Neighbors Magazine, December 2019

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December 2019 | Volume 44 | Number 12 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate Editor Laura Unger | Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan | Executive Director Jeff Helms | Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville Dean Wysner | Vice President | Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Donald Hodge | New Market Donald Sewell | Southside Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Meador Jones | Gallion Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Sammy Gibbs | Atmore Chris Carroll | Ariton Jo Ann B. Laney | Phenix City Garrett Dixon | Salem Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. 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.

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In This Issue 4 | Roby To Receive Service 18 | Bates Brings On The To Agriculture Award

Holiday Flavor

7 | Food Bloggers Tour Alabama Peanut Farms

11 | Boll Weevil Monument Celebrates Centennial

12 | ATFA Annual Meeting

Honors Conservationists

14 | Agency Helps Farmers Manage Risk

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31

On The Cover

Farmhouse Kitchen columnist Stacey Little shares some of his favorite Christmas recipes, which he said are sure to brighten up the holidays for friends, family and loved ones.

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Photo By Stacey Little

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A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

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December 2019

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Roby To Receive

Federation’s Service To Agriculture Award By Debra Davis .S. Rep. Martha Roby, R- Ala., has U been a champion for farmers since she was first elected to Congress in

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., was first elected to Congress in 2010. 4

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2010. Whether fighting for fairness in the farm bills of 2014 and 2018 or battling budget cuts in farm programs, it was clear she was in agriculture’s corner. Her grit and determination ensured farmers weren’t forgotten by other leaders in Washington and earned her the respect of agricultural leaders at home and in Congress. These qualities also earned her the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Service to Agriculture Award, the highest honor given by the state’s largest farm organization. Roby will receive the award at the Federation’s 98th annual meeting Dec. 8-9 in Montgomery.

“Rep. Roby enjoys a reputation as an outspoken proponent of conservative, Christian values that mirror those of her constituents in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Her work as a former member of the House Committee on Agriculture played a pivotal role in passing the 2014 and 2018 farm bills. “More recently, as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, her efforts helped fund important farm programs and keep our national defense strong,” he said. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Roby helped preserve important military bases in Alabama, and she worked to bring the F-35 fighter jet to Montgomery. Roby exposed abuses in the alfafarmers.org


Veteran Affairs health system and worked tirelessly to improve care for veterans, both locally and nationally. Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said Roby and her staff have always valued the organization’s input on agricultural issues. “In working on two farm bills, Congressman Roby was a strong advocate for the peanut program, seed cotton and catfish inspection,” Walker said. “She was also a staunch supporter of eliminating rules and regulations that hampered farmers and landowners in her district and across the state. “After her district was ravaged by Hurricane Michael, she insisted that Alabama be treated the same as neighboring states, making sure U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue saw the damage in her district firsthand,” he added. “On a personal note, Rep. Roby is one of the most genuine and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege to work with.” Roby, who also is chairman of the Congressional Peanut Caucus, said she is humbled and honored to have been chosen for the award. “Alfa has been a true friend to me during my time in Congress,” Roby said. “We have developed a strong relationship. Since agriculture and forestry are the largest employers in the district and in our state, I take the role as the farmers’ advocate very seriously. I have prioritized spending time with farmers over the years. Whether it was standing in a peanut field or meeting with farmers after a disaster, what they have to say is important to me.” Roby has announced she will not seek re-election to a sixth term and plans to return to the district. She has not announced future political plans. Roby and husband Riley have two children, Margaret and George. They are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where they were married, their children were baptized, and where they are involved in various ministries.

U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, in his role as ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture discusses farm policy with Alabama Peanut Producers Association President Carl Sanders on his Coffee County farm with Roby and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. From left are Conaway, Sanders, Roby and Parnell.

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby with husband Riley and their children, Margaret and George, live in rural Montgomery County. Roby has not announced any future political plans. alfafarmers.org

December 2019

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Photo by Kaye Lynn Hattaway

Culinarians Attend Farm-To-Table Harvest Tour By Debra Davis ome of the nation’s top chefs, S food bloggers and culinary arts instructors dug into the heart of peanut

country when they attended the farm-totable Peanut Harvest Tour in Dothan Oct. 20-23. Sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA), Southern Peanut Growers and the National Peanut Board, the event included farm tours and stops at the Wiregrass Experiment Station in Headland, a peanut buying point, a shelling plant and Golden Boy

Kathleen Phillips, a food blogger, professional food stylist and cookbook author from Gardendale, sampled fresh peanut butter on the tour. alfafarmers.org

Peanut Butter Plant in Troy. A visit at APPA Board Member Thomas Adams’ farm in Henry County allowed the dozen participants to see peanut harvest in full swing. “I’ve had several tours on my farm, but those tours were usually people from within the farm industry,” said Adams, who raises peanuts, cotton, hay, cattle and poultry on his farm near Newville. “This group was very interested in the equipment and entire process of planting and harvesting peanuts.” But the tour taught more than just how peanuts are grown, said culinary arts teacher Dan Wagner of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. “Learning about the roots of the peanuts also gave me a symbolic connection of how the farmers are rooted in their faith and family,” he said. “It was refreshing to spend time with these farmers, share a meal with them and watch them pray before our meal to thank God for rain. It was an emotional experience.” Likewise, Polynesian Cultural Center executive chef Felix Tai of Oahu, Hawaii, said his first trip to the South was filled with pleasant surprises. “I’ve heard about Southern hospitality, and it’s a real thing,” Tai said. “For me, food is love. In Hawaii, we call

Alabama Peanut Producers Association Board Member Thomas Adams hosted a tour for culinarians on his Henry County farm. Visitors observed peanut harvest, along with the devastating effects dry weather had on the crop.

that feeling the ‘aloha spirit.’ It’s the exact same feeling here. I could tell from talking to the farmers that they care about what they do, and they love it. “Really, I’m just a cook, but the love I put into dishes I prepare, and the joy of knowing that people like what I cook, is what makes my job special. I think it’s the same for farmers. Being able to walk through the fields with them, share a meal and get a real look into their lives was something I could never get from reading a book. It has to be experienced to really understand it.” Adams said the sustainability of peanuts also piqued the interest of the group, who learned that nothing goes to waste once peanuts are harvested. “We discussed how the best peanuts are used in candy and peanut butter, while lesser-grade peanuts are crushed for high-quality cooking oil,” Adams said. “The vines are rolled up for cattle feed, and even after the peanuts are shelled, the hulls are used for poultry house bedding.” The massive equipment, monetary investment and enormous faith farmers have wasn’t lost on Kathleen Phillips of December 2019

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Photo by Kaye Lynn Hattaway

Alabama Peanut Producers Association Board Member Thomas Adams of Henry County discussed peanut pod development with culinarians on the tour of his farm Oct. 21.

