Neighbors Magazine, October 2018 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 43,

NUMBER 10

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

October 2018

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, 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

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.

Alabama’s Top Farmer

Find Fall Fun On A Farm

16 Sod Sales Soar

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

19 Bama’s Best Fried Chicken 20 Farmers Help Update Soil Lab 28 Bring On The Bacon

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.

Shelby County’s John DeLoach and his family are Alabama’s Farm of Distinction. DeLoach will compete to be the Southeastern Farmer of the Year later this month. Photo by Jeff Helms

www.AlfaFarmers.org

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation OCTOBER 2018

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

DeLoach Competes For Southeastern Farmer DeLoach Competes For Southeastern FarmerOfOfTheTheYear Year

John DeLoach discusses results of corn test plots with Southeastern Farmer of the Year judges. From left are John McKissick, DeLoach, Cary Lightsey and Charles Ed Snipes.

hen John DeLoach travels to the Sunbelt Ag Expo this month to compete for Southeastern Farmer of the Year, he will take a 200-year agricultural heritage, record-setting productivity and a plan for the future. “What an honor it is to have the opportunity to take care of this land for a lifetime, and what a responsibility it is to pass that on to future generations,” said DeLoach, who farms corn, soybeans and wheat with wife Kate and son Jess. The Shelby County family was named Alabama’s Farm of Distinction in April, earning the right to compete against nine other top farmers for the regional title. DeLoach traces his passion for farming back to his grandparents. “Before he died, my grandfather gave me a deep appreciation for the land,” DeLoach said. “I was 13 when he passed away. Grandma talked about selling the farm, but I told her I’d come every day after school to help. At 16, when I graduated high school, I pretty much took over running the farm.” At that time, the small cattle farm near Vincent had been in the DeLoach family since 1820 and was plagued by erosion and infertility. John and Kate set out to make a life w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

and a living on the land. “Early in our marriage, we worked around-the-clock on the farm,” recalled Kate. The young couple began transitioning the farm to row crops in the late ‘90s. They also cleared land, established a 20-acre managed wetland and implemented other soil conservation measures. “We were broke and didn’t have much equipment,” DeLoach said. “The first year, I planted corn with a two-row planter. I had a one-row ear snapper and a dump truck I built out of scrap material.” Two decades later, DeLoach Farms is among the most productive in central Alabama. The 1,325-acre spread includes 700 acres of soybeans and 235 acres of corn. This spring, DeLoach exceeded 90 bushels per acre on 200 acres of wheat, which was double cropped with soybeans. He expects this harvest to surpass last year’s 180-bushel corn and 65-bushel soybean yields. DeLoach credits a willingness to learn from his farm’s success. He plants test plots with seed companies and university researchers and participates in leadership development activities with the Alabama Farmers 4

Federation and other groups. These experiences are shaping the farm’s future. Shelby County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, so the DeLoaches are looking to diversify. Jess has expressed an interest in beekeeping and agritourism, and this year the family planted a variety of grapes in two test vineyards. They also have chosen a picturesque location for a potential on-farm wedding venue. “We talk about sustaining agriculture, and we’re probably not going to be able to continue row cropping in Shelby County,” DeLoach said. “I’m excited to have Jess here, and he’s really interested in the vineyard and agritourism. There’s a huge learning curve involved, but we’re just going to start small, learn and grow from there.”

John and Kate DeLoach

As Alabama’s Farm of Distinction, the DeLoaches received a John Deere Gator from Ag Pro, SunSouth and TriGreen dealers; an engraved farm sign from Alfa Insurance; a pole barn from Register Barns; and a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative. At the Sunbelt Ag Expo, they’ll also receive $2,500 from Swisher International, a $500 gift certificate from Southern States and a Columbia vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply. The Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year will be announced Oct. 16 in Moultrie, Georgia, and receives $15,000 and other prizes. n OCTOBER 2018

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From left , Ben and Whitney Haynes and their children Charlie, Lola Kate and Jack; Lydia and Darrel Haynes; and Bart Haynes.

