays

were like. Gregory laughed. “I dunno, we got in trouble a bunch. Mama’d always crawl me and my brother for ﬁshing or hunting on the Lord’s Day.” His brother nodded in agreement. “She wouldn’t’ve minded us hunting our OWN land, but we poached our neighbor’s property — since he was at church. When she’d get home all dressed up, she’d give us that look. She’d be like: ‘I know what you boys been doing. And I’m praying I see you in church next Sunday.’ But we never went.” The two men looked at their plates. “Fact is,” Gregory said, “we haven’t hunted on Sundays since she died.” His brother added, “Yeah, but Greg couldn’t hunt Sundays now if he wanted.” As it turns out, Gregory is a deacon. So I’m certainly in no position to tell you how to live your life. But if you do visit our neck of the woods, the trip might do you good. And if you see a group of folks ﬁling out of church dressed in pastels, pearls and white gloves, follow them to Joel’s house for lunch. Leave your smartphone in the car. And when they all gather to hold hands and say grace, you’ll feel something in your gut; it sort of makes you smile. We call it love. Then try the mac and cheese. It’s somethin’ else. ■

do you Love reading Neighbors Magazine? Tell your friends it’s one of the perks of being an Alabama Farmers Federation member!

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FREE CATALOG

Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org

July 2019

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bamboo palm

Aloe Vera sanseveria

By Lois Chaplin s summer heat drives us indoors, A it’s the perfect time to pay attention to our houseplants. By now, they usually need fresh air and a shower. Dust accumulates on leaves indoors without rain to wash them clean. Meanwhile, air conditioning and heating lower humidity below the levels natural in the tropics where many houseplant species originate. Those conditions make life indoors less than ideal, so tropical houseplants appreciate a summer vacation in our warm and humid summer weather. Once you move them outdoors, make sure the plants are not in bright, direct sunlight but under the soft shade of a tree or overhang. A few rays at sunrise or slightly dappled light through a tree canopy is OK, but the environment is much brighter outside than indoors. Strong, direct sunlight on

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leaves is likely to scorch the foliage. If in a spot where the plants are protected from rain, clear the leaves of dust with the garden hose or a shower inside. Trim dead leaves and stems. This is also a good time to water, fertilize or repot. Old and precious plants have probably been taken good care of for a long time, so be consistent with what you’ve been doing. When repotting, use the best quality potting soil you can afford since that’s the only soil the plants have access to. Use a diluted liquid plant food every second or third watering, or sprinkle a slow-release granular fertilizer such as Osmocote on the soil. When shopping for new plants, some choices generally withstand indoor conditions well, but no plant will live in a dark corner forever. In this case, consider the plant temporary, and

replace as needed. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a newly popular plant and is tolerant of low light and low humidity indoors. Its beautiful sculptural form is perfect for setting on a tabletop. However, all parts of the plants are toxic, so this is an option only if out of reach of pets or toddlers. Sanseveria, also called snake plant, is another excellent choice for low light and dry air indoors. Its long, strap-like leaves may be tall and upright like the one pictured or in a short rosette form called bird’s nest sanseveria. Another good choice for dry conditions is jade plant (Crassula ovata), which can eventually grow to a 3-foot shrub-like form and live for decades. It prefers bright light, thus perfect for a sunroom. Roots prefer crowding, so you should avoid regular repotting. Aloe (Aloe vera) is a great, low-light indoor plant mothers around the world keep on the kitchen counter to dab on small burns or cuts. If looking for a tall, floor-height plant, consider bamboo palm or one of the many Dracaenas such as Janet Craig, Crème & Green, Marginata, Reflexa and Sanderiana. These are often sold in small pots, but if repotted to larger containers over time, they will grow 4 feet or taller. As plants grow, lower leaves may naturally age and yellow and need to be trimmed. Tabletop foliage plants that tolerate the indoors well include peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Philodendron, Pothos (Scindapsus), Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) and cast iron plant (Aspidistra). Cast iron plant is not usually sold as a houseplant, though it makes a great one. It’s typically used as a landscape ground cover for deep shade. Houseplants typically tolerate low temperatures into the mid-40s without issue. Once nights start cooling off in the fall, bring rejuvenated plants back to their favorite spots indoors. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

FIND HOT DEALS & SUMMER SAVINGS E ALAFARM.COM 22

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July 2019

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Get parched this summer. Grab a cold cola and a bag of freshly parched peanuts, and enjoy your summer. It's how we roll in the South.