Gardendale, Alabama, who was among the tour participants. As a food blogger, professional food stylist and cookbook author, it was her first time to share a meal with a farmer. “My heart broke for the farmers as I listened to one of them tell how devastating this year’s drought had been to his dryland crop,” said Phillips, whose blog, Grits and Gouda, specializes in shortcut recipes. “Farmers put countless hours into these crops for

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months, working night and day, only to have their profits shriveled in the heat of the sun.” But Phillips said she’s also optimistic about the future of farming. “We met a farmer who introduced us to his 17-year-old son who was operating the large machinery equipped with GPS-guided controls,” she said. “I was encouraged for the future of peanut farming to hear this young man planned to continue his

family’s tradition of farming as his occupation.” The tour’s goal was to immerse culinarians and food bloggers in the entire peanut industry from farm-totable in authentic Southern style, said Kaye Lynn Hataway, the APPA’s project coordinator. “We wanted participants to spend time with family farmers digging up peanuts and learning about farming practices, today’s technology and the sustainability of peanut crops,” she said. “This tour exceeded all our expectations! It ended up being about more than the peanut industry. The attendees discovered the heart of our peanut farmers and their love for their families, farming and feeding the world.” Attendees were asked to create recipes using peanuts, blog or write articles about their experiences and share the tour on social media. “We want them to not only eat more peanuts but promote peanuts and spread the word about peanuts with all the people they influence,” Hataway said.

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The original monument was a Greek goddess and fountain. In 1946, a small, metal boll weevil replaced the fountain. Because of theft or damage, larger and more detailed boll weeviles have been used over the years.

Photo by Kathryn Tipton

Photo courtesy of

the Pea River His torical Society

Centennial Celebration Honors Beloved Boll Weevil Monument By Debra Davis he Boll Weevil Monument turns T 100 years old Dec. 11, and the city of Enterprise doesn’t want it to go by

without celebration. Activities include a Boll Weevil Monument rededication ceremony, presentation of centennial tribute markers, burial of a time capsule, downtown tours, vendors, centennial memorabilia, living history films, book signings and music. The monument is in the middle of Main Street and features a Greek goddess statue, arms stretched upward, holding a giant replica of the tiny alfafarmers.org

insect that brought peanuts to the farming forefront of the Southeast. Weevils destroyed cotton crops in the early 1900s, devastating the Southern economy. Farmers like Coffee County native Carl Sanders share a special connection with the monument and understand its significance. “It’s hard to say where we’d be without peanuts in the Wiregrass,” said Sanders, president of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association. “My family has farmed peanuts on our land for over 100 years, but initially peanuts were sort of a side crop. Everything with peanuts had to be done by hand.

Cotton was the mainstay of the economy then. The boll weevil forced farmers to look at peanuts in a new way — as a viable cash crop.” The transition to peanuts, along with the Boll Weevil Eradication Program, introduced new farming methods, while technology improved peanut harvest. Eventually, the eradication program brought cotton back to the area, Sanders said. The program required new practices such as mowing stalks after cotton harvest to prevent weevils from overwintering in the fields. Insect traps helped detect weevils, allowing farmers to use control methods only when necessary, protecting beneficial insects. Enterprise leaders say the monument is more than homage to a bug. “The statue has brought recognition to the city for all these years as the only monument in the world honoring a pest, but the original intent of the monument was to memorialize a much greater message,” said Enterprise Tourism Director Tammy Doerer. “The monument sends local citizens and visitors the message that hope can rise from the depths of despair, and that open-minded people with a spirit of cooperation and determination can triumph over adversity.” Enterprise Special Projects Coordinator Kay Kirkland and Doerer co-chair the city’s Centennial Committee that’s charged with planning the celebration. Kirkland said the committee began planning the event more than a year ago. Visit Enterprise-100.com or VisitEnterprise.com for more information. December 2019

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State Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, received the Bill Moody Award during the Alabama Landowners Conference Awards Program Oct. 23. As part of the recognitiion, he received a Joel Kelley framed print. Crawford and his wife, Mary Kay, are pictured with ATFA Executive Director William Green, right.

Alabama Landowners Conference Focuses On Forestry By Marlee Moore

ver 200 landowners and natural resources professionals focused on O the value of forestry during the second

Alabama Landowners Conference in Prattville Oct. 22-24. The event was a joint effort of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA), Alabama Natural Resources Council (ANRC) and Alabama Tree Farm Committee. “Alabama is blessed with 23 million acres of forestland, 94% of which is privately owned,” said ATFA Executive Director William Green. “It was a pleasure to welcome landowners from across the state to one combined meeting, where they learned key skills to improve their management techniques.” Educational sessions concentrated on forest markets, landscape management, chronic wasting disease, the White Oak Initiative, feral swine removal and more. A panel of experts including landowner Salem Saloom discussed innovative, alternative revenue sources from forestland. The theme was echoed during landowner tours at Sherer Longleaf

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Farm and the Central Alabama Fowl Preserve in Chilton County. “Doing some type of forest management will pay dividends,” said Saloom of Conecuh County, citing hunting, beekeeping and pine straw harvest enterprises. “That gives economic value to you and your land.” During the conference, stewardshipminded individuals were recognized. The Bill Moody Award was given to State Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, accompanied by his wife, Mary Kay. The Limestone County landowner received the ATFA’s highest honor for his commitment to multiple-use forest management and helping others understand the benefits forests provide. The award is named after former State Forester Bill Moody, who founded the TREASURE Forest certification in 1974 and died this year. Joy Herring of Mobile County received the Gary Fortenberry Partnership Award for youth outreach efforts. Herring is the science lab coordinator at McDavid-Jones Elementary School in Citronelle. The ANRC honored Stan and Suzanne Wood of Cullman County with the W. Kelly Mosley Environmental