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Everyone’s Falling For Autumn Ag-Ventures By Marlee Moore

s the calendar flips to October, Alabamians of all ages are gearing up for one of the state’s best-kept secrets — an awesome autumn adventure at pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes and other agritourism sites. “There’s a large desire for people to come to farms,” said Lindsey Griffin, whose family operates Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch in West Blocton. “I want people to visit, slow down and enjoy the day in a fun, safe, family friendly environment.” Families, sorority sisters, church groups, students and more ease into a slower pace when they step on the farm, Griffin said. Picking pumpkins might be a visitor’s priority, but most agritourism operations offer diverse activities that capture patrons’ interests beyond the gourd. Craft vendors, tire mountains, swings, equipment-turnedplaygrounds and carnival-like food stations dot the state’s top fall farm destinations. Some farms offer petting zoos, hayrides, inflatable bounce houses, rock walls and sunflower fields, while others boast larger-than-life hay bale sculptures of superheroes, animals and pop culture characters. Alabama’s Shelby and Brody Griffin play atop a giant tractor tire on the family's Griffin Farms Pumpkin Patch in West Blocton.

OCTOBER 2018

A visitor to Jack-O-Lantern Lane in Lafayette picks the perfect pumpkin to take home.

agritourism areas are mostly open on weekends, but weekday field trips immerse students into farm life. Freedom from the classroom doesn’t hurt, either. “We try to teach kids about farming, but they really want to run and play,” said Griffin, who owns the pumpkin patch with husband Brandon and father-in-law Barry. “I think the teachers have just as much fun, too.” Educator Alica Jones of Krackerjax Learning Center in Bibb County agreed. “The kids look forward to going to the pumpkin patch every year and really love playing in the corn bin,” Jones said. “Some of our students may have livestock at home but may not know you plant a seed and 7

Looking for an agrit ourism adventure? Visit AlfaFarmer s.org/touris m for a list of locations. then it grows into something like a pumpkin. The week we go to the patch, we plant pumpkin seeds in class, which helps our 4-year-old students make that connection.” Take note from experts like Jones this fall — slip on an autumnally embellished outfit, load up the car and head to the farm for an ag-packed adventure. Want to get social? Post agritourism photos with #FarmingFeedsAlabama for a chance to be shared on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s social media channels. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Maples By Debra Davis

Wins Forage Spokesperson Contest

In addition to an overview of his forage and cattle businesses, Maples’ presentation emphasized the significance of forage costs in a livestock operation. Controlling costs is especially important during tough marketing times, he said. As the state winner, Maples won free registration, transportation and lodging for the American Forage and Grassland Council Forage Spokesperson Contest in St. Louis, Missouri. The contest will be in January and attracts entrants throughout the country. Judges for the Alabama contest were Federation State Hay & Forage Committee Chairman Steve Stroud; Dr. Leanne Dillard, Alabama Cooperative State Extension Forage Specialist; and David Allen, Alabama Farmers Cooperative Livestock Feed Product Specialist. They scored contestants on innovation, practical application of sound principles, communication skills and enthusiasm. Stroud said the experience was interesting and educational. “It was tough to be a judge,” he said. “I especially liked the Q&A portion of the contest because everyone was really interested in the different presentations. There were a lot of questions. It was a great learning experience for me and for the audience members, too.” Over 4 million acres are devoted to forage production in Alabama, eclipsing all other crops combined. Visit tinyurl.com/Hay-Forage for more hay and forage facts. n

en Maples believes in making the most of forage on his family’s registered Angus farm in Elkmont. An eighth-generation farmer, he knows counting costs and measuring results are key to keeping the farm around for the next generation. A presentation on how forage fits into his farming operation was something new for Maples, who is Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers committee chairman. However, his effort won first place in the Federation’s inaugural Forage Spokesperson Contest. “I enjoyed the contest,” Maples said. “It made me take another look at how we handle our operation and made me rethink things in a different manner.” During the Federation’s Commodity Producers Conference in August, Maples and other contestants gave 15-minute presentations emphasizing how forage management contributes to their farm objectives and marketing. Presentations were followed by a Q&A session with judges and audience members. Monroe County’s Tim Tucker was runner-up in the contest, and Andy Sumners of Marshall County received honorable mention. “Knowing how much a forage program costs per acre, what it costs per pound to produce calves, and what the break-even sale price is for cattle are some of the key factors in forage production,” Maples said.