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Students Serve Others During FFA Convention

By Marlee Moore uture leaders of Alabama agriculture Fserve” demonstrated how they’re “living to while packing 36,288 Meals of Hope for local foods banks during FFA State Convention in Montgomery June 5. The service project, inspired by the FFA motto of “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve,” involved over 200 students from across the state. The Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers donated $5,000 to the project along with sponsorship by the National FFA Organization. “Farmers feed the world, and these

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July 2019

Above: Students from Pleasant Valley FFA helped pack Meals of Hope during state convention in Montgomery June 5. From left are junior Aleah Vess, sophomore Jaxen Williams and junior Bailey Schultz. Right: FFA students worked together to pack cinnamon-sugar and apple oatmeal Meals of Hope, which were distributed to local food banks.

FFA students were ready to give back to their communities,” said Leon Sporrer, the Meals of Hope representative on hand as 18 assembly lines of students prepared cinnamon-sugar and apple oatmeal packages. alfafarmers.org

Pleasant Valley FFA students filled one assembly line while sporting their National Blue corduroy jackets stitched with Corn Gold. The Jacksonville natives agreed the project encouraged teamwork while helping others. “Coming down here to help the community helps us learn to work together as a team,” said junior Bailey Schultz. “We’re making an impact by

feeding other people.” Recent Pleasant Valley High School graduate Kiana Simpson echoed her Calhoun County classmate. “The key is to work together and bond,” Simpson said. “And we’re learning life skills. Someone needs this more than we do.” The service project was just one facet of the 91st state convention June 4-7,

FFA students who visited the Federation’s photo booth and posted photos to social media using #FarmingFeedsAlabama received a free T-shirt.

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where over 1,200 students assembled to earn proficiency awards, fine-tune skills and elect state officers. During the FFA career show, the Alabama Farmers Federation photo booth merged a passion for agriculture with social media. Students who posted their photos to Facebook and Instagram using #FarmingFeedsAlabama received a free T-shirt. Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Christenberry said the organization’s involvement in FFA helps mold future leaders. “I’ve experienced firsthand the impact FFA can have on these students’ lives,” said Christenberry, a former National FFA officer. “FFA encourages practical skills — from knowledge of agriscience to the value of teamwork. We’re excited to invest in youth who will represent Alabama’s No. 1 industry in the coming years.” FFA advocates were also inducted into the Wall of Honor, including Macon County Farmers Federation President Shep Morris. Other inductees were Chip Blanton, Whitney Dyess, Jack Harris, Sarah Murchison and John Ward.

July 2019

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Annual County Federation Meetings COUNTY AUTAUGA BALDWIN BARBOUR BLOUNT BULLOCK BUTLER CALHOUN CHAMBERS CHEROKEE CHILTON CHOCTAW CLARKE CLAY CLEBURNE COFFEE COLBERT CONECUH COOSA COVINGTON CULLMAN DALE DEKALB ELMORE ESCAMBIA ETOWAH FAYETTE FRANKLIN GENEVA HALE HENRY HOUSTON JACKSON LAMAR LAUDERDALE LAWRENCE LEE LIMESTONE MACON MADISON MARION MARSHALL MOBILE MONTGOMERY MORGAN PICKENS PIKE RANDOLPH SHELBY ST. CLAIR SUMTER TALLADEGA TALLAPOOSA TUSCALOOSA WALKER WASHINGTON WILCOX