Award for significant natural resource management. Outstanding Forestry Planning Committee Awards were presented to leaders in Autauga, Bullock and Fayette counties. The Alabama Tree Farm Committee named Allene and Foots Parnell of Chilton County the Alabama Tree Farmers of the Year. Chris Wright of Walker County was recognized as Tree Inspector of the Year, while Nick Granger of Coffee County received the Doug Link Leadership Award. The ATFA welcomed five new board members during the conference — Gean Harris, Cleburne County; Don Mann, Madison County; Dan Nelson, Marion County; Ron Hilyer, Elmore County; and Elliott Poole, Sumter County. John Dorrill of Pike County and Jimmy Jimmerson of Cleburne County were named honorary board members. An ATFA silent auction raised $1,800 for scholarships. Sean Dietrich, known as Sean of the South, entertained attendees during the welcome banquet. His columns are featured in Neighbors magazine, a publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation, of which ATFA is affiliated. alfafarmers.org


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USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Tours Alabama Farms

Wayne Bassett of Southeast Kiwi Farming Cooperative in Notasulga, right, discussed kiwi farming with USDA’s Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre and his staff.

By Debra Davis isk is an inherent part of any R business — nowhere more so than farming. Crop insurance plays an

increasingly important role in America’s agricultural economy as input costs escalate and profit margins narrow. The administrator of the U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) was in Alabama recently and toured several nontraditional farms where crop insurance sometimes falls short. RMA Administrator Martin Barbre said visiting oyster, satsuma, blueberry, kiwi and catfish farms in Alabama helped him more clearly understand the

Auburn University Shellfish Lab research assistant Sarah Spellman, left, discusses oyster farm development near Bayou La Batre with Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre. 14

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needs of those operations. “I’m a corn and soybean producer from Illinois,” said Barbre, former president of the National Corn Growers Association. “I need to learn more about different crops across the country. “One of the big things we’re working on is an aquaculture policy. I see where that could be useful to both oyster farmers and catfish farmers. We’ll be working with experts to make sure any new policy is actuarially sound and affordable and to make sure we are covering the right risks.” Barbre toured a satsuma orchard on Art Sessions’ farm in Grand Bay where he saw ripening fruit that was days from harvest. Sessions said crop insurance is available for the fruit, but coverage isn’t available for the trees. “What would really hurt me and other satsuma and pecan farmers is if we had a disaster that wiped out our trees,” said Sessions, Mobile County Farmers Federation president. “We’ve got years invested in our trees, and an exceptionally hard freeze or a hurricane alfafarmers.org


Grand Bay satsuma farmer Art Sessions, second from left, discusses his crop with Risk Management Agency officials who visited his Mobile County farm Nov. 6.

could destroy them. It would take decades to recover.” Such high-value, dense agricultural crops are expensive to establish, but once established, they can be profitable, Sessions said. “In one year, I can make as much off one mature satsuma tree as I can 3 acres of cotton,” he said. “But planting the

alfafarmers.org

trees, installing irrigation and waiting at least three years for them to produce enough fruit to harvest is expensive. And then there are annual costs of insect and fungus control, plus the labor costs to harvest the crop. The possibility of purchasing protection for the loss of our trees would be a great option.” In addition to touring Sessions

Farms, Barbre visited the Auburn University Shellfish Lab on Dauphin Island and oyster reefs near Bayou La Batre. He also visited Betty’s Berries in Wilmer; met with agricultural leaders at Auburn University and Tuskegee University; and toured Southeast Kiwi Farming Cooperative in Notasulga and Butch Wilson’s catfish farm in Browns. Barbre, along with RMA Chief of Staff Keith Gray and other support personnel, also met with farmers and agribusiness professionals during a dinner at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office in Montgomery. “It was an honor to have Administrator Barbre tour farms in Alabama,” said Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker. “He was genuinely interested in what farmers had to say about improving crop insurance programs to provide better protection for specialty crops. I appreciate that Administrator Barbre took time to actually meet with the farmers and look at their operations to better understand how his agency might be able to help them in the future.”

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S

GOOD

he pushes a cart in the parking lot. She is a redhead. Pale skin. There are four Hispanic girls with her. She says something in Spanish. They all laugh. She laughs. These are happy folks. She met them last year. She knocked on her neighbors’ front door one evening. She offered to babysit the girls for free since the family was having hard times making ends meet. Since then, she’s been watching the girls. She also teaches them to read and write English. Today, she’s teaching baking. She took them to the supermarket because they’re going to make gingerbread, yogurt-covered pretzels, cookies, fudge, you name it. There's the 20-year-old kid, Jerod. I watched him play basketball. He was teaching other kids to play at the county foster-child facility. He is an orphan who grew up in foster care. He teaches them because he is them. They trust him. “I know what it’s like not having nobody,” he said. “I want ’em to know somebody cares. That’s all everyone needs.” And the woman. She was ringing a handbell outside the supermarket. She was tall, angel-faced. She was wearing a Santa cap, singing. She set her bell down to relax her hand muscles. A kid approached and asked if he might ring the bell for her.

“Knock yourself out, kid,” she said. He rang and sang. His voice was loud and steady. He closed his eyes. People tossed money in the bucket by the handful. I am writing you from a hotel lobby. The woman at the front desk handed me a complimentary newspaper. The headline turned my stomach. I set the paper down and watched the news instead. A reporter smiled and talked about scandals, scandals, then briefly spoke on scandals. Suddenly, I’m nauseated. And offended, somehow. I suppose that’s how they want me to feel. If you’re reading this, you’ve figured out I’m nobody. I’m Joe Six-pack with a mortgage. I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t know much. But I do know a few things: about foster kids who grow up to be heroes, babysitters who bake gingerbread with kids who call her “aunt,” even though she is not blood kin. I know dogs who need adopting, children who need companionship, and priests in Dothan who cook turkeys for the unfortunate at Christmas. I know daughters who help fathers in public restrooms. I’ve seen collegeeducated women ringing bells, Godblessing those who give her a break. I don’t care what you see on TV. This world is more than scandals and crooked politics. Merry Christmas. ■

It’s time to reserve strawberry plugs for October delivery! • 50 plugs per tray • Plugs have an intact root ball • Plugs establish quickly

Best of all Plant plugs in October

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

and harvest sweet strawberries in the Spring!