Limestone County’s Ben Maples won first place in the Federation’s inaugural Forage Spokesperson Contest. Photo by Heather Maples

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Bag It Up – Making Hay In A Different Way Haylage is high-moisture forage wrapped in airtight plastic. A cap seals in moisture of the long plastic roll.

By Morgan Graham

olin Wilson and Jim Waite live on opposite ends of the state, but both capitalized on Alabama’s frequent rainfall this summer by baling haylage to feed their cows in winter. “Baling haylage allows me to get hay off the ground quicker between rain showers,” said Wilson, 38, of Hollywood in Jackson County. He typically bales 1,000 rolls of haylage plus 500 dry-hay bales annually to feed his 300 head of brood cows. Dry hay and haylage (sometimes called balage) are techniques for storing forage, but differ in moisture content. Haylage is high-moisture forage wrapped in plastic and typically baled when its moisture level is around 40-60 percent. It can be baled in as little as five hours after cutting. Dry hay may take 24 hours or longer to reach its ideal moisture level of 15-20 percent. “Cows digest haylage easier because plant cells have already broken down,” Wilson said. “Its nutritional value is 2 percent higher than dry hay, which makes haylage more palatable for cows.” When comparing various methods of storing forage, it’s important to remember a farmer’s goal — to produce the best quality w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

hay possible, said Nate Jaeger. “The quality of haylage will only be as good as what goes into the bag,” said Jaeger, the Alabama Farmers Federation’s former Hay and Forage Division director. “Haylage allows for cutting highquality forages at the proper time to maintain high percentages of total digestible nutrients.” Growers can harvest and wrap haylage faster because of the reduced time to dry (or cure), Jaeger said, but the bagging system won't work for hay that's been rained on. High-moisture hay refers to the percentage of water inside the plant, not the outside, he added. In Andalusia, dairy farmer Jim Waite has been in the hay business for over 30 years. He first began using haylage to feed his dairy cows and later his beef cattle. Waite was such a believer, he began selling haylage equipment throughout the Southeast. He said haylage farmers can harvest one or two more cuttings annually than with dry hay. “Since I don’t have to wait on the weather, I can cut hay at its proper maturity,” Waite said. “Cutting at the right maturity enables me to preserve more nutrients and cut more often.” Haylage is encased in stretched plastic to lock in moisture. The bags can be individual rolls or long tubes. In-line wrappers package 10

Andalusia's Jim Waite said haylage allows him to cut hay at its proper maturity.

bales in rows with caps sealing each end. Individual bale wrappers use 40 percent more plastic. Wilson and Waite agree the overall benefits of haylage are worth the added cost of equipment — around $30,000 for an in-line wrapper. Wilson also said haylage improves profits for his cattle farm. “Haylage provides my calves with extra nutrients they would miss if being fed dry hay alone,” he said. For more information about haylage, contact a local Cooperative Extension agent. n OCTOBER 2018

