Neighbors Magazine, November 2018 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 43,

NUMBER 11

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

November/Winter 2018

_____________________________________

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 Rickey Cornutt, Boaz Joe Anders, Northport Phillip Hunter, Chelsea Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Meador Jones, Gallion Bill Cook, Montgomery Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Chris Carroll, Ariton Debbie Roberts, Fayette Ben Maples, Elkmont

In This Issue 5

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.

Homegrown Beef

10 Stacey Little Brings Big Flavor 19 Federation Scholarship Winners

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

21 Federation Voter Guide 26 Uncork South Ridge Wine 40 Giving Thanks For Food, Family

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: , 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

On The Cover

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.

Neighbors magazine welcomes a new feature filled with Southern stories of food and family highlighting food blogger and recipe developer Stacey Little. Photo by Debra Davis

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Trinity Farms Banks On

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By Marlee Moore

Lowndes County cattleman David Lee has honed a niche market for freezer beef, carving out customer demand throughout the state.

hen clients place an order with farmer David Lee, they’re not just stocking their freezer with Trinity Farms homegrown beef. They’re chatting directly with the man who raises and markets natural-finished and grass-fed calves. It’s a perk the Lowndes County farmer said adds value to his Alabama-grown Angus. “We sell a premium, local product,” said Lee, 44. “You’re getting good service from me. I’ll even load your freezer, if you want.” Buffi Young of Harvest has dialed into Lee’s offer for over a decade. “David’s business is reminiscent of small-town America where customer service is important,” Young NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

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From left are Savannah, Kaiya, Darah and Tucker Lee with parents Julie and David. The family raises grass-fed and natural-finished beef on its Trinity Farms in Lee County.

said. “You also don’t have to buy the whole calf. You order what you need.” Lee encourages customers to visit the farm and select calves for processing. It’s a farm-tofreezer-to-fork approach that keeps agriculture top of mind, said Julie, Lee’s wife of 18 years. “They like that they’re dealing directly with David,” Julie said. “People say, ‘Oh, I just love your husband.’ Well, I love him, too!” The Lees hit bulls-eye buying calves from a select cooperative of farmers. Calves reach about 800 pounds on two diet tracks — grassfed and natural-finished. “When you compare our beef to conventionally raised products from a big-box store, we might be more expensive,” Lee said. “But when you compare us to natural, grass-fed beef in the grocery store, we’re cheaper.” Grass-fed calves are raised solely on pasture, while natural-finished calves are supplemented with corn, w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

soybean hulls, peanut pellets and rice bran. Trinity Farms offers homegrown pork, too. “Folks like natural-finished beef because it’s a natural product, it’s a little cheaper than grass-fed, and it’s good for families,” said Lee, who studied animal sciences at Auburn University. “Natural-finished beef has a more familiar flavor, whereas grass-fed beef is gamier.” The Trinity Farms difference is a matter of taste — literally and figuratively. “The first time I tasted their beef, I said it was the best meat I’d ever had,” said Young, a mom of four. “I like knowing how David is raising the animals and what he’s feeding them. Plus, I want to support his family.” A robust website, word of mouth and a Facebook page invite customers to try Trinity Farms beef, but Lee said his best investment is search engine optimization. “When someone Googles freezer 6

beef, custom beef or local beef, I want Trinity Farms to show up,” said Lee, the Lowndes County Farmers Federation president and State Beef Committee member. Facebook connected Bill Weldon to Trinity Farms, and in the seven years since, Lee helped the Madison resident zero in on ideal cuts for his family. Natural-finished ground beef, filets and stew beef fill his order, along with short ribs. “We’ll take all the short ribs you’ve got,” Weldon often says. Weldon said buying from Lee is budget friendly and started family traditions, such as Christmas dinner centered on Trinity Farms filets. “I think my biggest problem has been having a freezer big enough,” Weldon joked. Lee began Trinity Farms in Madison County with his brother and father but moved south eight years ago to better serve customers, which span across Alabama into neighboring states. Though he farms alone, the name is still relevant with faith at its center. “For years, we felt like we needed to move for the church and where farming would be best for us,” said Lee, an audio production volunteer at LifeChange Church in Greenville, where his brother-inlaw is pastor. Julie volunteers, too, while homeschooling Savannah, 16; Kaiya, 13; Darah, 12; and Tucker, 6. The move centralized Trinity Farms while reducing costs, since urban sprawl skyrocketed north Alabama land prices, and Lee already sourced calves farther south. “We’re focused on what makes us profitable,” he said. “We’re a smaller, non-diverse farm now, but this is my full-time job, and Julie doesn’t work outside the home. Hopefully customers like that they’re investing in us as a farm. I like it when they call me their farmer.” Learn more and access beefy recipes at tfcattle.com, or find Trinity Farms on Facebook. n NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Moore Promoted To Federation Multimedia Content Director

Gardener. She continues as editor of the Cultivator, a he Alabama Farmers Federation’s Marlee Moore Federation commodity and leadership newsletter. has been promoted to Director of Multimedia “It’s a joy to serve Alabama farmers,” Moore Content for the state’s largest farm organization. said. “I come to work excited to share Moore, 24, joined the Federation stories, promote products and advocate staff in 2016 as an agricultural for agriculture on a daily basis. This new communications specialist after earning position allows me to capitalize on the a degree from Auburn University (AU). relationships and knowledge gained over The agricultural communications the last two years to better promote our graduate interned with the Federation in members and their work across print and summer 2015. digital media.” “Marlee is a skilled communicator Moore’s writing gained national and recognizes the importance of attention in 2017 when a story she wrote advocating for members, as well as for Neighbors magazine, “Going Out With providing important information that A Bang — Holy Smoke Offers Outdoorsmen helps farmers succeed,” said Federation One Last Shot,” won first place in a contest Publications Director Debra Davis. sponsored by the American Agricultural In her new role, Moore is responsible Moore Editors Association (AAEA), a national for the Federation’s social media content, where she will develop and execute outreach strategies organization of ag communication professionals. Moore is a former Federation scholarship recipient through engaging posts, video and other digital and was heavily involved in AU College of Agriculture content. Her goal is to inspire conversation, reach new activities. She was the AU College of Agriculture’s audiences and drive engagement, Davis said. assistant student recruitment coordinator. Moore now serves as associate editor of Neighbors The daughter of a forester and librarian, Moore was magazine, reaching nearly 360,000 Alabama raised around the timber industry in her hometown of households, with responsibility for lifestyles content Thomasville. She currently lives in Auburn. n including the Farmhouse Kitchen and Alabama

Dec. 2-3, 2018

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or food blogger Stacey Little, few things are better than a fresh-baked biscuit. The unofficial bread of the South is fluffy, complements most meals and is steeped in memories of childhood in a Southern kitchen. And it’s simple. “Just smash down and fold the dough over,” Little told son Jack while whipping up a batch of three-ingredient biscuits in their Prattville kitchen. “Some people use a rolling pin, but Gamma never taught me to use one.” Little is a recipe developer and cookbook author who’s lending