FREE CATALOG

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s y e k r u B ates T r e e h C y a d i l o H B ring By Marlee Moore ravelers on Interstate 65 have T flocked to Bates House of Turkey for generations, dining on sandwiches,

Families from across the U.S. order and dine on birds, sides and desserts from Bates Turkey Farm and Bates House of Turkey during the holidays. 18

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roast turkey and assorted casseroles, soups and pot pies. The visitors also stock up on holidayworthy turkey and trimmings at the Greenville establishment — made possible thanks to Bates Turkey Farm. Providing families an Alabamagrown turkey and fond memories is a treat for the Bates bunch, said Rebecca Bates Sloane. “Holidays are all about families getting together,” said Sloane, the third of five generations of turkey-loving Bateses. “There is nothing better than sitting down at a table with your family and friends with a beautiful turkey on the table, complete with dressing and gravy.” While Thanksgiving is the most turkey-centric celebration, the farm in Logan labors year-round growing alfafarmers.org


Sloane said. Bates enthusiasts can buy oven-roasted, hickory-smoked or oven-ready turkeys at the farm store, Piggly Wiggly locations in Birmingham and Mosley’s Meat Market in Mobile. Bates also ships whole turkeys, turkey breasts, sausage and other goods across the U.S. Sloane said many customers are multi-generation visitors, passing on the tradition to children and grandchildren the value of savoring an old-fashioned roast turkey dinner or smoked turkey sandwich. Through the years, Bates has served high-profile diners, too, like senators, Auburn University football coach Shug Jordan, NFL quarterback Kenny Stabler and a smattering of Alabama governors. Additionally, the governor annually pardons a tom and hen — typically titled Clyde and Henrietta — from the Thanksgiving table during a ceremony in Montgomery. While Sloane admitted there’s pressure to run a perfect turkey-making business, her family simply seeks to serve folks and cultivate holiday happiness. “I’m so proud to have been able to be part of this,” Sloane said. “It’s really special to be able to take this business that my mother and daddy nurtured and to see it go on.” To order for the holidays, visit BatesTurkey.com or call (888) 249-4505. Visit BatesHouseTurkey.com to learn more about the restaurant.

Bill Bates and his wife, Teresa, were the second generation at Bates Turkey Farm in Logan.

Ben Bates manages Bates Turkey Farm, which annually grows thousands of birds for the holidays.

free-range birds. “I didn’t realize how much was involved until I actually started working full time for the farm,” said farm manager Ben Bates, who also runs the family’s cattle herd. “It takes a lot of pride and hard work to keep it going.” After day-old poults arrive at the farm, they’re raised indoors for seven weeks. The birds spend another seven weeks in the shade of the Bates family pecan orchard, soaking in fresh air and gobbling up feed made from the recipe Ben’s ancestors used for generations. Reducing stress on their turkeys is a Bates family goal, said Cheri Bates Weekley. Minimizing stress for customers during a hectic holiday season is a priority, too. “A lot of people would rather spend time with their family instead of working in the kitchen,” said Weekley, Bates Turkey Farm office manager. “Buying a Bates turkey gives families more time to be with each other.” The family first grew bronze birds, which resemble wild turkeys. Today, Bates’ birds are broad-breasted white turkeys bred for tenderness, which Sloane said results in sweeter, tastier meat. Their signature hand-processed turkeys are smoked using hickory gathered from the homestead, which lends flavor and moisture, said Weekley. Most turkeys are 12-16 pounds, while some toms, or males, reach 20-plus

pounds. The Bates family has been big on raising turkeys since 1923, when W.C. Bates Sr. and bride Helen received nine turkey eggs as a wedding present. Helen sold turkeys to local merrymakers, but when her son and Sloane’s father, Bill Bates, returned from World War II, he turned the small-time turkey farm into a booming business. They sold turkeys from the farm off U.S. Highway 31 until 1970, when Bill bought a parcel of land near the newly constructed interstate, resulting in Bates House of Turkey. “I could say it’s a restaurant or fast food, but it’s really my daddy’s dream,” Sloane said. While Bates’ business serving beachbound travelers ramps up around spring break in March, the busy season kicks in from late October till Christmas. The turkey and trimmings — sweet potato soufflé, cornbread dressing, pecan pie, etc. — are homemade and frozen, so families can snag their holiday spread early. While many customers reserve turkeys in advance, phones ring off the hook as the holidays creep closer. “It makes you feel good when you can help Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, right, pardoned two Bates turkeys in November 2018, assisted by Rebecca Bates Sloane. somebody out in a pinch,”

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Jeff Register Building & Truss RegisterFarmBarns.com

40’ x 60’ x 12’ - Installed Roof only, closed gables - $7,642 Roof only, open gables - $6,850 30’ X 40’ X 10’ - Installed Roof only, open gables - $3,950

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Ragan Joins Federation As Livestock Show Intern he Alabama Farmers Federation T welcomed show coordinator intern Madden Ragan to its

Montgomery home office in October. The DeKalb County native will assist with preparations for the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 19-21. The Auburn University (AU) senior will help with data entry, exhibitor correspondence, volunteer organization and other show Ragan management aspects. “I’m passionate about agriculture and teaching youth how important it is to our communities, state and nation,” said Ragan, 20, an animal science major. “I grew up competing in reining horse contests and am excited to grow my livestock show experiences with JBE.” Federation commodity director Brady Ragland said Ragan’s experience on the show circuit is an asset. “Madden will get a firsthand look at the moving parts it takes to plan and coordinate high-quality events such as the JBE,” said Ragland, who oversees Federation youth livestock shows. Ragan is pursuing minors in agribusiness and crop and soil science. She is involved in AU Young Farmers; Collegiate FFA; the Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Club; and Collegiate Cattlemen and Cattlewomen. A graduate of Fort Payne High School, she is the daughter of Celeste and Derwood Ragan.