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TEACHERS AMONG US

e wasn’t a bad kid. He just acted out in class. His teacher knew something was wrong at home, but she didn’t know what to do. So she went easy on him. Rookie mistake. “Nicer I was,” she said. “The more he acted out. He wanted attention.” So she gave him the positive kind. She moved his desk, praised him for hard work. She even gave him rides home. When she dropped him oﬀ, she noticed his mother wasn’t around. “Where’s your mother?” she once asked. “She’s getting clean-o-therapy,” he said. “It makes her cancer better.” That’s when her heart broke. She did what any God-fearing woman would. She rushed home and cooked up a whirlwind. Cookies, cakes, cornbread and casseroles. She stopped by the next day. His mother was napping. So, she snooped around his house. The place was a hog pen. No toilet paper, no snacks, and the refrigerator was a wasteland. “When I met his mother,” she went on, “she was in a bad way. Her hair was gone. No wonder she didn’t have food; she could hardly talk.” The teacher asked her Bible study group for help. They raised money, bought groceries. A handful of ladies cooked suppers. Some donated money. His mother died suddenly. The family couldn’t aﬀord a funeral. His grades dropped. His uncle moved

in. He started skipping school. “I had to do something,” she said. “Or else I knew he’d be another statistic.” She began spending time with him. She carried him to water parks, movies, malls, church parties — you name it. She celebrated his birthdays, Thanksgivings, Christmases and all other occasions. He even lived with her for six weeks when his uncle was out of town. She wedged herself into the kid’s life and didn’t let go. Then he moved away. They lost touch. A few dozen years have passed by. She doesn’t look like the young photograph she showed me. Her hair is grayer. She’s raised two college-age girls, married twice. She still teaches. A few months ago, a visitor stopped by her classroom unannounced. A sixfoot-eight giant who’d just gotten out of the Army. She knew that face. He hugged her neck and said, “I just wanna thank you, Mrs. Audrey. You’re the reason for everything good in my world.” “You know,” she said. “Maybe I’ve only touched one life, but as a teacher, one’s enough.” Maybe so. But you ought to know something: you’ve touched more than one. You’ve certainly touched me. And today, I have a feeling you’re going to touch a few more. n

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

Perdue Joins Alabama Farmers Federation As Broadcast Intern

ontgomery native Colton Perdue joined the Alabama Farmers Federation as an intern in the Communications Department’s Broadcast Division Aug. 6. “I am very excited about what this internship has in store for me,” said Perdue, a senior studying multimedia journalism at Troy University. “I can already tell I'll receive plenty of opportunities to grow my skill set and am particularly Perdue excited about the chance to help with on-site camera work and the creation of a real news production.” Under the direction of Federation Broadcast Division Director Kevin Worthington, Perdue will help produce “Simply Southern TV,” a weekly agriculture show sponsored by the Federation and the Alabama Farmers Cooperative. He will gain experience writing scripts, scheduling stories, shooting and editing video and preparing closed captioning files. “Troy University has a reputation across the country for its excellent journalism program, and we’re excited to have someone as talented as Colton join us at the Federation,” Worthington said. “It takes a lot to produce a weekly television show. There’s always plenty to be done, and we look forward to the contributions Colton will make.” Perdue’s internship will continue through early December. Perdue is a 2014 graduate of Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery. The son of Debra Evans and Patrick Perdue, he will graduate from Troy in December. n OCTOBER 2018

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Sod IndustrySoars

As Economy Trends Upward By Caleb Hicks

decade after the 2008 recession cut demand for sod, an upturn in the economy has sod farmers seeing green again. “Before the recession, we were really busy,” said Jimmy Bassett, co-owner of Beck’s Turf Farm in Tuskegee. “The phone was ringing off the hook. During the recession, we all had to pitch in to keep up the business. Now we’re seeing a resurgence in the sod industry, which is great for us because we’re able to stay busy.” Increased demand for turf in homes, businesses, schools and athletic fields post-recession is leveling the playing field for sod producers. It’s a trend Bassett said he hopes continues, noting his business success is directly related to the housing industry. Labor is one of the industry’s

Former Federation intern Caleb Hicks and South Dallas Turf Farm Vice President Tres Wilkinson examine sod used for athletic fields.

biggest challenges, he said. Someone has to fertilize, mow at least twice a week, control weeds and water fields to keep grass growing at Beck’s, which

was founded in 1938. It is thought to be America’s oldest zoysiagrowing turf farm. “We were able to keep our employees during the recession,”

An intense mowing program is part of keeping sod fields ready for harvest to meet growing demand. Sod sales have rebounded with new home sales.