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NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

his Southern Bite food blog flair to Neighbors magazine. This November, the Farmhouse Kitchen with Stacey Little debuts, heralding a new era of recipes for the magazine’s beloved cooking feature. “Neighbors has played a huge role in feeding Alabama families,” said Little, 36. “That’s also part of my mission — to help people get food on the table quickly and easily. It’s a natural fit.” Little was raised in a kitchen full of Neighbors magazine recipe clippings, a history Neighbors Editor Debra Davis said brings familiar flavor to the revamped section. “For years, the Country Kitchen has been our magazine’s most popular section,” Davis said. “We’re excited to share Stacey’s simple recipes, downto-earth charm and heartfelt stories with loyal readers in the Farmhouse Kitchen.” Cooking is therapeutic for Little and Heather, his wife of 12 years. But the former non-profit management professional never imagined a food-focused career, even when he started SouthernBite.com in 2008. “I grew up sitting down with my family for dinner every night. It was just what we did. When I had my own family, we did the same thing,” said Little, who

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Food blogger and Neighbors contributor Stacey Little said cooking is therapeutic for him and wife Heather. The couple lives in Prattville with their 10-year-old son, Jack, who is making biscuits with his dad, below.

jumped into full-time recipe development for food companies in 2016. “But during my Southern Bite cookbook tour, I realized families aren’t doing that anymore. It became important to do what I could to help them get a home-cooked meal on the table.” Growing up in the South, eating garden-fresh food was second nature to Little. But classic side dishes like peas, collard greens and okra unnecessarily intimidate many cooks, Little said. “In the South, we celebrate everything with food, from births to deaths and everything in between,” said Little, who has written for Southern Living

magazine and appeared on NBC’s "Today" show. “So much of that food makes use of fresh, local ingredients. I joke that the South was farm-to-table before it was cool.” From fruits and vegetables to homegrown beef, Alabama farms yield fresh ingredients ideal for the state’s home cooks, including Little, who will feature Alabamagrown staples in the Farmhouse Kitchen. “By giving families easy recipes where they can spend the morning at the farmers market getting ingredients, they connect with their past,” he said. “If it fails, you can always order pizza. But you have to get in the kitchen and try.” n

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Lee County's Hannah Grace McHugh competed in the Youth Beef Showmanship class at the Alabama National Fair in Montgomery Sept. 29.

Federation Sponsors Youth Livestock Shows At State Fair By Jeff Helms

outh put months of hard work to the test during livestock shows on the fall fair circuit, beginning with the Alabama National Fair Sept. 28-Oct. 8. Helen Gladney of Tuscaloosa County was one of 191 exhibitors who showed 562 animals during the fair. She participated in the Youth Goat Show. “I like working the goats, and I like competing,” said Gladney, 13. “It’s taught me responsibility and to be respectful to everybody.” Gladney, who also exhibited a Polled Hereford heifer, said she works with her animals every day leading up to the shows. “You have to clip them, feed them, bathe them and practice to make sure they’ll do what you want them to do in the show ring,” said Gladney, who exhibited the Grand Champion Alabama Born and Bred Market Goat. “I walk my goat about half a mile every day and set him up several times.” The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance

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sponsored the livestock shows in Montgomery, as well as upcoming shows during the National Peanut Festival in Dothan Nov. 2-10. Show divisions included beef, dairy, meat goats, sheep and swine. In addition to showmanship, market classes and breeding

animal contests, the young people also competed in premier exhibitor events. These test students’ knowledge and ability to evaluate livestock. Gladney said she’s learned about goat health, nutrition, and digestive and reproductive systems. Melissa Palmer, who chairs the Federation’s State Meat Goat & Sheep Committee, organized the goat show. She said she’s seen firsthand the benefits of livestock contests. “Livestock shows teach youth responsibility and to have a good work ethic,” said Palmer of Elmore County. “It teaches them to be good citizens. When you take care of your own animals, you know the sacrifices it takes. My kids showed goats, and that’s how we got started. They never got into trouble because they were taking care of their animals. The friendships they made will last a lifetime. It just makes them better people.” Now years removed from the show ring, Palmer’s twin sons, Andrew and Matthew, are both pursuing degrees in agriculture at Auburn University. For more livestock show photos, visit the Federation’s Facebook and Flickr pages. n

Tuscaloosa County's Helen Gladney exhibited the Grand Champion Alabama Born and Bred Market Goat at the Alabama National Fair. Here, she answers questions from judge John Tart III of North Carolina. 12

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Federation Welcomes McBrayer As Commodity Division Director

he Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed a familiar face to its Montgomery home office staff when Hunter McBrayer began work as a commodity division director Oct. 8. McBrayer will serve as director of the Federation’s Bee & Honey; Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod; and Horticulture divisions. He’ll also be executive director of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. A native of Blount County, McBrayer was involved in the Marshall County Young Farmers program and was a two-time Discussion Meet contest finalist. He graduated in August from the Federation’s Agricultural Leaders For Alabama Class IV. McBrayer previously worked for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System as a

regional horticulture agent. Agricultural Programs Department “Having worked with Extension director. “There’s tremendous for five years, I have built many room for growth in the industries relationships with and divisions he growers across the will serve. We look state,” said McBrayer, forward to seeing 29. “I feel blessed to him support Alabama have the opportunity farmers.” to build on those McBrayer gradurelationships and ated from the Univerforge new ones. I’m sity of Alabama in 2012 with a Bachelor excited to learn from of Science in biolour stakeholders and ogy and is pursuing lead them in a new a Master of Science direction.” from Alabama A&M The Federation’s University. Brian Hardin said McBrayer In his spare time, McBrayer’s enthusiasm he likes to garden, fly fish and will help boost his divisions’ scope. spend time with wife of seven years “Hunter is familiar with our Brooke, an Alfa Insurance customer organization, our members and service representative. They plan to our mission,” said Hardin, the reside in Prattville. n Federation’s Governmental and

Amendment 4 Would Save Alabama Taxpayers Millions

labama voters will consider four statewide amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot, including Amendment 4 which, if approved, will save taxpayers millions of dollars. Amendment 4 would eliminate costly special elections when a regularly scheduled election is imminent, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Matthew Durdin. Right now, law requires the governor to call a special election to fill legislative seats vacated due to death or resignation, even if there are only a few months remaining in the term, said Durdin, who is the organization's External Affairs director. “Each legislative special election costs from $90,000 to $900,000 per county, based on the number of voters and polling locations,” Durdin said. “These sometimes occur when candidates already have qualified for the next general election or when the Legislature is not scheduled to meet again before NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

the end of the term.” Money spent on late-term special elections could be used for other services important to Alabama taxpayers. In addition, back-to-back balloting can confuse voters, Durdin said. In recent years, there’s been cases where candidates won a special election and immediately begin campaigning for a regular primary election soon after. The Federation is recommending “yes” votes on Amendments 1,2 and 4, and is “neutral” on Amendment 3. Amendment 1 would authorize the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and property owned or administrated by a public school or school body. AFF Supports Amendment 2 would affirm the state’s right to recognize and support the sanctity of an unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life in all manners and measures 15

appropriate and lawful, adding that the state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion. AFF Supports Amendment 3 addresses the University of Alabama board of trustees. The proposal would require the board to continue to be made of members of congressional districts as drawn Jan. 1, 2018. It also stipulates the removal of the state superintendent of education from automatic membership on the board and removes the requirement that board members retire when they turn 70. AFF Neutral Amendment 4 would allow Alabama Senate and House of Representatives seats to remain open if vacated on or after Oct. 1 of the third year of a four-year term. The longest a seat would remain vacant would be 14 months. The amendment only applies to legislative seats. The governor would still be required to schedule special elections for vacancies occurring earlier in a term. AFF Supports n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Hurricane Hammers Hope For Wiregrass Cotton

Cotton farmers like Houston County’s Fred Helms suffered a huge loss from Hurricane Michael.