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Call Alfa

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Connecting Alabama Farmers & Families

WE ARE

From produce stands and garden

Farmers Supporters Processors Restaurants Grocers Agritourism & More

centers to restaurants and pumpkin patches, Alabama has a lot to offer shoppers who want to support local farmers. Sweet Grown Alabama helps you reach these consumers by creating awareness of, and increasing demand for, Alabama products. This focused public relations and advertising program touches every aspect of the supply chain and creates a uniďŹ ed brand for Alabama agriculture and forestry.

For More Information, And To Apply, Visit:

SweetGrownAlabama.org


Alabama 4-H Center expansion art rendering.

Alabama 4-H Launches

“The Center Of It All” Campaign labama 4-H has experienced record-breaking enrollment for A several years. Now with almost 180,000

young people involved in 4-H, the program is so large that students sometimes must wait to participate in science and camping programs at the 4-H Center located south of Birmingham. To respond to these challenges, the Alabama 4-H Foundation announced “The Center Of It All,” a capital campaign for Alabama 4-H. It focuses on expanding 4-H Center infrastructure to help the program fulfill its mission of providing hands-on learning experiences for all Alabama youth. Molly Gregg, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) assistant director for 4-H, explained 4-H members are put on a waiting list to attend signature overnight programs and events at the 4-H Center for the fourth consecutive year. “Right now, we’ve reached our capacity at camp,” Gregg said. “It’s hard as a youth development professional to think there are children who cannot come to camp because we don’t have room for them. This campaign addresses this need so every interested child in Alabama can participate.” Alabama 4-H Foundation Chairman Paul Pinyan announced the campaign goal of $9.9 million during a launch event on Oct. 3. “It is all about taking these dreams

alfafarmers.org

Paul Pinyan announced the campaign goal during a launch event Oct. 3.

Molly Gregg addresses needing more room at the 4-H Center so more students can attend programs.

and making them a reality,” said Pinyan, who is the Alabama Farmers Federation executive director. “I’m proud to announce our campaign goal of $9.9 million that we plan to invest in this facility and in the youth of the state of Alabama.” With generous contributions from corporate and private foundations, the campaign has already raised $7.4 million. However, Alabama 4-H needs public support to raise an additional $2.5 million to ensure a spot for everyone at the 4-H Center. Three projects will provide more opportunities for Alabama 4-H youth and help build sustainable revenue to support programs: Project 1: Expanded dining and new kitchen space

Project 2: New dormitories Project 3: Alabama 4-H Fund for Excellence, a discretionary resource

Looking Toward The Future

Tomorrow’s leaders are shaped by the opportunities available to them as young people. Alabama 4-H and the Alabama 4-H Foundation are committed to creating true leaders with the skills needed to guide their communities. “Generous donations to the 4-H Foundation capital campaign will help shape the future leaders of Alabama,” said Gary Lemme, ACES director. “It is an important investment in the future of young people and the entire state.” Text AL4H to 41444 to make a gift or visit thecenterofitall.org for more information about the campaign.

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AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org

“To support and advance agriculture in the state of Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture.”

board of directors

Our Mission

2019 annual Report

Phillip Johns Rhonda Hughes Lester Killebrew Keith McCurdy Cheryl Mitchell Jimmy Parnell Paul Pinyan Mahlon Richburg Raleigh Wilkerson

Support Ag Education. Purchase an Ag Tag today! alfafarmers.org

NEW INITIATIVES

ARTIST CONCEPT

Above: In February, a 500-acre 1 | Main Arena parcel along Interstate 65 insq.Chilton 169,583 ft. County was announced as the site for the Alabama Farm Center at Alfa Centennial Park. Plans call for a 5,000-seat, air-conditioned arena; 150,000-square-foot exhibition building; 400-stall horse barn; 400 RV hookups; and a variety of other barns and arenas. Planning and fundraising for the complex continued throughout the year, with groundbreaking expected in 2020. Left: Sweet Grown Alabama was unveiled as the state’s agricultural brand. Board members for the nonprofit are, from left, Horace Horn of PowerSouth, Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate and AFAF and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Applications opened in September at SweetGrownAlabama.org. December 2019

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foundation fundraisers

Auctions at the Young Farmers Conference, above, and Federation annual meeting raised $7,530 and $9,650, respectively.

Thirty-eight teams gathered for the 4th annual AFAF Skeet Shoot at Selwood Farm in Alpine Nov. 8. For the second year, the Macon County Farmers Federation (MCFF) team won first place. From left are MCFF team members John Adams and Scott Key.

In Memoriam

Honoring Alabama Farmers Federation leaders we lost, with prayers of healing and strength for their loved ones.

Bill Patterson

December 1, 2018, Etowah County, 75

Glen Maples

December 16, 2018, Chambers County, 86

James “Buck” Shand

December 22, 2018, Dallas County, 75

Cloyce Hammonds

December 28, 2018, Calhoun County, 79

James E. “Red” Patterson January 3, Madison County, 92

Charlotte Faulkner

February 1, Elmore County, 76

Dwight “Tiny” England

February 3, Lauderdale County, 56

Wayne Davis

March 21, Dale County, 84

R.E. “Pete” Manley

March 29, Choctaw County, 89

Alton Jenkins

April 4, Clay County, 89

John Robert Rankin

April 5, Marengo County, 95 26

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Shelia Jackson of Troy performed at the inaugural AFAF Tribute Breakfast during the Federation’s 2018 annual meeting.

December 2019

Bill Boyd

April 11, Etowah County, 84

Don Barkley

April 16, Marengo County, 89

Venora Deavers

April 20, Autauga County, 70

Romaleta James

April 20, Bibb County, 79

Larry Avant

April 22, Autauga County, 71

William Ward

May 9, Conecuh County, 96

Donald Earl Taunton

May 14, Tallapoosa County, 74

Margie Goodwin

June 2, Madison County, 83

Glen Jones

June 13, Blount County, 95

Coy Jackson Rasberry July 10, Chilton County, 91

Caroline Batcheldor

August 20, Russell County, 92

James Peak Jr.