Beck's Turf Farm co-owner Jimmy Bassett said a resurgence in the housing industry has breathed new life into his sod business. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

OCTOBER 2018

producers have a hard time keeping up with demand.” Dallas County sod producer Tres Wilkinson said the recession also negatively affected his business, but he bounced back with a different market for turf. “About 70 percent of our sod is produced primarily for athletic Trucks deliver pallets of sod for homes and athletic surfaces in the fields throughout the Southeast. Birmingham, Tuscaloosa Bassett said. “But we did have to and Atlanta metropolitan cut down on hours so we could areas,” said Wilkinson, South keep the doors open and not lose Dallas Turf Farm vice president. any of our help.” “We’ve also serviced several SEC Along with zoysia, Beck’s (Southeastern Conference) teams, grows centipede grass and three including Auburn University and varieties of Bermuda grass. the University of Alabama.” Farmer Jon Hegeman said the Sod is harvested by machines industry boon cultivated more that lift and roll 42-inch strips opportunity for Alabama farmers. or 16’ X 24” slabs off the ground. “Our producers are excited to see this resurgence in the sod industry,” said Hegeman, who chairs the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee. “New homes and construction have attributed to the industry’s growth. These days, many

Regeneration typically takes 15-18 weeks during the summer following harvest. South Dallas Turf Farm also rolled into a stable market — school systems. “The school system market came at a crucial time for our business,” Wilkinson said. “We found that even during an economic recession, there is always a need for schools to update lawns and athletic fields.” For Wilkinson, growing a crop from the ground up is satisfying, especially when customers are pleased with the products. “The most fulfilling part of my job is the pleasure of growing a good product and making people happy,” he said. “Some nights, we sweat bullets just hoping things will go right, and the next day, after everything is said and done, it almost always does.” n

Workers lift squares of sod to be laid in a new subdivision.

S E P T E M B E R / FA L L 2 0 1 8

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

Dec. 2-3, 2018

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

OCTOBER 2018

Luverne’s Chicken Shack Wins

Bama’s Best Fried Chicken Contest

The Chicken Shack received a plaque and $300 for winning the Bama’s Best Fried Chicken Contest. From left are co-Owner Michael Money, Manager Maricia Brown and co-owner Drew Money.

By Mary Johns

very week in the small town of Luverne, 2,000 pounds of chicken are marinated, deep-fried and served up to happy patrons at the Chicken Shack. The popular poultry purveyor, located along U.S. Highway 331, recently claimed the title of Bama’s Best Fried Chicken in a contest hosted on “Simply Southern TV’s” Facebook page. “We always knew we had a good product, but we were overwhelmed to see so many people vote for us,” said Chicken Shack co-owner Michael Money. “Even people from out of state voted because they stop here on the way to the beach. It seems like once people have tried our chicken, they always come back.” The Chicken Shack has been a Luverne staple since Nick and Dot Nichols opened it in 1968. Henry Money was the restaurant’s second owner before he handed the reins over to his sons, Michael and Drew. “Since 1968, we’ve used the OCTOBER 2018

same marinade and breading for our chicken. It hasn’t let anybody down, so we’re not going to change it,” Drew said. Contest sponsors Alabama Poultry and Egg Association (AP&EA) and the Alabama Poultry Producers awarded a plaque and $300 to the Chicken Shack. “A restaurant that serves a ton of chicken every week is definitely doing something right, and we’re proud to recognize the folks at the Chicken Shack for all the work they do to keep people well-fed with quality meals,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division Director Guy Hall. “Poultry is an important business in the state. Alabama is second in the nation in producing broiler chickens.” The Chicken Shack beat out seven other restaurants in a bracket-style tournament to claim the title of Bama’s Best Fried Chicken. Finalists were selected through Facebook nominations. In its three contest matchups, the Chicken Shack racked 19

up nearly 12,000 votes. For comparison, Luverne’s population sits around 2,800 — one of which is AP&EA Associate Director Ray Hilburn. “I’ve been a loyal customer of the Chicken Shack through the years, and I’m very proud of the Money family. They have done so much for the Luverne community,” Hilburn said. “We process 21 million chickens a week in Alabama. Poultry is an affordable, healthy product, and no one makes it better than the Chicken Shack.” The Chicken Shack’s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Guests can dine in, call in or order at the walk-up window. The restaurant also caters and has a private dining room for special events. Watch show 426 at SimplySouthernTV.net for a segment on the Chicken Shack. n