By Debra Davis and Marlee Moore

urricane Michael hammered the Southeast corner of Alabama Oct. 10, ripping apart what some farmers predicted was the area’s best cotton crop in years. The Category 4 hurricane sustained winds of 155 mph as it landed in Mexico Beach, Florida, and packed a punch when it rolled through Fred Helms’ Rehobeth farm about 70 miles from the coast. “This year yields looked good for peanuts and cotton, probably our best in 10 years,” Helms said. “The cotton would have picked 1,000 pounds an acre before. It might pick 350 pounds now.” Helms said he was grateful to

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have picked about 250 of 800 acres of cotton planted this year ahead of the storm. About 30 more acres were ready to pick, but he ran out of time. Hurricane Michael’s devastation continued into Henry and Geneva counties, scattering cattle, downing fences and trees, and destroying structures. In Geneva County, wind tore Jason Parker’s 50-foot by 100-foot barn from its foundation, wrapping the metal around grain bins and destroying equipment. “In southeast Alabama, our farmland is predominantly non-irrigated, so we depend on Mother Nature,” Parker said. “She was pretty good to us until this storm.” Wind wreaked the most havoc 16

on farmland, Parker said. Of his 1,000 acres of cotton, an estimated 800 acres is a total loss, since the defoliated cotton was vulnerable to wind damage. Parker said he should have defoliated the remaining cotton a week ago but tried to leave foliage for protection. “When you get wind like we had, it doesn’t matter how much protection you have,” he said. Nearby Dothan received wind gusts above 60 mph. Helms is optimistic there’s less damage to his peanut crop. Before the hurricane, Helms had gathered about 500 acres of his 1,100 acres of peanuts. About 100 acres were plowed up right before the storm hit but should be OK, he added. While fewer farmers plant soybeans in the Wiregrass, windwhipped stalks could also create challenges at harvest for the crop. West of Helms, and just outside Michael’s direct path, Sammy Gibbs of Escambia County finished gathering peanuts two days before the storm hit. He wasn’t as lucky with his cotton. He had picked 456 of his 1,156 planted acres. “Our cotton crop in general was going to be fair,” he said. “The cotton we picked early was light because of excess rain from Tropical Storm Gordon in early September. What should have been 1,000 pounds of cotton per acre was closer to 650-700 pounds per acre.” In addition to yield loss, farmers expect cotton quality to suffer, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. “High wind and rain can fill cotton with debris, reducing quality,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “Recovery won’t be easy, and there are still crops to gather.” While Hurricane Michael pounded Wiregrass counties, most north Alabama counties saw little effects from the storm. n NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

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Federations Award Over $130,000 To Ag, Forestry Students By Marlee Moore

he Alabama Farmers Federation previewed the next generation of agricultural leaders during the organization’s scholarship dinner in Auburn Sept. 20, where over $130,000 was awarded to 79 Auburn University students from 55 counties. The scholarships fund tuition, housing or books for students majoring in agriculture, forestry or related degrees, such as crop and soil science sophomore Daniel Carter. “This scholarship means the world to me,” said Carter, a native of Prattville in Autauga County. “It’s always been my desire to take the burden of college off my parents. This scholarship is making that dream possible.” At the reception, Federation President Jimmy Parnell highlighted the importance of putting down roots at Auburn through educational excellence and by building connections. “I know firsthand the connections students make at Auburn follow them throughout their career,” Parnell said. “Our recipients are future county and state leaders, and these scholarships are an investment in the future

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, scholarship recipient Logan Chappell from Madison County, Lamar County Farmers Federation President Will Gilmer and Auburn University College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson.

2018 County Scholarship Award Winners County Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Bibb Blount Butler Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Clarke Clay Coffee Colbert Conecuh Coosa Covington Covington Covington Covington

Name Daniel Carter Brady Smart Grayson Bertolla Dylan Taylor Henry Bell Zoe Vicich Becky Hawkins Daniel Sellers Bailey Morton Keondre Thomas Korie Burgess Reynolds Carl Cara Parker Cory Powell Katherine Dixon Will Jordan Grayson Sessions Kayla Grisham Ally Jackson Blake Pharr Brandon Buckelew Taylor Thompson Eli Russell Peyton Ward Zessin 19

Major Crop & Soils Sci (Science) Pre-Biosystems Engineering Biosystems Engineering Forestry Agricultural Business & Econ Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Agricultural Business & Econ Wildlife Ecology & Management Wildlife Ecology & Management Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Pre-Agriscience Education Agricultural Science Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Natural Resources Management Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Animal Sci-Production/Mngt Agricultural Science Animal Sci-Production/Mngt Poultry Science-Production Forestry Wildlife Ecology & Management Horticulture Crop & Soils Sci (Science) Agricultural Science

Year Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Junior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Freshman Sophomore Junior Sophomore Junior Senior Freshman Junior Junior Freshman Junior Senior Senior Junior Freshman

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County Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dale Dallas Elmore Escambia Etowah Franklin Greene Hale Henry Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Jackson Jefferson Jefferson Lamar Lauderdale Lawrence Lee Lee Lee Lee Lee Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Madison Madison Madison Madison Marengo Marshall Mobile Monroe Montgomery Pickens Pike Randolph Russell St. Clair Shelby Talladega Tallapoosa Walker Washington Winston R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Name Trent Warrick Kacie Donaldson Hannah Welch Sierra Watson Alston Ivey Andrew Palmer Hannah-Winn Corcoran Kennedy Vice Ethan Mobley Cal Logan Shelby Marsh Caleb Nall Kaitlyn Chestnut Anna Gamble Cason McCoy Claire Peterson Josh Starling Anna Beth Freeman Keith Evett Christian Baker Doston Nichols Bryant Byrd Wyatt Walker Justin Potts Walker Davidson Jack Slay Brock Pittman James Dowdell Julia Lawrence Hunter Rogers Laura Jean McCurdy Zachary Kervin Marissa Plunk Logan Chappell Ethan Jones Justin McCaghren Luke Cheatham Taylor Huggins Erin Pankey Ansley Chaplin Clay Tucker Cooper Waller Victoria Dee Richie Price John Wes Adcock Benjamin Smith Ben Castleberry Emily Gustafson Josie Williams Carley Rehr Noah Runyan Reid Garris Baylor Arnold Olivia Benefield

Major Agriscience Education Agricultural Business & Econ Poultry Science-Pre-Vet Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Crop & Soils Sci (Production) Agriscience Education Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Econ Pre-Biosystems Engineering Forestry Animal Sci-Animal/Allied Indus Animal Sci-Production/Mngt Agricultural Communications Explore Your Major Pre-Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Business & Econ Biosystems Engineering Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Crop & Soil Science (Production) Horticulture Agricultural Business & Econ Horticulture Animal Sci-Production/Mngt Agricultural Science Agricultural Business & Econ Crop & Soils Sci (Production) Crop & Soils Sci (Turfgrass) Agricultural Business & Econ Poultry Science-Production Animal Sci-Production/Mngt Agricultural Communications Fish & Allied Aquacultures Wildlife Ecology & Management Agricultural Business & Econ Pre-Biosystems Engineering Crop & Soils Sci (Production) Crop & Soils Sci (Production) Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Poultry Science-Production Fish, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sci Agricultural Business & Econ Agricultural Science Agricultural Communications Environmental Science Agricultural Business & Econ Agricultural Business & Econ Pre-Agriscience Education Horticulture Agricultural Business & Econ Poultry Science-Pre-Vet Forestry Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet Pre-Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Science 20