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DATE Wednesday, Aug. 21 Thursday, Aug. 22 Thursday, Aug. 8 Thursday, Aug. 15 Thursday, Aug. 15 Tuesday, July 30 Thursday, Aug. 8 Monday, Aug. 12 Friday, Aug. 9 Monday, Aug. 12 Monday, Aug. 19 Tuesday, Aug. 27 Thursday, Aug. 22 Tuesday, Aug. 13 Monday, July 15 Monday, Aug. 26 Tuesday, Aug. 13 Thursday, Aug. 8 Thursday, Aug. 22 Thursday, Aug. 8 Monday, Aug. 12 Thursday, Aug. 22 Tuesday, July 16 Tuesday, Aug. 20 Monday, Aug. 12 Tuesday, Aug. 6 Monday, Aug. 19 Tuesday, Aug. 20 Thursday, Aug. 8 Tuesday, Aug. 6 Thursday, Aug. 29 Tuesday, Aug. 6 Monday, Aug. 12 Tuesday, Aug. 13 Thursday, Aug. 8 Tuesday, July 30 Thursday, Aug. 15 Monday, Aug. 5 Monday, Aug. 5 Friday, Aug. 9 Tuesday, Aug. 27 Thursday, July 25 Tuesday, Aug. 20 Friday, Aug. 9 Thursday, July 25 Tuesday, July 9 Saturday, Aug. 17 Monday, Aug. 19 Saturday, Aug. 10 Monday, July 8 Thursday, Aug. 15 Tuesday, Aug. 27 Thursday, Aug. 15 Thursday, Aug. 29 Monday, Aug. 12 Thursday, Aug. 8

July 2019

TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

BUILDING Autauga County Ag Center Baldwin County Federation Building Texasville Community Center Frank J. Green Building Greenway Sportsman’s Lodge Pioneer Electric Building Calhoun County Federation Office Alfa Service Center Dean Buttram Senior Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Miss Anita’s Café Cleburne County Mountain Center Community Room Hospitality House (NW Shoals Community College) David Burt Building Old Rockford Schoolhouse Oakwood Lodge Cullman Farmers Federation Building Dale County Government Building Alfa Service Center Wetumpka High School Ag Center Etowah County Federation Office Fayette Civic Center Best Western Plus Russellville Geneva County Farm Center The Catfish Center Wiregrass Research & Extension Center Alfa Service Center Jackson County Federation Office Vernon City Complex Lauderdale County Extension Building-Ag Center Lawrence County Ag Center Lazenby Farms Sandridge Student Center Ballroom (Athens State College) Beck’s Turf Farm Burritt on the Mountain Tombigbee Electric Co-Op Marshall County Federation Office Jon Archer Center Alfa Home Office Hartselle Civic Center Pickens County College and Career Center South Alabama Electric Cooperative Randolph County Ag Center Shelby County Museum & Archives Greensport Marina On The Island Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Tallapoosa County Federation Building Northport Civic Center Auditorium Walker County Federation Building Alfa Service Center Gaines Ridge

ADDRESS 2224 Hwy. 14 W 21332 Hwy. 59 2429 County Rd. 53 415 5th Ave. East 2621 Hwy. 223 300 Herbert Street 1535 Pelham Rd. S 1006 Ave. A SE 229 Dean Buttram Ave. 301 1st St. N 229 S. Mulberry Ave. 148 S. Jackson St. 30 South Park Dr. 6751 Hwy. 78 1055 E. McKinnon St. 800 George Wallace Blvd. 102 Liberty St. Nixburg Rd. & County Rd. 18 13725 Brooklyn Rd. 307 Main Ave. NW 202 Hwy. 123 S 346 McCurdy Ave. S 1281 Coosa River Pkwy. 175 Ag Science Dr. 125 Broad St. 530 Temple Ave. North 13770 Hwy. 43 2765 E. State Hwy. 52 529 S. Centreville St. 167 E. State Hwy. 134 1038 Ross Clark Circle NE 23625 John T. Reid Pkwy. 44425 AL 17 802 Veterans Dr. 13075 Ala-157 11546 Lee Rd. 54 311 Pryor St. E 2858 County Rd. 53 3101 Burritt Dr. SE 3196 Co. Rd. 55 1333 Blount Ave. 1070 Schillinger Road N 2108 E. South Blvd. 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW 99 Commerce Ave. 13192 US Highway 231 S. 2959 County Rd. 333 1854 North Main St. 925 Greensport 106 Marshall Street 314 East Battle St. 111 North Tallassee St. 3500 McFarland Blvd. 903 Airport Rd. S 54 Court Street 933 AL - 10