September 13, Winston County, 93

Pete Benton Turnham

September 30, Lee County, 99

Arthur Harold Powell

October 3, Butler County, 89

Mike Henry

October 15, Montgomery County, 49

Dan Robertson

October 16, Perry County, 71

Jimmie Brame

October 19, Marengo County, 85

Ann Oliver Clark

October 20, Franklin County, 81

Ted Parker

October 28, Marshall County, 88

Catherine Brady

November 1, Perry County, 85

Cecil William “Bill” Moody

August 12, Montgomery County, 89 alfafarmers.org


activities & accomplishments

AITC mini grants

Alabama Ag in the Classroom awarded $5,954.00 in mini grants for agricultural education. Rachel Chastain Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Talladega County HKS Hatches Chicks Project Beth Cooley, Helen Keller School Talladega County Bunny Barricade Yard

Ashton Cottingham, Montevallo High School Shelby County Beekeeping Project With Ag Students AFAF and county Federations awarded 80 scholarships to students from 55 counties majoring in agriculture and forestry at Auburn University (AU). From left are AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson; Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East; AU junior Victoria Dee of Pickens County; AFAF and Federation President Jimmy Parnell; and AU senior Sedrick Mack of Lee County.

Chelsea Langley of Chambers County was among students who honed their leadership skills during the Junior Beef Expo.

Eighty-three teachers attended Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute. Above: Greg Hamner of Clemmons & Hamner Seed Inc. in Lauderdale County visited with educators. alfafarmers.org

income statement Income Unrestricted Contributions $322,614.09 Ag in the Classroom Revenue 202,635.00 Ag Tag Revenue 248,591.52 Scholarships 57,750.00 Junior Beef Expo 137,410.00 Unrealized Gain 83,490.95 Interest Income 44,724.45 Annual Skeet Shoot 66,735.00 State Dairy Show 1,450.00 State Pork Show 6,350.00 Total Income $1,171,751.01 Operating Expenses Ag in the Classroom $130,353.53 Education Expense 2,500.00 Junior Beef Expo 134,632.58 Ag Scholarship Luncheon 6,240.37 Scholarship Expense 84,691.07 State Dairy Show 9,045.63 State Pork Show 7,550.00 Bank Fees 533.06 Office Supplies 2,105.38 Legal & Audit Fees 2,300.00 Miscellaneous Expense 15,164.47 Postage 626.16 Sponsorship Expense 62,138.30 Ag Tag Advertising 13,600.00 Scholarship Supplies 163.34 Advertising Expense 134.90 Investment Fees 6,385.15 Meetings 908.64 Annual Skeet Shoot 27,356.35 Contributions 81,242.64 Centennial Study 159,960.84 Youth Leadership Conference 26,485.16 Total Operating Expenses $774,117.57 Net Income $397,633.44

Kathy DeFoor, Eva School, Morgan County Can You Dig It Ag Project Amy Doss, Pine Grove Elementary Baldwin County School Ag Day

Cynthia Early, Speake School, Lawrence County Home Grown Bouquet Project

Carmen Gary, Lowndes Academy, Lowndes County Carmen and Kaye’s Outdoor Classroom For Kindergarten Students Stephanie Guffey, DAR Middle School Marshall County Operation Tower Garden Britney Jones, Spring Garden School Cherokee County Egg Incubators And Aero Gardens

Julie Lane, Florence City Schools Lauderdale County Outdoor Garden For Kindergarten Students Kathryn Manley, Clay-Chalkville School Jefferson County School Gardens With Students Who Have Autism And Intellectual Disabilities Roosevelt Robinson Montgomery County Extension “Let’s Grow a M.E.A.L.” (Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, Lowndes counties) Raised Bed/STEM Gardens Jennifer Schroeder, George P. Austin Middle School, Marengo County Outdoor Classroom For 6th-8th Grade Students

Brandi Walker, Pike Road Middle School Montgomery County Chicken Starter Project With 4-H Club

Christy Wilson, Prattville Elementary School Autauga County Classroom Egg Hatch With 4th Grade Students December 2019

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contributors AACAAS Alabama Cooperative Extension System Agri-AFC LLC Akin Charolais Farm Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Inc. Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Angus Association Alabama Catfish Producers Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Alabama Charolais Association Alabama Farm Credit Alabama Farmers Cooperative Inc. Alabama Farmers Federation Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Alabama Peanut Producers Association Alabama Pork Producers Alabama Power Co. Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers Alfa Foundation Alfa Insurance Co. American Augus Association Angie Bradwell AT&T Autauga County Cattlemen’s Association Autauga County Farmers Federation Autauga County Young Farmers Baldwin County Farmers Federation Baldwin County Young Farmers Bannister Angus Farm - Jay Howard Barbara Lewis Barbour County Farmers Federation Barbour County Young Farmers Beck’s Turf Inc. Bibb County Farmers Federation Bibb County Young Farmers Billy Mullins Blount County Cattlemen’s Association Blount County Farmers Federation Blount County Young Farmers Boyd Cattle LLC Boyd Farm - Lee Boyd Brentwood Farms LLC - Chip & Mistie Burkes Bullock County Farmers Federation Business Council of Alabama Butler County Farmers Federation Butler County Young Farmers Calhoun County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Young Farmers CCS Technology Center Chambers County Cattlemen’s Association Chambers County Farmers Federation Chambers County Young Farmers Cherokee County Farmers Federation Chilton County Farmers Federation Chilton County Young Farmers Choctaw County Farmers Federation Chris Langley Timber CK Cattle - Chuck & Katie Madaris Clarke County Farmers Federation Claude & Caroline Anderson Clay County Cattlemen’s Association Clay County Farmers Federation

Clayton Spencer Cleburne County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Young Farmers CNY Community Foundation Inc. Cobank, ACB Code Blue LLC Coffee County Cattlemen’s Association Coffee County Farmers Federation Colbert County Farmers Federation Colbert County Young Farmers Conecuh County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Young Farmers Coosa County Farmers Federation Covington County Farmers Federation Covington County Young Farmers Crenshaw County Farmers Federation Crenshaw County Young Farmers Cullman County Farmers Federation Cullman County Young Farmers Dal-Dav Charolais - David Downery Dale County Farmers Federation Dale County Young Farmers Dale G. Scroggins Dallas County Farmers Federation David A. Allen Deanne & Rhon Jones DeKalb County Farmers Federation DeKalb County Young Farmers Dell Hill Diamond M Farm Don Allison Equipment Inc. Donald Hodge E. Kent Ibsen Elmore County Farmers Federation Elmore County Young Farmers Escambia County Farmers Federation Escambia County Young Farmers Etowah County Farmers Federation Etowah County Young Farmers Fayette County Farmers Federation First South Farm Credit Frank Ellis Charolais - Frank Ellis Franklin County Farmers Federation Fred Bowman Bear Jr. Fred Helms Fuller Supply Co. Inc. Garry Henry Garth & Diann Bowman Geneva County Farmers Federation George & Gloria Jeffcoat Gibbs Farm - Wendall & Nan Gibbs Grant & Lindsey Cochran Greene County Farmers Federation Greensboro Farmers Co-Op Greenway Plants Inc. Greg & Dianne Hinton Hale County Farmers Federation Hale County Young Farmers Harold & Mary Helen Benford Henry County Farmers Federation Hicks Hereford - Darrell & Pat Hicks Houston County Farmers Federation J & J Feed Services J. Everette Stewart