Year Junior Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Senior Senior Senior Sophomore Junior Freshman Junior Sophomore Freshman Freshman Sophomore Senior Sophomore Freshman Senior Junior Junior Sophomore Senior Freshman Junior Senior Junior Freshman Junior Junior Senior Sophomore Senior Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Sophomore Junior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Freshman Sophomore Junior Freshman Sophomore Junior Sophomore Freshman Sophomore

of Alabama, agriculture and the students as individuals.” For John and Maricile Adcock of Randolph County, Federation scholarships helped ensure their three children earned degrees and secured careers in agriculture. The scholarships were more than monetary support, Maricile said. “These scholarships helped financially, but they have also given our students confidence — that someone believes in them, that they can finish their degree, that they can be successful,” she said. “I’ve seen our children grow up at Auburn. They entered as teenagers and left as young adults excited about agriculture and ready to serve their communities.” Henry County native Kaitlyn Chestnut echoed the Adcocks, thanking the Federation for empowering her beyond covering a tuition bill. “The Alfa community is so willing to pour into us and give us life experiences and advice,” said Chestnut, a sophomore in agricultural communications. “Every little bit counts and helps to get us through Auburn and into our careers.” The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation matches $1,250 in funds for each county Federation contributing $500. This year, 55 students received the $1,750 scholarships. Twenty-four students were awarded additional scholarships through their county Federations, totaling more than $35,000. Those students represent Baldwin, Chambers, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lee and Madison counties. Olivia Benefield of Cullman County also received the R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship, named after a longtime Cullman County Farmers Federation and Cattlemen’s Association member. Find information about Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and Alfa Foundation scholarships on page 35 of this issue of Neighbors. Applications are accepted Nov. 15-Jan. 31. n NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Alabama Farmers Federation

Political Action Committee

N ov. 6

Endorsements

2 018

FEDERAL & STATE RACES Governor

Kay Ivey 

Lt. Governor

Will Ainsworth 

Attorney General

Steve Marshall 

Secretary of State

John H. Merrill 

State Treasurer

John McMillan 

State Auditor

Jim Zeigler 

Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries

Rick Pate 

Public Service Commission Place 1 Jeremy H. Oden  Public Service Commission Place 2 Chris “Chip” Beeker, Jr.  Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice

Alabama Supreme Court Place 2

Tommy Bryan 

Alabama Supreme Court Place 3

Will Sellers 

Alabama Supreme Court Place 4

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3

Jay Mitchell 

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 1

Christy Olinger Edwards 

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 2

Chad Hanson 

Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 3

Terry A. Moore 

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1

Bill Cole 

US Congress, District 1

Bradley Byrne 

US Congress, District 2

Martha Roby 

US Congress, District 3

Mike Rogers 

US Congress, District 4

Robert Aderholt 

US Congress, District 5

Mo Brooks 

Richard Minor 

Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2

Tom Parker 

Chris McCool 

US Congress, District 6

Gary Palmer 

US Congress, District 7

Terri A. Sewell 

STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

 Amendment #1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, providing for certain religious rights and liberties; authorizing the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and property owned or administrated by a public school or public body; and prohibiting the expenditure of public funds in defense of the constitutionality of this amendment.

 – Amendment #3

 Amendment #2

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended; to declare and otherwise afﬁrm that it is the public policy of this state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life in all manners and measures appropriate and lawful; and to provide that the constitution of this state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, relating to the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, to specify that the congressional districts from which members are appointed continue to reﬂect those as constituted on January 1, 2018, to remove the State Superintendent of Education from membership, and to delete the requirement that members vacate ofﬁce at the annual meeting of the board following their seventieth birthday.

 Amendment #4

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that, if a vacancy in either the House of Representatives or the Senate occurs on or after October 1 of the third year of a quadrennium, the seat would remain vacant until a successor is elected at the next succeeding general election. In Support of

– Neutral

Paid for and distributed by Alabama Farmers Federation, PO Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

N ov. 6

2 018

DISTRICT RACES BY COUNTY CRENSHAW ■ Chris Sells, HD90 ■ Will Barfoot, SD25

CHAMBERS ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Bob Fincher, HD37 ■ Debbie Hamby Wood, HD38 ■ Randy Price, SD13

CULLMAN ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Scott Stadthagen, HD9 ■ Randall Shedd, HD11 ■ Corey Harbison, HD12 ■ Garlan Gudger, SD4

CHEROKEE ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Ginny Shaver, HD39 ■ Andrew Jones, SD10 ■ DEMOCRAT ■ REPUBLICAN AUTAUGA ■ Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence, HD69 ■ Will Dismukes, HD88 ■ Clyde Chambliss Jr, SD30 BALDWIN ■ Harry Shiver, HD64 ■ Alan Baker, HD66 ■ Joe Faust, HD94 ■ Steve McMillan, HD95 ■ Matt Simpson, HD96 ■ Greg Albritton, SD22 ■ Chris Elliott, SD32 BARBOUR ■ Berry Forte, HD84 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 BIBB ■ Ralph A. Howard, HD72 ■ April Weaver, HD49 ■ Cam Ward, SD14 BLOUNT ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Randall Shedd, HD11 ■ Connie Cooner Rowe, HD13 ■ Wes Kitchens, HD27 ■ David Standridge, HD34 ■ Clay Scoﬁeld, SD9 ■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17 BULLOCK ■ Berry Forte, HD84 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 BUTLER ■ Chris Sells, HD90 CALHOUN ■ Barbara Bigsby Boyd, HD32 ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Becky Nordgren, HD29 ■ Steve Hurst, HD35 ■ Randy Wood, HD36 ■ Ginny Shaver, HD39 ■ Koven “K.L.” Brown, HD40 ■ Del Marsh, SD12

DALE ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Wes Allen, HD89 ■ Steve Clouse, HD93 ■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29 ■ Jimmy W. Holley, SD31

CHILTON ■ April Weaver, HD49 ■ Ed Oliver, HD81 ■ Cam Ward, SD14 ■ Clyde Chambliss Jr, SD30 CHOCTAW ■ Elaine Beech, HD65 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

DALLAS ■ Prince Chestnut, HD67 DEKALB ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Tommy Hanes, HD23 ■ Nathaniel Ledbetter, HD24 ■ Kerry Rich, HD26 ■ Wes Kitchens, HD27 ■ Becky Nordgren, HD29 ■ Ginny Shaver, HD39 ■ Steve Livingston, SD8 ■ Clay Scoﬁeld, SD9 ■ Andrew Jones, SD10

CLARKE ■ Elaine Beech, HD65 ■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68 ■ Greg Albritton, SD22 CLAY ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Ron Johnson, HD33 ■ Steve Hurst, HD35 ■ Randy Price, SD13 CLEBURNE ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Bob Fincher, HD37 ■ Ginny Shaver, HD39 ■ Randy Price, SD13

ELMORE ■ Mike Holmes, HD31 ■ Reed Ingram, HD75 ■ Will Dismukes, HD88 ■ Will Barfoot, SD25 ■ Clyde Chambliss, Jr, SD30

COFFEE ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Chris Sells, HD90 ■ Rhett Marques, HD91 ■ Mike Jones, Jr., HD92 ■ Jimmy W. Holley, SD31

ESCAMBIA ■ Alan Baker, HD66 ■ Mike Jones, Jr., HD92 ■ Greg Albritton, SD22 ETOWAH ■ Gil F. Isbell, HD28 ■ Becky Nordgren, HD29 ■ B. Craig Lipscomb, HD30 ■ Andrew Jones, SD10