CITY Autaugaville Robertsdale Clayton Oneonta Union Springs Greenville Jacksonville LaFayette Centre Clanton Butler Grove Hill Lineville Heflin New Brockton Muscle Shoals Evergreen Rockford Andalusia Cullman Ozark Rainsville Wetumpka Brewton Gadsden Fayette Russellville Hartford Greensboro Headland Dothan Scottsboro Vernon Florence Moulton Auburn Athens Tuskegee Huntsville Hamilton Guntersville Mobile Montgomery Hartselle Carrolton Troy Wedowee Columbiana Ashville Livingston Talladega Dadeville Northport Jasper Chatom Camden

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Center Pivot Irrigation Helps Mitigate Risks

By Katie Nichols roduction agriculture is a risky P business. Producers can allay one of the unknowns by installing irrigation.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System can help farmers consider all their options. Dr. Brittany Goodrich, an Alabama Extension economist, said irrigation can mitigate one of the largest crop production risks. Center pivot irrigation investment and operating costs vary substantially based on access to water and electricity, size and elevation of the field, and other factors. Extension has developed three scenarios to guide investment decisions. Search for these scenarios at aces.edu under Investment Costs of Center Pivot Irrigation. Goodrich, an assistant professor in Auburn University’s (AU) Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, said it’s important to individually evaluate each field to determine the suitable design and components of the irrigation system. Dr. Brenda Ortiz, an Alabama Extension precision agriculture specialist, said a thorough report with

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information about involved costs of irrigation is important. “As Alabama farmers prepare to submit applications to the new Alabama Irrigation Initiative cost-share program sponsored by the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, a better understanding of the costs involved in irrigation investment is necessary,” Ortiz said.

“Farmers can build irrigation ponds to store surface water during winter months and use it for irrigation during the summer,” Ortiz said. “We are currently demonstrating the benefits of irrigation ponds, soil sensors for irrigation scheduling and variable rate irrigation in fields in Lawrence, Limestone and Geneva counties.”

Factors To Consider

Irrigated Acres In Alabama On The Rise

Two factors causing some of the largest variations in irrigation investment costs are access to surface water and electricity. Some producers may choose to dig a well, but well-digging may cost $30,000 to $60,000. A field’s distance from the electric grid can also significantly affect initial irrigation costs. The farther fields are from the grid, the more expensive it is to run power. Ortiz, also an associate professor in AU’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, said researchers recognize groundwater aquifers in Alabama are not as shallow as those in Georgia. This has been a limiting factor to irrigation adoption in Alabama.

Jessica Kelton, a regional Extension agent, said the number of irrigated acres has increased, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. “Irrigated acres for the U.S. increased from about 56 to 58 million,” Kelton said. “Alabama increased 26% — from 113,000 to 142,000 acres.” Kelton said this growth statistically confirms an interest in adopting irrigation across all agricultural enterprises.

More Information

Producers considering center pivot irrigation should check irrigation scenarios at aces.edu. Search for Center Pivot Irrigation.

