Farmers Endorse Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff

Scott Saucer • Monroe County Richard Parrish • Randolph County

“I encourage farmers to vote yes on the upcoming referendum. The checkoff offers more than research. It also provides promotion and education to the public, as well as the next generation of farmers, through events such as the Alabama Ag Expedition for agriculture students. We must provide a sustainable future for the next generation.”

“Farmers should vote yes for the Wheat and Feed Grain Checkoff Aug. 10. The dollars generated from the checkoff are leveraged for promotion, education and research. Research on topics such as fertility and promoting Alabama-grown corn to livestock producers will greatly help farmers be more profitable.”

“To provide further education, research and promotion for our feed grain crops, farmers should mark yes on their referendum ballot. Checkoff dollars have helped my crops generate higher yields through extensive research. Without these funds, we would have limited research about and promotion of our crops.”

“The checkoff is a great investment for wheat and feed grain farmers. There are countless innovations that have been discovered through research funded by the checkoff. This referendum is truly what is best for farmers.”

Shep Morris • Macon County Stanley Walters • Perry County

Livestock Judging Coach Joins Auburn Staff

By Lakin Whatley

Auburn University (AU) hired Jonah Biensch to coach its livestock judging team, a move years in the making to revitalize the university’s livestock judging program.

The Saskatchewan, Canada, native brings a wealth of successes to Auburn from Texas Tech University (TTU). As TTU assistant coach, his team placedfirst at the National Western Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show and the National Swine Judging Contest in 2020.

“My experiences going through a program so recently, as well as coaching on a collegiate level at one of the greatest livestock judging programs, enable me with the tools for developing a successful program,” Biensch said.

While at TTU, Biensch completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science, where he researched beef cattle nutrition.

Biensch began June 1 and embraces “learning by doing,” said Dr. Wayne Greene, head of AU’s Department of Animal Sciences.

“This merges very well with the department’s initiative to get students out of the classroom and into real-world learning activities,” he said. “Livestock judging will provide students with experiential learning through the development of decision-making skills that will launch them into successful careers as our future agriculture leaders.”

Program goals include student development, community engagement and successful university representation.

“The community backing of this program is outstanding,” Biensch said. “I look forward to giving back and engaging our supporters in this program through various events.”

Alabama legislators, including Sen. Randy Price, R-Opelika, have worked to allocate funds for the program. The Alabama Farmers Federation is among partners who supported reviving AU’s livestock judging program, a worthy goal, said the organization’s Russ Durrance. “Getting our youth involved in agriculture is important to the development of the next generation,” said Durrance, a commodity director who helps coordinate the Federation’s youth livestock shows. “Bringing back the livestock judging team will provide great opportunities for the youth in our state. I’m excited to welcome Jonah to Alabama and look forward to working with him as we continue to develop youth livestock programs.”

Biensch

Bradford Pear

Chinese Alabama Tallow

“What we plant in our yards really matters,” noted Dr. Nancy Loewenstein, an invasive plants specialist with Alabama Extension at Auburn University. Where unsuspecting folks might admire an arbor of purple wisteria or a lane of Bradford pear, Loewenstein sees trouble. These invasive landscape plants have escaped the garden, choking out natural flora such as dogwood, sourwood, redbud, sumac, yellow jessamine, crossvine and countless other species in the wild. Along with them go butterflies, wildlife and anything in the ecology that depends on those plants.

Invasives such as kudzu, Japanese honeysuckle, wisteria and Chinese privet are entrenched and seem hopeless to eradicate. But gardeners can at least eliminate them at home, thereby preventing spread. Techniques include relentless mowing, herbicide spray and cutting-and-painting stumps. Stump painting helps ensure plants with a trunk, such as privet, Bradford pear, mimosa and Elaeagnus, die. It involves immediately painting the wet cut with an herbicide. Cutting back without painting is only temporary because the plant sprouts back to create problems unless the roots die, too.