Winner: The Chicken Shack in Luverne

Other Top 8 Restaurants Finalist Red’s Little School House in Grady Semifinalists Zack’s Family Restaurant in Dothan Champy’s in Muscle Shoals Top 8 Ruby’s in Abbeville Sam’s Kitchen and Grill in Eufaula Martin’s in Montgomery Charlotte’s in Dothan w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Checkoff Dollars Work

Wheat & Feed Grain Farmers Help Upgrade Soil Lab By Ginny Bradley

Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain State Committee Chairman Scott Saucer and Auburn University Soil Test Lab Associate Director Reuben Beverly collect soil samples.

labama farmers will benefit from increased efficiency at Auburn University’s Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory thanks to a $150,000 grant from the State Wheat & Feed Grain Producers checkoff fund. The contribution will replace major analytical systems. Soil Test Lab Associate Director

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

Reuben Beverly said these three mission-critical instruments — a robotic pH tester, inductivelycoupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer and combustion analyzer — should be operational by this fall. The upgrades will continue the lab’s work and increase overall sample capacity, he added. “We typically analyze about 20

24,000 samples a year,” Beverly said. “With the new instruments, we will hopefully increase that number to 30,000 this year and double it to 50,000 next year.” The three instruments being replaced are 15 years old or older and have failed or could fail at any time. Beverly said they’re obsolete and exceed useful life expectancy OCTOBER 2018

so manufacturers no longer provide support, service and parts. Beverly said technicians test soil pH by hand since the old pH tester failed, which takes most of the day. With the new robotic pH tester, six probes simultaneously read 60 samples in just 10 minutes. The ICP spectrometer will read 100-120 samples an hour compared to the old machine’s 40 samples an hour. The new combustion analyzer will double the speed of nitrogen analysis. The soil lab grant puts checkoff dollars to work for farmers like State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee Chair Scott Saucer. The checkoff is a self-imposed fee wheat and feed grain farmers pay for research, promotion and education.

Auburn University Soil Test Lab Associate Director Reuben Beverly tests soil samples on equipment purchased with help from Alabama wheat and feed grain farmers’ checkoff funds.

“Healthy soil lays the foundation for successful crops,” said Saucer, who farms in Monroe County. “We need to know accurate pH, nitrogen and other levels so we can keep our soil in the best shape possible.” The lab also tests fertilizer materials, plants, water, feed and forage, while providing farmers fertilizer and lime recommendations. “Fertilizer recommendations are one of the services that benefit farmers most,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat & Feed Grain Division Director Carla Hornady. “These recommendations allow farmers to optimize their yield by telling them the exact amount of fertilizer to apply. It saves the cost of applying unnecessary fertilizer.” Beverly said the soil lab receives and tests 200 samples daily, and recommendations are returned to customers 24 hours later. Tests are OCTOBER 2018

Monroe County's Scott Saucer, Auburn University Soil Test Lab Associate Director Reuben Beverly, Federation Wheat & Feed Grain Division Director Carla Hornady and Federation former intern Ginny Bradley collect tissue samples in Saucer's cotton field.