Jackson County Farmers Federation Jackson County Young Farmers Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. Jake Harper James & Kathleen Holliman James H. and Marie Gasser James L. Parnell JEB Farm LLC Jefferson County Farmers Federation Jefferson County Young Farmers Jerry Allen Newby Jerry Newby Jimmy Jimmerson Joe Anders Joseph & Tina Scarborough Jr. Kathryn Barrett Kim Earwood Kyle Hayes Lamar County Farmers Federation Larry Reeves Lauderdale County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Young Farmers Lee County Cattlemen’s Association Lee County Farmers Federation Lee County Young Farmers Leto Farms Lillian Henson Limestone County Cattlemen’s Association Limestone County Farmers Federation Limestone County Young Farmers Lowndes County Cattleman’s Association Lowndes County Farmers Federation Lowndes County Young Farmers Macon County Cattlemen’s Association Macon County Farmers Federation Madison County Farmers Federation Mahlon & Mary Richburg Marengo County Farmers Federation Marge Pounders Marion County Farmers Federation Marion County Young Farmers Mark Landers Marshall County Farmers Federation Marshall County Young Farmers Max Bozeman Jr. Farm Account Meador Jones Mid State Stockyards Mobile County Farmers Federation Mobile County Young Farmers Monroe County Farmers Federation Monroe County Young Farmers Monsanto Co. Montgomery County Farmers Federation Morgan County Farmers Federation Mr. & Mrs. Charles Collums Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Street Myron Williams Nell Miller Octavia Howell Paul & Kristie Pinyan Paula Robertson Pearson & Ann Matthews Perry County Farmers Federation

Perry County Young Farmers Phillip Thompson Pickens County Farmers Federation Pike County Cattlemen’s Foundation Pike County Farmers Federation PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Preston Roberts Priester’s Pecans Randall & Julia Paramore Randolph County Cattlemen’s Association Randolph County Farmers Federation Randolph County Young Farmers Ray Hilburn Rhonda Hughes River Bank & Trust Roger Morgan Chapman Russell County Cattlemen’s Association Russell County Farmers Federation Samuel Gibbs Selwood Farm Inc. Shelby County Farmers Federation Shelby County Young Farmers Southeast Select Sires Southeastern Livestock Exposition Spring Creek Farm St. Clair County Farmers Federation St. Clair FFA Alumni Staplcotton State of Alabama Steve Dunn Stocker Supply LLC Sumter County Farmers Federation Sumter County Young Farmers Sysco Corporation Taber and Grace Ellis Talladega County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Cattlemen’s Association Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation The Bridge Builders of Alabama LLC The Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation Tommy Martin Troy Bank & Trust Co. Trustmark Bank Tucker Milling LLC Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation Tuscaloosa County Young Farmers Van Smith Vivian Paul Walker County Farmers Federation Walker County Young Farmers Walker Family Simmental Washington County Farmers Federation Webster-Henry Attorneys At Law Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC Wilcox County Farmers Federation Will Gilmer William Forrest William Harris Winston County Farmers Federation

Donate Online at alabamafarmersfoundation.org Make Checks Payable To: Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191 Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________ State ____ ZIP _________ Phone ____________________ Email ____________________________________________ In Memory / Honor Of: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gifts to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Questions? Contact Amanda Butts at (334) 612-5525 or abutts@alfafarmers.org. 28

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MORE DEMAND. BETTER PRICE. QUALITY BEANS MEAN PROFIT. Aquaculture and animal ag are your No. 1 customers – eating 97 percent of your soybean meal. Better quality means more demand. More demand means better prices.


Audubon Society Suet Recipe 3 1/2 cups bird seed 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup oatmeal 1 1/2 cups shortening (not palm oil) 3/4 cups nut butter (such as peanut, almond, etc.) Ice cube tray

Mix together dry ingredients. In a pan, combine shortening and nut butter and melt over low heat. Mix the melted wet and dry ingredients. Spoon into an ice tray, which forms cubes to place into suet feeders. Store suet in the freezer until ready to use. This mixture softens above 55 F, so hang it in the shade.

By Lois Chaplin atching birds enjoy a breakfast W of seeds and suet just outside the kitchen window will start anyone’s

morning with a smile. By using feeders, gardeners can provide fats and proteins many insect-eating birds can’t find during colder months while also bringing feathered joy into the day. One can dig deeply into the art and science of bird feeding using books and websites, but basic bird feeding is pretty straightforward. It includes regularly filling feeders, occasional cleaning and squirrel-proofing the feeder! Birding experts recommend a mix of feeder types and food to attract the widest variety of birds. The mix could include tube and hopper feeders, platform types and suet feeders. A birdbath is also a huge draw. If you have only one type of feeder, a tube feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds is most universal for attracting multiple species such as woodpecker, nuthatch, chickadee, finch,