COLBERT ■ Johnny Mack Morrow, SD6 ■ Jamie Kiel, HD18 CONECUH ■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68 ■ Chris Sells, HD90

FAYETTE ■ Kyle South, HD16 ■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

COOSA ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Ron Johnson, HD33 ■ Ed Oliver, HD81 ■ Clyde Chambliss Jr, SD30

FRANKLIN ■ Johnny Mack Morrow, SD6 ■ Proncey Robertson, HD7 ■ Jamie Kiel, HD18 GENEVA ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Jeff Sorrells, HD87 ■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29

COVINGTON ■ Mike Jones, Jr., HD92 ■ Jimmy W. Holley, SD31

GREENE ■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71 ■ Ralph A. Howard, HD72 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24 HALE ■ Ralph A. Howard, HD72 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24 HENRY ■ Dexter Grimsley, HD85 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 HOUSTON ■ Dexter Grimsley, HD85 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Paul W. Lee, HD86 ■ Jeff Sorrells, HD87 ■ Steve Clouse, HD93 ■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29 JACKSON ■ Ritchie Whorton, HD22 ■ Tommy Hanes, HD23 ■ Steve Livingston, SD8 JEFFERSON ■ John W. Rogers, Jr., HD52 ■ Roderick “Rod” Hampton Scott, HD55 ■ Louise “Lulu” Alexander, HD56 ■ Merika Coleman, HD57 ■ Rolanda Hollis, HD58 ■ Mary Moore, HD59 ■ Juandalynn Givan, HD60 ■ Rodger M. Smitherman, SD18 ■ Priscilla Dunn, SD19 ■ Linda Coleman-Madison, SD20 ■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14 ■ Allen Farley, HD15 ■ Kyle South, HD16 ■ Danny Garrett, HD44 ■ Dickie Drake, HD45 ■ David Faulkner, HD46 ■ David Wheeler, HD47 ■ Jim Carns, HD48 ■ Allen Treadaway, HD51 ■ Greg J. Reed, SD5 ■ Dan Roberts, SD15 ■ J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, SD16 ■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17 LAMAR ■ Kyle South, HD16 ■ Tracy Estes, HD17 ■ Gerald Allen, SD21

Alabama Farmers Federation

Political Action Committee

Paid for and distributed by Alabama Farmers Federation, PO Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

N ov. 6

2 018

DISTRICT RACES BY COUNTY LAUDERDALE ■ Johnny Mack Morrow, SD6 ■ Phillip Pettus, HD1 ■ Lynn Greer, HD2 ■ Jamie Kiel, HD18 ■ Tim Melson, SD1 LAWRENCE ■ Johnny Mack Morrow, SD6 ■ Proncey Robertson, HD7 ■ Garlan Gudger, SD4 LEE ■ Pebblin Walker Warren, HD82 ■ Jeremy “Mr. Eyg” Gray, HD83 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Debbie Hamby Wood, HD38 ■ Joe Lovvorn, HD79 ■ Chris E. Blackshear, HD80 ■ Randy Price, SD13 ■ Tom Whatley, SD27 LIMESTONE ■ Lynn Greer, HD2 ■ Parker Duncan Moore, HD4 ■ Danny F. Crawford, HD5 ■ Andy Whitt, HD6 ■ Mac McCutcheon, HD25 ■ Tim Melson, SD1 ■ Tom Butler, SD2 ■ Arthur Orr, SD3 LOWNDES ■ Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence, HD69 MACON ■ Pebblin Walker Warren, HD82 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 MADISON ■ Anthony Daniels, HD53 ■ Laura Hall, HD19 ■ Andy Whitt, HD6 ■ Mike Ball, HD10 ■ Howard Sanderford, HD20 ■ Rex Reynolds, HD21 ■ Ritchie Whorton, HD22 ■ Mac McCutcheon, HD25 ■ Tim Melson, SD1 ■ Tom Butler, SD2 ■ Arthur Orr, SD3 ■ Sam Givhan, SD7 ■ Steve Livingston, SD8 ■ Clay Scoﬁeld, SD9 MARENGO ■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68 ■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71 ■ Ralph A. Howard, HD72 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

MARION ■ Johnny Mack Morrow, SD6 ■ Tracy Estes, HD17 ■ Garlan Gudger, SD4

PICKENS ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24 ■ Rodney Sullivan, HD61 ■ Gerald Allen, SD21

MARSHALL ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Scott Stadthagen, HD9 ■ Randall Shedd, HD11 ■ Kerry Rich, HD26 ■ Wes Kitchens, HD27 ■ David Standridge, HD34 ■ Clay Scoﬁeld, SD9

PIKE ■ Wes Allen, HD89 ■ Jimmy W. Holley, SD31 RANDOLPH ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Bob Fincher, HD37 ■ Randy Price, SD13 RUSSELL ■ Jeremy “Mr. Eyg” Gray, HD83 ■ Berry Forte, HD84 ■ Billy Beasley, SD28 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Chris E. Blackshear, HD80 ■ Tom Whatley, SD27

MOBILE ■ Adline C. Clarke, HD97 ■ Napoleon Bracy, Jr., HD98 ■ Sam Jones, HD99 ■ Barbara Drummond, HD103 ■ Vivian Davis Figures, SD33 ■ Matt Simpson, HD96 ■ Victor Gaston, HD100 ■ Chris Pringle, HD101 ■ Shane Stringer, HD102 ■ Margie Wilcox, HD104 ■ Chip Brown, HD105 ■ Jack Williams, SD34 ■ David Sessions, SD35

SHELBY ■ Allen Farley, HD15 ■ Corley Ellis, HD41 ■ Arnold G. Mooney II, HD43 ■ Dickie Drake, HD45 ■ Jim Carns, HD48 ■ April Weaver, HD49 ■ Matt Fridy, HD73 ■ Jim McClendon, SD11 ■ Cam Ward, SD14 ■ Dan Roberts, SD15 ■ J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, SD16

MONROE ■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68 ■ Harry Shiver, HD64 ■ Greg Albritton, SD22

ST. CLAIR ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ B. Craig Lipscomb, HD30 ■ Randy Wood, HD36 ■ Jim Hill, HD50 ■ Jim McClendon, SD11 ■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17

MONTGOMERY ■ Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence, HD69 ■ Thad McClammy, HD76 ■ Tashina Morris, HD77 ■ David “Coach” Burkette, SD26 ■ Dimitri Polizos, HD74 ■ Reed Ingram, HD75 ■ Chris Sells, HD90 ■ Will Barfoot, SD25

TUSCALOOSA ■ Christopher John England, HD70 ■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24 ■ Kyle South, HD16 ■ Rodney Sullivan, HD61 ■ Rich Wingo, HD62 ■ Bill Poole, HD63 ■ Greg J. Reed, SD5 ■ Gerald Allen, SD21 WALKER ■ Connie Cooner Rowe, HD13 ■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14 ■ Greg J. Reed, SD5 WASHINGTON ■ Elaine Beech, HD65 ■ Greg Albritton, SD22 WILCOX ■ Kelvin Jamichael Lawrence, HD69 WINSTON ■ Proncey Robertson, HD7 ■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14 ■ Tracy Estes, HD17 ■ Garlan Gudger, SD4 ■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

SUMTER ■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71 ■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