How do plants spread? One way is via seeds carried by wind, water and birds. Two landscape trees prone to reseeding are Chinese tallow and Bradford pear. “Cut them down,” Loewenstein advised. Technically, Bradford pear is a sterile plant that should not reseed, but once in the landscape, it cross pollinates with other Callery pear cultivars to create viable seeds that form thickets of thorny offspring. “Its spread is right up there with tallow tree,” said Loewenstein, “but people may not realize it is present until it flowers. We are now seeing Bradford pear in the understory of pine stands. It’s starting to impact production areas. I like to joke that the only people who like Bradford in pastures would be those selling tractor tires.” For those who live in town, Bradford can be just as bad by spreading to unmown areas and soil disturbed by construction.

Another potentially serious invader is Japanese climbing fern. Spores may be transferred in pine straw mulch, especially in south Alabama, where the infestation is worse. Keep an eye out for Japanese climbing fern wherever you use baled pine straw. It entangles and covers whatever it can.

Experts are also finding certain landscape plants of the late ‘70s and ‘80s growing in the woods. A short list to be aware of includes Elaeagnus, nandina, Chinese holly, Japanese blood grass, Japanese stilt grass, leatherleaf mahonia, bamboo and elephant’s ear. Also, if using English ivy, prevent it from climbing trees; that way, it won’t produce seeds.

Invasive plants inflict economic and ecological costs only touched upon here. Homework is critical to identify and combat invasive plants causing agricultural damage and destroying parts of Alabama’s beautiful flora and landscape.

Japanese Climbing Fern

By Lois Chaplin

Wisteria

Extra Invasive Information

n Alabama Extension Invasive Plant

Page on Facebook n Invasive Species tab at aces.edu n Invasive.org

Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Hot Deals Happening All Summer E ALAFARM.COM

Ireceived a letter from a reader named Patrick in New Jersey. Patrick is 23 and married to Amy, who is from Dothan.

Patrick writes: “I cannot understand my wife when she talks! She actually uses the word ‘yonder.’

“But the weirdest thing for me is that whenever my wife leaves a store or something, she says farewell to the clerk by saying: ‘Ight now, be good.’

“WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THAT MEAN? Help me learn Southern English, Sean.”

Patrick, you’ve come to the right person.

The fi rst thing to know about Southern English is it is all about syllables. In this part of the world, single-syllable words can become 15, sometimes 16-syllable words.

You might have heard the word “chair” pronounced as a one-syllable word in New Jersey. It’s alright, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Your wife, however, likely pronounces this word as “CHAYyurr.” Southerners add extra syllables to words because this is America and you can’t tell me what to do.

Other words: “Floor” (FLO-wurr), “tail” (TAY-yull), “God” (GAH-wud), and the name “Bill” (Willie).

Also: “Bed” (BAY-yud), “fan” (FAY-unn), “him” (HEE-yulm), “sand” (SAY-yend), “Todd” (TAHwud), “it” (EE-yit), “leg” (LAY-yig), and “Fred” (FRAY-yed).

Keep in mind, these are not strict rules. Pronunciations vary by region.

Residents in Lower Alabama, for instance, pronounce “tire” with two syllabes (TIE-yurr). Whereas if you were to visit the Sand Mountain region, they would pronounce it as “tar” then throw a rattlesnake at you.

A common word is “yoost-a-cud," often used by elderly men.

Example: “I can’t touch my toes no more ‘cause I ett too many tater logs, but I yoost-a-cud.”

A church phrase would be: “‘MON NOW!” Long ago, this used to be yelled at a preacher when he was on a roll during a sermon. Today, it’s mostly shouted at Little League games by enthusiastic, mildly psychotic parents.

“‘MON NOW, Jimmy! Hit a grand slam, Jimmy! Show some hustle! ‘MON NOW!”

It is always followed with slow clapping.

When you get down to it, none of the above matters. The important thing is that you relax, and be yourself.

Your wife loves you. So do we. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how you talk.

If you ask me, the most important thing is you treat people nicely; remove your hat indoors; hold the door open for females; don’t interrupt; smile often; shake hands with every man you meet; and do not play with your phone at the table.

Ight now. Be good. ■

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.

It’s time to reserve strawberry plugs for October delivery!