Alabama

pine siskin, sparrow, redwing blackbird, cardinal and others. Birds with small beaks such as the chickadee will take the seed to a branch to hammer it open, while those with beaks that crush can eat at the feeder. A downside of using unhulled seeds is shells pile up under the feeder and should be raked occasionally. Shelled nut meats are more expensive but often last longer in the feeder and don’t leave a mess on the ground. There are also special feeders. Some with tiny holes hold fine Nyjer seeds, a favorite of goldfinches; another is made to hold peanuts. The other top choice for winter is a suet feeder to attract insect-eating species such as woodpecker, nuthatch, wren, chickadee and bluebird. The flicker, or yellowhammer, pictured at a suet feeder, is Alabama’s state bird (wild turkey is the state’s game bird). Suet provides a mixture of seeds and dried fruit inside a block of fat shaped to fit in the feeder. Some suet contains

hot pepper to discourage squirrels. Like seeds, there are assorted options. It’s also easy to make your own. Platform or tray feeders are handy for ground-feeding species such as brown thrasher, towhee and robin. Open feeders near the ground also likely feed squirrels and uninvited critters. Feeders 5 feet above ground on poles and with baffles are less susceptible to squirrels and raccoons but are more open to predation from hawks. Feeder choice is important because a good design and sturdy construction protects seed from critters and the weather. Our oldest hopper-type seed feeder is dry and has a spring-operated perch to deter squirrels; it still works beautifully after 30 years. It seemed expensive at the time but has been a great value. Like gardening, part of the enjoyment and challenge of bird feeding is working at making it work. For advice, look to sources such as Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Alabama Extension, which offer free information and downloadable pdfs. With the holidays approaching, a good feeder and feed may be just the gift for someone who “doesn’t need anything” — all while helping sustain local birds. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Welcome To Wonderful Winter Deals E ALAFARM.COM 30

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Chewy Sugar Cookies Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time Makes 10 mins About 24

Ingredients 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Large decorating sugar

Instructions

he holidays are upon us, and we head into the kitchen to show those T around us how much we love them — by

cooking for them, of course. Whether it’s an elaborate dinner, a delicious cake or even some simple cookies, cooking for folks says we care about them. And the holidays are the perfect time to do just that. My Perfect Red Velvet Cake is a labor of love. This quirky Southern classic takes a little time to put together, but the end result is worth every second. The delicious cake gets its signature flavor from a little cocoa powder and buttermilk. While vinegar might seem like an odd cake ingredient, the acid helps give the cake a little extra lift by reacting with the baking soda. It also helps give the crimson confection an even brighter pop of red color. The recipe makes a 2-layer cake, so to make the stunning cake on the cover and seen on page 33, I simply doubled the recipe for both the cake and the frosting. I’m a big fan of the sugar cookies at one of those national decorated-cookie chains, so when my dear friend Christy Jordan of SouthernPlate.com shared this recipe telling me these tasted just like them, I knew I would be a fan. These are the perfect chewy sugar cookies and are amazingly easy. The hint of lemon extract is exactly what makes them taste alfafarmers.org

like the famous ones and doesn’t really taste like lemon once it’s all mixed in. These are great rolled in holiday colored sprinkles, like the picture above, but are perfect any time of year! Looking for a cake but don’t have time for all the layers and fuss? The Eggnog Pound Cake might be just what you need. It has tons of great eggnog flavor with a hint of nutmeg for that extra kick. It’s quick, easy and will no doubt be appreciated by those on the receiving end. The Pecan Thumbprint Cookies are another easy cookie perfect for spreading holiday cheer! I added finely chopped pecans to a classic thumbprint cookie dough to give them even more flavor. You can top them with your favorite jam, jelly or preserve. I made these with strawberry jam, blackberry jam and orange marmalade and loved how deliciously different each one was. Regardless of what you make, taking time to make a treat for your neighbors, family and friends is what this season is all about. This Christmas, my wish is for you to pull your family closer, hold them longer and squeeze them tighter. And no matter where it is or who you’re with, I hope you find your way home this holiday season. Merry Christmas, y’all!

Heat oven to 375 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or a nonstick silicone baking mat. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Add the corn syrup, egg, vanilla and lemon extracts, and mix well. In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place the decorating sugar in a small bowl. Roll the dough ball in the sugar to coat. Place dough on the prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes. It should firm up enough to work with. Bake 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden brown, being careful not to overcook. Cool on the baking pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Work in batches until all the dough has been used. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

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. December 2019

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Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Makes About 24

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup very finely chopped pecans 1/2 cup any flavor fruit jam or jelly, room temperature

Instructions With a mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Add the egg and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing well after each addition. Add the pecans and mix well. Place dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Heat oven to 325 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or a nonstick silicone baking mat. Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out the dough and roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Once the cookie sheet is full, gently press your thumb halfway into each cookie making a well. Fill each well with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam or jelly. Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until just starting to brown around the edges. Allow to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack. Work in batches until all the dough has been used, being sure to store the dough in the refrigerator between batches. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

Eggnog Pound Cake

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Servings 10 to 12

Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks), softened 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 cup prepared eggnog

Glaze Ingredients 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons prepared eggnog

Cake Instructions Heat oven to 325 F. Lightly coat a 12-to-15-cup Bundt pan using nonstick cooking spray that includes flour. You could also grease and flour the pan. In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add the flour and eggnog alternately to the first mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix well after each addition. Pour batter into the prepared pan, being careful not to fill the pan more than 3/4 of the way full. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until golden brown, just starting to pull away from the edges of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan about 10 minutes, then invert over a platter. Allow to cool before drizzling with the glaze.

Glaze Instructions To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar and eggnog in a small bowl. Mix well. Drizzle over the cake. 32

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December 2019

alfafarmers.org


Perfect Red Velvet Cake

Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 10 to 12

Cake Ingredients 2 1/2 cups cake flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 cup buttermilk 2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring

Stacey’s Recipe Note To make the 4-layered cake shown here and on the cover, I doubled both the cake and frosting recipes.

Frosting Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature 4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cake Instructions Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, cocoa powder and baking soda. Set aside. Use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the oil, vanilla and vinegar, mixing well. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. Add the flour and buttermilk alternately to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Add the food coloring and mix on low until well combined. Divide batter between the two pans. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until the cakes just start to pull away from the sides of the pans and a toothpick inserted into the middle of each cake comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans 5 to 10 minutes, then invert them out of the pans and place on wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Instructions Heat the oven to 350 F. Spread chopped pecans on a baking pan and toast 5 to 10 minutes or just until fragrant. Cool completely. Use a mixer to whip the butter and cream cheese together completely. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. When ready to frost the cake, you can mix the cooled pecans into the frosting or you can frost the cake and use the pecans to sprinkle on the outside. alfafarmers.org

December 2019

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