MORGAN ■ Cynthia McCarty, BOE6 ■ Parker Duncan Moore, HD4 ■ Proncey Robertson, HD7 ■ Terri Collins, HD8 ■ Scott Stadthagen, HD9 ■ Randall Shedd, HD11 ■ Arthur Orr, SD3

TALLADEGA ■ Barbara Bigsby Boyd, HD32 ■ Ron Johnson, HD33 ■ Steve Hurst, HD35 ■ Randy Wood, HD36 ■ Jim McClendon, SD11 ■ Del Marsh, SD12 ■ Dan Roberts, SD15

PERRY ■ Prince Chestnut, HD67 ■ Ralph A. Howard, HD72

TALLAPOOSA ■ Pebblin Walker Warren, HD82 ■ Tracie West, BOE2 ■ Ed Oliver, HD81 ■ Tom Whatley, SD27 ■ Clyde Chambliss Jr, SD30 Alabama Farmers Federation

Political Action Committee

Paid for and distributed by Alabama Farmers Federation, PO Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Checkoff Dollars Work New Plot Combine Helps Farmers Harvest Information

By Debra Davis

n investment from the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers checkoff helped purchase a new plot combine for researchers that is paying dividends with its first corn harvest. The group’s $150,000 contribution toward the $320,000 combine helped purchase the machine for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station in Fairhope. The combine finished gathering the station’s corn crop in September before harvesting soybeans a few weeks later, said Station Director Malcomb Pegues. “This new combine is already helping us out a lot,” said Pegues, who emphasized that data gathered at research stations serves as unbiased information for farmers. “In years past, we’ve shared a combine with the experiment station in Brewton. Transporting a combine from Brewton to Fairhope takes time, and sometimes traffic is an issue. Also, invariably we’d have the combine here, and it would rain for two or three days when it hadn’t rained at all in Brewton. Being able to harvest at the optimum time is an important part of any research. Having our own combine has already had a positive impact.” And size matters, Pegues noted. Research plots are usually

The plot combine is equipped with improved monitors and other new technologies. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

The Gulf Coast Research Station in Foley purchased a new plot combine with a two-row corn head and a reduced-size grain table to harvest wheat and small grains. The Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain checkoff fund contributed $150,000 toward the purchase of the machine used by researchers.

20-to 30-feet long and four rows wide — too small for a full-size combine, which typically harvests at least eight rows at once. The new Kincaid plot combine has a two-row corn head and a reducedsize grain table for harvesting wheat and small grains in test plots. Station Associate Director Jarrod Jones said in addition to updated software monitoring equipment, the plot combine cleans grain better and records more data, which provides more information farmers can use in making decisions for their farms. And because the Baldwin County area typically records 67 inches of annual rainfall, he said having a four-wheel drive combine helps ensure a timely harvest. “It can take a long time for this soggy soil to dry out when we have a lot of rain,” Jones said. “I’ve gotten the plot combine we formerly used stuck trying to get 24

in the field when it was too wet. The four-wheel drive feature came in handy this year with all the rain we’ve had.” Cherokee County’s Nick McMichen said research done at the Fairhope station and the state’s 13 other experiment stations is important to Alabama agriculture. “Checkoff dollars and investments in research at the experiment stations are crucial to farmers’ success,” said McMichen, vice chairman of the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers. “Farmers can count on information gained from that research to be impartial, genuine and factual.” The checkoff is a self-imposed fee wheat and feed grain farmers pay for research, education and promotion. A producer panel of farmers from throughout the state determines how the money is spent. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ALWheatFeedGrain. n NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

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Fruitful Harvest Family Uncorks New Farm Venture By Morgan Graham

Matthew Pippin, owner of Pippin Family Vineyard and Winery LLC in Crenshaw County, started a new family business nine years ago when he planted his first muscadine vines. The former poultry farm has been transformed into a scenic vineyard and winery offering three red varieties and two whites. In addition to on-farm sales, South Ridge Wines offers tastings for groups of 10 or more by appointment. The family hopes to host other events such as weddings and receptions in the future. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

hen a tornado destroyed the Pippin family’s Crenshaw County poultry farm in 2014, Matthew and Tonya chose to take the family farm in a new direction. A very different direction. These days, the farm is toasting its success to the newly formed Pippin Family Vineyard and Winery LLC. The family owned business now produces wine from fruit grown on the farm. Sold under the name South Ridge Wine, each bottle is handcrafted from start to finish on the farm. “Having a winery wasn’t something we woke up one morning and jumped into,” said Matthew, a Luverne native. “We thought long and hard before we planted our first muscadine vines nine years ago.” Pippin Family Vineyards has about 600 vines covering 2 acres. The winery is nestled on a hillside overlooking the family farm in the Live Oak community in northcentral Crenshaw County. Red varieties include Sweet Red Noble Muscadine, Dry Red Noble Muscadine and Black Spanish. South Ridge white wines are Carlos Muscadine and Blanc Du Bois. In addition to on-farm sales, South Ridge Wine offers private, on-farm tastings for groups of 10 or more by appointment and hopes to host other events such as weddings and receptions in the near future. Matthew said making wine is rewarding. “It’s gratifying to take something we grow, process it on our farm and make it into something people enjoy,” he said. “Some farmers never get to experience that.” But rewards have a price. Much of the cost is in physical labor and sweat equity. “There’s a lot of physical labor involved in growing grapes,” Matthew said. “We battle insects and fungus, just like a lot of farmers do with their crops, and we mow to control weeds. We do extensive pruning in February. Every vine has to be pruned because the fruit NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

is only made on new growth each year.” Prime harvest season at Pippin Family Vineyards is late July through August. Grapes and muscadines are picked and crushed to eliminate trash and stems before they’re transferred to a fermentation tank. White wine takes around six months to complete, while red wine takes slightly longer. South Ridge Wine is a true family business. Matthew works full time as the Luverne High School FFA adviser, and Tonya is an X-ray technician. They recruit their sons Wyatt, 9, and Walker, 3, to help with lawn maintenance and small chores around the farm. Matthew said his dad, David, tends to the farm’s day-to day operations, adding, “None of this would be possible without the help of my parents.” South Ridge Wine is growing in popularity and has loyal customers in the region. Luverne native Rhonda Sikes is among the farm’s growing fan base. “It’s great to see local people being entrepreneurs and starting something different in our community,” she said. “I enjoyed getting to know more about the wine-making process and getting to know the Pippins’ story. My favorite wine is the Sweet Noble Muscadine.” Community acceptance and customer praise from folks like Sikes pleases the Pippins. “It’s great to know the community is supporting us and enjoying our product,” Matthew said. “We put our heart into this business.” Discover more about Pippin Family Vineyard at SouthRidgeWine.com, or follow them on Facebook at South Ridge Wine. n 27

South Ridge Wine features five wines hand-crafted by Pippin Family Vineyard and Winery LLC. Red varieties include Sweet Red Noble Muscadine, Dry Red Noble Muscadine and Black Spanish. South Ridge white wines are Carlos Muscadine and Blanc Du Bois. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented and bottled on the farm.

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell answered questions from students at the conference. Alfa Youth Leadership Conference attendees participated in team-building activities that included a ropes course at the 4-H Center in Columbiana.