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FREE CATALOG

2021 ANNUAL MEETING DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS

COUNTY DATE TIME BUILDING ADDRESS CITY

Autauga Wed., Aug. 18 7:00 p.m. Autauga County Ag Center Baldwin Thur., Aug. 12 6:00 p.m. Baldwin County Farmers Federation Building Barbour Thur., Aug. 12 7:30 p.m. Texasville Community Center Bibb Tues., Aug. 24 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center

Blount Thur., Aug. 19 6:30 p.m. The Hitchin Post at Bullard Farm

Bullock

Thur., Aug. 19 6:30 p.m. Greenway Sportsman’s Lodge Calhoun Thur., Aug. 12 6:30 p.m. Calhoun County Farmers Federation Building

2224 Hwy. 14 W 21332 Hwy. 59 2429 County Rd. 53 1101 Walnut St. 3019 County Hwy. 14 2621 Hwy. 223 1535 Pelham Rd. S Chambers Mon., Aug. 23 6:00 p.m. Chambers County Farmers Federation Building 1006 Ave. A SE Autaugaville Robertsdale Clayton Centreville Altoona Union Springs Jacksonville LaFayette

Cherokee Thur., Aug. 26 6:30 p.m. Dean Buttram Senior Center Chilton Tues., Aug. 17 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center Choctaw Mon., Aug. 16 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center Clarke Thur., Aug. 26 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center 229 Dean Buttram Ave. Centre 301 1st St. N 229 S. Mulberry Ave. 148 S. Jackson St. Clanton Butler Grove Hill

Clay

Thur., Aug. 26 6:00 p.m. Clay County Farmers Market Building Cleburne Tues., Aug. 10 6:30 p.m. Cleburne County Mountain Center 86838 AL-9 6751 Hwy. 78

Lineville Heflin Colbert Mon., Aug. 30 6:30 p.m. Hospitality House (NW Shoals Community College) 800 George Wallace Blvd. Muscle Shoals Conecuh Mon., Aug. 16 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center 534 West Front St. Evergreen Coosa Thur., Aug. 12 6:30 p.m. Poplar Point Camp 191 Poplar Point Camp Rd. Rockford Covington Thur., Aug. 26 6:30 p.m. Oakwood Lodge 13725 Brooklyn Rd. Andalusia Crenshaw Thur. Sept. 9 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 357 S. Forest Ave. Luverne Cullman Tues., Aug. 3 7:00 p.m. Cullman County Farmers Federation Building 307 Main Ave. NW Cullman Dale Mon., Aug. 9 7:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center 217 S. Union Ave. Ozark Dallas Tues., Sept. 14 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Office 403 Broad St. Selma DeKalb Mon., Aug. 23 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 346 McCurdy Ave. S Rainsville Escambia Tues., Aug. 10 6:00 p.m. Camp 31 Restaurant 222 St. Joseph Ave. Brewton Etowah Mon., Aug. 30 6:30 p.m. Etowah County Farmers Federation Building 125 Broad St. Gadsden Fayette Thur., Aug. 12 6:30 p.m. Fayette Civic Center 530 Temple Ave. N. Fayette Franklin Tues., Aug. 17 6:00 p.m. Best Western Hotel 13770 Hwy. 43 Russellville Geneva Tues., Aug. 17 7:00 p.m. Geneva County Farm Center 2765 E. State Hwy. 52 Hartford Greene Thur., Aug. 19 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center 101 Boligee St. Eutaw Hale Thur., Sept. 2 11:00 a.m. The Catfish Center 529 S. Centreville St. Greensboro Henry Tues., Aug. 3 7:00 p.m. Wiregrass Research & Extension Center 167 E. State Hwy. 134 Headland Houston Thur., Aug. 19 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 1038 Ross Clark Circle NE Dothan Jackson Tues., Aug. 3 6:30 p.m. Jackson County Farmers Federation Building 23625 John T. Reid Pkwy. Scottsboro Jefferson Fri., Aug. 27 10:00 a.m. Gardendale Civic Center 857 Main St. Gardendale Lamar Mon., Aug. 16 6:30 p.m. Vernon City Complex 44425 AL 17 Vernon Lauderdale Tues., Aug. 31 7:00 p.m. Lauderdale County Extension Building- Ag Center 802 Veterans Dr. Florence Limestone Thur., Aug. 19 6:30 p.m. Willow Oak Farm 17434 Morris Rd. Elkmont Lowndes Thur. Sept. 9 6:30 p.m. Southern Sportsman Lodge 9022 US Hwy. 80 W Tyler Macon Mon., Aug. 2 6:30 p.m. Beck’s Turf Farm 2858 County Rd. 53 Tuskegee Madison Mon., Aug. 2 5:30 p.m. Burritt on the Mountain 3101 Burritt Dr. SE Huntsville Marengo Tues., Sept. 14 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 206 Shiloh St. Linden Marion Fri., Aug. 13 6:30 p.m. Tombigbee Electric Co-Op 3196 Co. Rd. 55 Hamilton Marshall Tues., Aug. 24 7:00 p.m. Marshall County Farmers Federation Building 1333 Blount Ave. Guntersville Mobile Thur., Aug. 19 6:00 p.m. Greater Gulf State Fair Grounds 1035 Cody Rd. N. Mobile Monroe Mon., Sept. 13 6:30 p.m. Monroe Co. Ag Center 334 Agriculture Dr. Monroeville Montgomery Tues., Aug. 10 6:00 p.m. Alfa Home Office 2108 E. South Blvd. Montgomery Morgan Fri., Aug. 13 6:00 p.m. Hartselle Civic Center 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW Hartselle Perry Tues., Sept. 7 11:00 a.m. Alfa Service Center 406 Pickens St. Marion Randolph Sat., Aug. 21 5:00 p.m. Randolph County Tractor Club 751 Main St. S Wedowee Russell Mon., Aug. 16 7:00 p.m. EST Seale Courthouse 91 Longview St. Seale Shelby Mon., Aug. 16 6:30 p.m. Alabama 4-H Center 892 Four H Rd. Columbiana St. Clair Mon., Aug. 16 6:30 p.m. Pell City Municipal Building 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy. Pell City Talladega Thur., Aug. 19 7:00 p.m. Talladega County Farmers Federation Building 314 East Battle St. Talladega Tallapoosa Tues., Aug. 24 6:00 p.m. Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Building 111 N Tallassee St. Dadeville Tuscaloosa Tues., Aug. 17 7:00 p.m. Alabama Extension Office 2513 7th St. Tuscaloosa Walker Tues., Aug. 31 6:30 p.m. Walker County Farmers Federation Building 903 Airport Rd. S Jasper Washington Mon., Aug. 9 7:00 p.m. Alfa Service Center 54 Court St. Chatom Winston Thur., Sept. 9 6:00 p.m. American Legion Garrison-Bonds Post 184 60 New Legion Rd. Double Springs