$7. Visit aces.edu/anr/soillab to learn more. Providing next-day service has been increasingly difficult with outdated machinery, a problem Beverly said he is excited to remedy. “These upgrades will allow 21

us to uphold our mission of providing timely and unbiased recommendation service to our customers,” Beverly said. For more information about the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Division, visit tinyurl.com/ ALWheat-FeedGain. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Farming Basics Online Course Available By Ann Chambliss

armers’ newest tool from Alabama Extension puts everything from farm financing to scouting vegetable crops at their fingertips. Farming Basics, an online course launched in September, targets new and limited experience farmers and features valuable resources for experienced farmers and their employees. Agriculture contributes about $70 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to a 2013 study. For some, farming is a way of life. For those with limited experience, finding a starting point to begin a new career in farming can be daunting. A self-paced course, Farming Basics equips beginning farmers with skills needed to start a farm. The course, a collaboration of Alabama Extension professionals from multiple disciplines, focuses on farm management and marketing; pesticide safety; food safety; basic crop production; and pest management. Each chapter has short videos and important resources lists. Brief quizzes reinforce key content. Alabama Extension’s Farming 101 classes gave Gregg DeBoer, a military veteran, his start in farming. DeBoer said the online course provides easy access to valuable information. “This will help our business

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

plan and give us a place to gain advice and guidance for our whole farm,” DeBoer said. In addition to basics, the course provides participants in-depth information about farmers market regulations; food safety laws;

soil preparation and irrigation. It also offers tips for commercial tomato and squash production and integrated pest management. “One highlight of Alabama agriculture is the growing interest of new farmers in production agriculture,” said Dr. Paul Brown, Extension associate director. “Alabama Extension is working with partners across the state to assist beginning farmers in establishing successful and sustainable operations.” Dr. Ayanava Majumdar, an Alabama Extension specialist, said the course will serve as an information gateway for farmers in the

future. “In addition to the course, the Beginning Farmer Program offers many learning opportunities such as publications; hands-on workshops; conferences; and on-farm demonstrations taught by Extension agents,” Majumdar said. Farming Basics joins Beef Basics in Alabama Extension’s course library. Over 400 producers have completed Beef Basics and report $93 per head in savings and increased returns. The Farming Basics online course is part of Extension’s overarching Beginning Farmer Program, a collaborative effort of several partners, including producer organizations and nonprofit agencies. Over 200 Alabama farmers have already enrolled in the course. Download the course at aces.catalog.auburn.edu/. The Beginning Farmer program provides intense, on-farm guidance to over 60 beginning farmers, including military veterans, women and socially disabled individuals. The advisory service has an 85 percent adoption rate and has increased yields by improving crop quality and reducing insecticide use with pest prevention. n

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in the cambium — the live growing layer beneath the bark. These little stems are a lot of cambium by volume. Gather these clippings along with leaves and other plant clippings such as old daylily foliage and frosted flowers. Create a compost pile out of sight and let them break down. In a year or so, it will be a rich amendment to add to garden beds. Here’s the take away: If growth generated in the garden or landscape is hauled away, what is replenishing the organic matter? Nothing. The soil grows poorer with time. Fertilizer can coax growth so things look good in quick response, but without healthy soil, the long-term result is generally disappointing.

By Lois Chaplin

Here’s a slice of soil from a garden after two summers and two applications of chopped leaves and compost. Note the dark organic matter and one of many worms helping to open the soil and move the organic matter deeper.

re you wishing for a lush lawn and garden, but the soil isn’t cooperating? Is the soil like a brick or a sand pit? If so, there is hope for turning bad soil into good. Now is the best time to get started, and it doesn’t require tilling or digging. Just collect the amendments nature provides, and spread them on the ground. For example, one of the best soil remedies is free and all around us — leaves! Tree roots reach deep into the ground to bring up nutrients and minerals that combine with carbohydrates and fiber — all this good stuff is what makes up a leaf. Nature designed this system so each fall trees replenish the earth beneath them. However, this great gift is often hauled away to a landfill. Instead, chop leaves with the mower or a leaf grinder and use them as mulch in planting beds. Simply spread a layer about 3

inches deep on empty beds or around plants as mulch, and repeat this once or twice a year as the leaves disappear. They aren’t really disappearing; they’re changing form, breaking down into rich organic matter, encouraging earthworms and other beneficial life that will make soil and plants healthier. The same is true for lawn clippings. Use a mulching mower and let the clippings drop back down into the grass. There, they break down and return organic matter to the soil. Lawn clippings don’t create thatch; too much fertilizer does. Recycled clippings return nutrients to the soil and reduce the need for fertilizer. (Don’t use clippings from herbicidetreated lawns around any plants.) Another good source of organic matter is small stems from pruning shrubs. A rich source of nutrients, these plants store many nutrients