Young Leaders Target Teamwork During Annual Alfa Conference By Marlee Moore

avigating a ropes course blindfolded and led by near-virtual strangers set the stage for 81 ninth- and 10th-graders to lead, work together and overcome challenges at the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference. Students representing 33 counties attended the annual conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana Oct. 8-9, sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and county Federations. Winston County’s Tommy Daniel is a ninth-grader at Meek

High School and said he soaked up lessons in positivity, agricultural facts and unity. “Teamwork was one of the biggest things I learned,” Daniel said. “You can’t do it by yourself. You have to have other people work with you.” Motivational speaker Rhett Laubach inspired students to rethink their perspective to overcome obstacles and be an encouraging light to those around them. “When you decide to use your words and actions to build other people up, to smile, to encourage, you’re making them feel empow-

Eighty-one Alabama high school students from across the state participated in the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference Oct. 8-9. Attendees built connections with students from 33 counties. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

ered,” Laubach said. “A challenge in front of you is not a lifetime sentence. It’s something you can overcome. Leaders take what is in front of them and say, ‘I have to look at this differently.’” Later in the conference, students asked Federation President Jimmy Parnell questions about Alabama agriculture — such as the state’s best farming county, regulations, profits and how to start a farm. Parnell also encouraged students to evaluate and communicate their views with others. “You have already proven you are a leader in your school or community,” said Parnell, also Alfa Insurance president. “Keep it up. Keep working, keep making good decisions, and be willing to stand up and say what you think.” It’s a objective Elanco’s Jason Wetzler echoed during advocacy training, where students debunked misconceptions about agriculture and practiced telling their stories on video. “Whatever your story is, it has a place in agriculture,” said Wetzler, a former National FFA officer. “For American ag to continue to have the impact it has — not only on your family and Americans but for people around the world — we have to tell our story to move people emotionally toward the truth.” Attendees applied for the conference and were approved by their county Federation. View more photos on the Federation’s Facebook and Flickr pages. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Sunday, December 2

The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

6:30 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. doors open

LIVE At the Alabama Farmers Federation 97th Annual Meeting

David Derrick

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

After 30 years as an Alabama Extension agronomist, David Derrick is concentrating on his former part-time profession — farming. The 63 year old and wife Becky split time between Cherokee and DeKalb counties, where he farms 400 acres of cotton with son Benton. The Derricks have two children and three grandchildren and attend Centre Church of Christ.

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show time

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What drew you to agriculture?

I grew up in Fyffe and have farmed part time since 1981.This is what little kids dream about — driving a tractor. I like growing things and being outside.

What did you do as an Extension Agronomist? I worked mainly on cotton insect and pest control. We dealt with issues farmers were facing — soybean rust, resistant weeds, rain, drought, etc. You never know what challenge you’re going to end up with.

Why are you involved in the Federation?

I get to stay in touch with farmers from around the state. Farmers are good people, and it was a pleasure to work with and for them.

What do you do when you’re not farming?

I like to garden, and sometimes I’ll go fishing for a few minutes on Benton’s farm. Becky and I like to travel out West to visit our daughter and grandson in California and make stops at national parks. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

BEEF IT UP

Our farmers help feed catfish, poultry and horses, too.

WHEAT & FEED GRAIN PRODUCERS

GrainsofTruth.net

Crop Profits in 2019:

Alabama Row Crop Short Course Is Dec. 13-14 By Emery Tschetter

ustainable and efficient crop production is the guiding theme of the 2018 Alabama Row Crop Short Course. The annual event will be at the Auburn University (AU) Hotel and Dixon Conference Center Dec. 13-14, 2018. Register online at https:// bit.ly/2ObJhYC. There is no registration fee, but registration by Nov. 30 is required. “The Row Crops Short Course has become an annual venue for nationally known university and private crop experts to address challenges and opportunities for Alabama farmers,” said Brenda Ortiz, an Alabama Extension precision crop specialist and conference organizer. This year’s economic and management topics include: impact of the 2018 farm bill; international trade and tariffs; and the price outlook for U.S. cotton. Production topics include: managing weed resistance; nutrient demands of cotton; weather impact on auxin herbicide movement; nitrogen from legume crops; irrigation strategies for

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

cotton production; yield prediction using remote sensing images; weed control for cotton and corn; bollworm management; insect management in cotton; evaluation of the Lygus trait; and other topics on corn, soybean and wheat production. The conference features speakers from AU; Mississippi State University; the University of Georgia; Clemson University; the University of Tennessee; Texas A&M University; Kansas State University; North Carolina State University; the National Cotton Council; and several government agencies. Alabama Farmers Federation commodity groups are sustaining

partners of the Row Crops Short Course. The short course also features an exhibit hall where companies ranging from precision agriculture technologies to crop seed dealers provide a firsthand look at the latest product releases. The Row Crop Short Course, produced by Alabama Extension and AU’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environment Sciences, began with a focus on corn and wheat. Producer demand encouraged conference organizers to expand it to other major crops. Audrey Gamble, an Alabama Extension soil scientist, said the faculty and agents are working across production lines to equip farmers with relevant research and information. “It has been very exciting to watch the short course transform into a meeting that benefits all Alabama row crop producers,” said Gamble, also an assistant professor in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science. “Our goal has been to bring in top-notch speakers to provide information on the latest technologies and the best management practices for cotton, corn, peanut, soybean and wheat producers,” he said. For updates and an event agenda, visit AlabamaCrops.com. Continuing education units and pesticide points will be available for all attendees. n

The 2018 Alabama Row Crop Short Course will include farm bill discussions, international trade and tariffs, crop prices and production practices. Registration closes Nov. 30.

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Storm Water Mitigation Alabama Extension is helping keep our streams, rivers, lakes, and bays healthy.

Eve Brantley Extension Specialist & Associate Professor Auburn University

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We Believe in Clean Water

Follow us The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! ÂŠ 2018 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. www.aces.edu ACES-2432

By Lois Chaplin

omegranate fruit appear in grocery stores in the fall, especially for holiday decorating. But like figs, blueberries and muscadines, they are a good fruit to grow at home. Gardener Shane Jennings of Robertsdale is so smitten by pomegranates that he collects lost and often unnamed varieties from around the state. He’ll often find shrubs 50 to 100 years old with a surprising variety of flavors, seed hardness and color. He’s found pomegranates with sour juice popular for making jellies and fermented products, too. Nobody knows exactly what pomegranates are tucked away in Alabama, but Jennings is trying to connect growers in the state through the Alabama Pomegranate Association Facebook page, which includes followers from around the

world. European settlers first introduced pomegranates to the U.S., but the fruit originated in Central Asia and the Middle East. Records show even President Thomas Jefferson grew pomegranates. Standard pomegranates in the grocery store are usually a red variety called Wonderful, which has a sweet flavor and soft seeds. Wonderful is also the most reliable in gardens. Jason Powell, who has grown pomegranates for years at Petals from the Past in Jemison, said Wonderful fruits steadily through Alabama’s erratic seasonal weather. Fruit matures in September and October. Cold hardiness is a critical consideration, as is bloom time to avoid late frosts, so be wary when considering the Russian and Middle

Eastern varieties offered online. If you’re lucky to have a friend with a good-tasting mature plant, growing your own from a cutting is a good move. Jennings suggests any pomegranate growing in Alabama today that survived several severe freezes in the 1980s is cold hardy throughout the state because those deep freezes reached the Gulf Coast. The Chilton County Research and Extension Center is testing some heirloom varieties Jennings collected, which will take several years to evaluate. Pomegranates grow in most soils except those that are salty, alkaline or poorly drained. In heavy soil, planting on an 18-inch high mound helps drainage. A large deciduous shrub or small tree grows 8 to 15 feet tall, depending on the variety. Plants are selffertile, so you only need one. Pruning is a must because plants sprout too many stems from the base. Thinning to 3-5 main stems that will grow into trunks keeps it manageable. Gardeners can prune height to whatever is comfortable for working and harvest. Plants prefer long, hot and dry summers. Even Wonderful, which may be the best Alabamians can currently purchase, can become diseased in rainy weather. The best way to keep plants healthy is provide what they need — full sun, good drainage, air circulation and healthy, fertile soil. As some heirloom pomegranates surviving on their own find their way into commerce, this highly nutritious fruit may become as popular as the figs, blueberries and muscadines in our gardens. And at about $3 each, just one plant will be worth it! n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

GArrett Dixon

NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Lee County’s Garrett Dixon is new to his role as the State Young Farmers Committee representative for South Alabama at Large, but his love for ag runs deep. The 26-yearold is an Auburn University animal science graduate, grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Salem and raises cotton and cattle. He and wife Robin attend First Baptist Church of Opelika.