Alabama 4-H: Here We Grow

Alabama 4-H is building a better future through young people. From left are Abigail Taylor, Henry County; Warren Williams, Barbour County; and 4-H State Ambassador President Marion Bell, Shelby County.

By Mary Leigh Oliver

Alabama 4-H continues to grow the state’s future through intentional activities and opportunities for youth. By guiding young people through constructive use of creativity, learning, optimism and purposeful exploration, 4-H had a successful year.

“We are proud of the hard work of those who make Alabama 4-H happen even in the most trying circumstances,” said Molly Gregg, Alabama Extension’s assistant director over 4-H programming. “As the numbers illustrate, Alabama 4-H is for everyone.”

By The Numbers

Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said he was impressed by the involvement of 4-H members in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities. The state’s 125,721 members of 4-H are two times more likely to participate in STEM than uninvolved students.

“Through these program activities, the youth of tomorrow are preparing to be the next generation of physicians, engineers, software developers and other science-based workers,” Phillips said. 4-H members are also two times more likely to make healthier choices.

Phillips said Alabama’s population ranks first in the U.S. in prevalence of stroke, third in diabetes and kidney disease, and is consistently high in obesity and heart disease.

“The educational programming through 4-H to reduce these health issues is a huge economic and lifestyle benefit for the state,” Phillips said.

In addition to impressive statistics in STEM and health participation, 4-H members are dedicated to serving their communities — four times more so than nonmembers.

4-H For Everyone

With members located in every community in Alabama, 4-H members remain dedicated to learning, advancing and serving others. The opportunities for involvement are limitless.