July 2019

NEIGHBORS

Milk and Cookies Icebox Cake Prep Time 20 mins

Chill Time 8 hrs

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups heavy whipping cream 2 (13-ounce) packages Chips Ahoy! cookies

Instructions

ummer is upon us — and so is that scorching Alabama heat. Whether S you’re coping with it by lounging at the

beach, lake or pool, or by staying inside in the air conditioning, no one wants to turn on the oven and generate more heat. I’ve collected a few of my favorite no-bake desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth without even looking at the oven, much less turning it on. Potluck Banana Pudding Fluff is based on a banana pudding recipe my mom made when I was a kid using whipped topping rather than meringue. Plus, it added marshmallows. When I decided to turn the idea on its head and mix everything together, this delicious fluff was born. It’s got all the scrumptious flavors of banana pudding but without any work! I found a recipe for Blueberry Yum Yum in an old cookbook someone gave me years ago and updated it. Since then, it’s been one of the most popular desserts on the blog. While it does

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July 2019

require an oven, it’s only five minutes for a crispy crust. It’s easy, tasty, and there’s something fun about a layered dessert. Not a fan of blueberries? Nearly any canned pie filling works. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie takes one of my favorite treats and turns it into pie form. If you love peanut butter, you’re really going to enjoy this one. The pie uses a base made of cream cheese, peanut butter and whipped topping (like Cool Whip), and I top the pie with fresh whipped cream. That said, if you want to save yourself a few extra steps, you can top the pie with another 8-ounce container of whipped topping rather than the fresh whipped cream. I just happen to like the flavor of fresh whipped cream better on this one. I created Milk and Cookies Icebox Cake as a fun treat for my son, Jack. He’s always been a huge lover of chocolate chip cookies, and this cake takes advantage of that. Store-bought chocolate chip cookies are layered

With a mixer, beat cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Gradually pour in the whipping cream, then turn the mixer on high and beat until soft peaks form. Add a layer of cookies in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. I used about 15 cookies on each layer plus about five broken cookies to fill in the spaces — for a total of 20 on each layer. Add 1/3 of the whipped mixture in dollops across the cookies. Spread until the cookies are evenly covered. You may have to hold the cookies in place with your other hand while you smooth the mixture. Once covered, the whipped cream holds them in place. Repeat with another layer of cookies, a layer of whipped cream and a third layer of cookies. Top the dish with the last of the whipped cream. Crumble remaining cookies over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator at least eight hours or overnight to allow cookies to soften. Once the cookies are soft, slice and serve. Keep refrigerated. with a delicious cream cheese whipped cream. While it might seem like this will end up a gloppy mess, whipped cream softens the cookies and creates a delicious layered dessert that cuts beautifully. Y’all will love it! Remember, you can read even more about these recipes and the stories behind them at SouthernBite.com. Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com. alfafarmers.org

Potluck Banana Pudding Fluff

Prep Time

Servings

15 mins

Ingredients 1 (5.1-ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix 1 1/2 cups milk 3 bananas 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (10-ounce) package miniature marshmallows 1 (11- to 12-ounce) box vanilla wafers

Instructions

Blueberry Yum Yum Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 1 (10-ounce) package Lorna Doone shortbread cookies 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 2 (8-ounce) containers frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Crush the Lorna Doone cookies, and set aside about 1/2 cup of the crumbs for the topping. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press them into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Bake 5 minutes and cool completely. In a large bowl, stir cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and one container of whipped topping. Stir by hand. Once thoroughly combined, spread mixture over the cooled crust. Drop dollops of blueberry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Spread carefully. Sprinkle pecans over the pie filling. Top with remaining container of whipped topping, and sprinkle with reserved crushed cookies. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving. alfafarmers.org

In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk until combined. Set aside to thicken. Peel and slice bananas. Place in a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Fold whipped topping into the pudding. Add bananas, marshmallows and vanilla wafers. Fold together. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours if you prefer softer cookies.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Prep Time

Servings

20 mins

Ingredients 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup peanut butter 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided 1 (16-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 10 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped 1 Oreo Cookie pie crust 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions Use a mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix well. Carefully fold in whipped topping, and stir in the peanut butter cups, reserving a few for the topping. Pour into pie crust. Freeze overnight. Once ready to serve, beat the cream and remaining powdered sugar in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Top pie with whipped cream and the reserved chopped peanut butter cups. July 2019

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