1 2 3 4

What drew you to agriculture?

In high school, I had the chance to buy cattle with my father. Several years later, the Lord opened doors to allow me to grow cotton on our farm after a 15-year hiatus, and I saw why my grandad loved that crop.

Why do you serve on the State YF Committee? A wealth of knowledge about advocacy, ag and business is in our membership. We just have to form relationships to utilize it. The committee helps others form those relationships so Alabama ag can succeed.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My wife, Robin. She puts up with my long work hours and listens patiently when I talk about the farm on and on and on...

What can’t you live without?

I can’t live without my Folgers Black Silk coffee.

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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GOOD HUNT

e had leukemia. If he’d been older, he might’ve been bitter about it. But he wasn’t. Nine-yearolds don’t know how to feel such things. He spent his days in a camouflage recliner, staring at a laptop. He didn’t have much energy for anything more than browsing the Internet. What he did have, however, was friends all over the Southeast. People he’d met on online hunting sites. “They were older than he was,” his mother said. “But they meant a lot to him. He was always talking this’n that about them.” She means fellas like — we’ll call him, Rob — a 56-year-old deer hunter from middle Tennessee. Rob said, “Didn’t know he was so young when we first messaged. We became big buddies. He’d never been hunting and liked reading about it. I like to talk hunting, so it worked…” He confided in Rob. He told him about his illness. About his daddy, who once promised to take him hunting, but died before he ever got the chance. “Every time we wrote,” Rob said. “I’d think of my own boy, and how fast life can change. Sometimes my wife’d find me crying at the computer.” One day, Rob woke to see a post to the group, asking if anyone in his area might take him hunting on the weekend before he

underwent invasive treatment. “I felt something in me,” said Rob. “I just thought, you know, this kid ain’t got nothing, all he wants to do is kill a spike. Nobody was replying. Broke my heart.” So Rob called the boy’s mother and made plans. He took off work, drove to Alabama for the weekend. His friends thought it was bizarre. And on the Saturday Rob arrived at his house, he found other trucks parked in the driveway. Each with Browning, Winchester, and Remington stickers on the tailgates. “They were other guys from the group,” said Rob. “One came all the way from frickin’ Missouri. We expected some weak-looking kid. But he didn’t look bad, except he was bald.” Six men, four boys, and one leukemia patient went hunting. The kid killed a buck. And according to Rob: “I never seen a boy happier. It was a good hunt, a blessing.” The young fella gave up the fight. On his casket his mother says there was a photograph. The boy smiling, grasping antlers. Several men stand around him wearing orange caps. “I hope God’s got plenty’a whitetails up there,” said Rob. “He knows what he’s doing now.” Yes. I believe he does. n

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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. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

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Sweet Corn Spoonbread Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Servings 6 to 8

Ingredients 1 (8.5-ounce) package JIFFY Corn Muffin Mix 1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 3 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions Heat oven to 375 F and lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the ingredients and mix well. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until the spoonbread is golden brown and set.

or years, the beloved recipes from Neighbors Magazine have played an integral role in family meals across Alabama. From simple weeknight suppers to elegant holiday dinners, recipes found within these pages have been clipped, shared and used over and over until the paper wore thin. I remember my own mother having a host of recipes she’d cut from the pages and pinned to a small cork board she had nailed to the inside of our pantry door. Today, as a new page is turned in the rich history that is Neighbors, it’s an honor to be a part of the legacy of helping families get delicious food on the table. And w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

there’s no greater month to begin this journey than November — the month of giving thanks. A few years back, my wife was on call at the hospital one Thanksgiving, and we couldn’t make the trip to my grandparents’ like usual on account that she had to be close in case they needed her. Knowing we didn’t need a whole turkey, I did a bone-in turkey breast in the slow cooker for the three of us. We liked it so much, when we returned to my grandparents’ the following year, I just did a couple turkey breasts for the entire family rather than a whole turkey. Everyone just loved it. The slow cooker helps keep 40

the meat super juicy and frees up space in the oven for the must-have casseroles. Speaking of casseroles, my Ultimate Green Bean Casserole and Sweet Corn Spoonbread are both recipes that make recurring appearances on our table every year. It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them. And we can’t forget the pie. This Cream Cheese Pecan Pie is a fun, delicious twist on the classic. And it’s so fun to see how the cream cheese layer starts on the bottom but rises to the top when it bakes. Here’s wishing you plenty of delicious dishes this Thanksgiving and even more opportunities to realize just how fortunate we all are. Y’all enjoy! n 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. NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Ultimate Green Bean Casserole

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 6 strips bacon 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced 1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup 1/4 cup milk 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese salt and pepper 4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained 1 1/2 cups French fried onions

Instructions

Butter-Basted Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 6 hrs

Servings 4 to 6

Ingredients 1 (5 to 7 lb) bone-in turkey breast, thawed 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions Remove turkey from the packaging and remove any giblets, gravy packets and the neck, if in the cavity. Don’t rinse the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help the butter mixture stick to the bird. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix until well combined. Rub the butter mixture over the entire bird. Carefully separate the skin from the meat over the breasts and rub butter mixture between the skin and meat. Place the turkey in the slow cooker, breast side up, and cover. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. To crisp the skin, place on an oven-safe platter. Broil in the oven on low until crisp and golden brown. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Stacey’s Recipe Notes For an even more moist and tender turkey, cook with the breast side down. Just be prepared that you won’t really be able to slice the turkey this way; it will just fall off the bone. The presentation isn’t great with this method, but the meat is super moist! NOVEMBER/WINTER 2018

Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 13-by-9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove to drain on paper towels, then crumble. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease, then return the pan to medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the undiluted mushroom soup and add the crumbled bacon. Stir to combine. Stir in the milk and cheese until the cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the green beans until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the fried onions. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Cream Cheese Pecan Pie

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Makes 2 pies

Ingredients 2 frozen deep dish pie crusts, thawed For the cream cheese layer: 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the pecan filling: 6 large eggs 2 cups sugar 2 cups light corn syrup 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F. With a hand mixer or in a stand mixer, mix together the cream cheese, egg and vanilla until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pie crusts and spread it into the bottom of the crust. To make the pecan filling, beat the eggs with a mixer until well blended. Add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and chopped pecans, and stir until well combined. Divide the mixture between the two pie crusts by pouring it over the cream cheese layer, being cautious that all the pecans don’t end up in one pie. Place on a rimmed baking sheet (in case of spills) and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the pies are firm, golden brown and nearly set, but slightly jiggly. Cool completely before serving. Store in the refrigerator. 41

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