Gregg said employees and volunteers who make up the Alabama 4-H team look forward to the future. 4-H is for young people in both homeschool and in-person school learning environments, as well as those who are virtual students. Gregg said there is a place for everyone in Alabama 4-H programming. Joy Scott, Alabama 4-H leadership and citizenship specialist, works with state 4-H ambassadors and other 4-H youth. Through this role, Scott is able to see firsthand the impact 4-H has on youth and the leaders they become.

“4-H state ambassadors are the voice of all 4-H members in the state,” Scott said. “Being an ambassador gives 4-H members an opportunity to further develop leadership, communication and organizational skills, which they take back to their fellow 4-H members in their county and region.”

Becoming a state ambassador is another opportunity for 4-H members to continue to serve each other. To learn more about Alabama 4-H, visit Alabama4H.com.

We are coming into prime fish fry season, and I couldn’t be happier! Being a lifelong Alabamian, I’ve always enjoyed the abundance of fresh catfish in our markets. Did you know that 97% of all U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish comes from fish farms in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi? This farm-raised catfish is known for its delicious flavor, which is consistently mild and slightly sweet. Of course, catfish is lean and an excellent source of protein, registering low in saturated fat with moderate amounts of those omega-3s so many people are trying to get more of.

My friend, Mike Owens, who has raised catfish in Hale County for over four decades, says, “It’s homegrown right here in the U.S. We put a lot of time and effort into what we do. As a catfish farmer, you’re always growing or taking care of something; you’ve got to feed and nourish the catfish. The pride we put into it should make it a great product.”

Now that I’ve got you craving fried fish (admit it, you were just thinking about it), I’m sharing some great recipes to compliment your fish fry. This is a win/ win because we can support our local farmers and partake of this amazingly delicious fish with our families!

We start off with the star of the show, Lemon-Pepper Fried Catfish. This recipe takes your classic fish breading up just notch. I keep it traditional with a buttermilk coating and dredge

Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce

Prep Time Servings 10 mins 6

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles, well drained 2 tablespoons grated onion 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

In a medium bowl, stir ingredients together until well combined. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Keeps for about 1 week.

of cornmeal, but the lemon pepper seasoning adds a little something special to that wonderful crispy cornmeal coating we’ve all come to love.

What would fish be without tartar sauce? Fortunately, it’s so simple to make. With just another couple of ingredients, you can serve my Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce for a great pop of flavor that goes perfectly with those crispy fillets.

Last but not least, we need a good homemade coleslaw.

Everyone tends to have a special recipe. While I’ve never met a coleslaw I didn’t like, I’ve learned that whenever I make this one, it’s best to print off a few copies of the recipe. It never fails that I’m asked for it.

My favorite part of these recipes is the tartar sauce and coleslaw can be made a day ahead of time. Make your favorite dessert the day before, as well, and you can have a fish fry for a crowd with very little work — and lots of time to enjoy the pleasures of good company and a delicious meal. Y’all enjoy!

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.

Recipe Featured on

Prep Time Cook Time Servings 15 mins 20 mins 4

Ingredients

4 to 6 catfish fillets (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup plain cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 teaspoons garlic powder 3 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning

Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Rinse catfish fillets under cool water and lightly pat dry. Add buttermilk to a shallow dish and coat fillets in the buttermilk; set aside. In a shallow bowl, stir together cornmeal, flour, garlic powder and lemon-pepper seasoning. Allow excess buttermilk

Stacey’s to drip off each fillet, then coat in

Recipe Note the breading mixture, pressing To keep warm, place on lightly to ensure a thick crust. Allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes. a wire rack on a large Pour oil into a deep cast-iron baking sheet and keep skillet to a little less than halfway in a warm oven. full. Heat oil over medium-high heat until oil reaches about 350 F. Fry in batches for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce.

Dill Pickle Coleslaw

Prep Time Servings 15 mins 6

Ingredients

1/2 sweet onion, finely diced 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons pickle juice 1 teaspoon dried dill 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste) 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix

Instructions

In a large bowl, make the dressing by combining the onion, pickles, mayo, pickle juice, dill, garlic powder and salt. Add coleslaw mix and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to combine. When ready to serve, taste and add additional salt, if necessary, then serve.