Save as much garden debris as possible. Chop it, spread it, and compost it. It’s nature’s efficient way to recycle and regenerate. If extra compost is needed for a raised bed or other project, check with city or county waste management officials to see if municipal compost is available. This is usually made from collected leaves and wood debris. For more information on backyard composting, check with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for various publications available online. Some of the publications have diagrams for building compost bins. n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

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OCTOBER 2018

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Lanier Brings Home The Bacon In Annual Cooking Contest By Debra Davis

hoctaw County’s Anne Lanier brought home the bacon and $150 by winning the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Heritage Cooking Contest in Montgomery Sept. 6. Her Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites were among 34 dishes prepared by contestants who previously won their county contests, qualifying them for the state competition hosted by the Federation Women’s Leadership Division. Entries were required to have bacon as one of the top three ingredients. “I’ve never entered any kind of cooking contest before,” Lanier said. “I was really, really surprised. I enjoyed seeing the various presentations and how creative these ladies were with bacon.” Lanier’s winning recipe featured filo shells filled with pimento cheese, topped with Captain w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Rodney’s Boucan Glaze and crowned with bacon. She describes the flavor as cheesy with a sweet, spicy, salty, bacon taste. She said her recipe is an adaptation of a casserole she tried months ago, adding that finding a recipe where bacon was among the top three ingredients was a challenge. Food and family are important to Lanier and her husband John, who have two daughters and five grandchildren. “It seems like our family gatherings always revolve around food,” Lanier said. “We still live on the family farm in Jachin, and we enjoy cooking and eating together.” Coosa County’s Pinky Reichert won second place and $100 for her Mini BLTs. Monroe County’s Dora Rider placed third and received $50 for her Sweet and Savory Bacon Crackers. Women’s Leadership Division 28

1st

PLACE

First Place

Anne Lanier Choctaw County BACON PIMENTO CHEESE BITES 2 packages of 15-count Athens mini filo shells 3/4 cup prepared pimento cheese 1/2 cup Captain Rodney’s Boucan 15 bacon slices, cooked crisp and crumbled Glaze Preheat oven to 350 F. Fill each mini filo shell with 1 teaspoon pimento cheese. Make a well in each filled shell and add 1/2 teaspoon Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze. Top with bacon crumbles. Transfer to baking sheet and bake 5-8 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 30 appetizers. Tip: Filo shells are easier to work with if left in package while adding filling. Then remove and placed on baking sheet. OCTOBER 2018

Director Kim Earwood said the annual Heritage Cooking Contest helps spotlight food produced by Alabama farmers. Bacon appetizers are a great way to share delicious recipes for football tailgating activities, fall family events and holidays, she noted. “There were lots of delicious recipes shared,” Earwood said. Bacon can be the star of almost any dish.” About 120 attendees sampled savory bacon dishes and listened to Martha Hawkins, founder of Martha’s Place, a Montgomery restaurant and catering service where she serves up food that nourishes the body and soul. Download recipes at tinyurl. com/HeritageCooking18. n

Anne Lanier of Choctaw County won first place in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Heritage Cooking Contest in Montgomery, Sept. 6. This year’s theme was pork bacon appetizers. From left are Lanier; Pinky Reichert of Coosa County, second place; and Dora Rider of Monroe County, third place.

Second Place

Pinky Reichert, Coosa County MINI BLTS

10 slices crisp applewood bacon, chopped 10 grape tomatoes, diced 1 1/2 cups finely chopped Fresh Express lettuce trio Scant 1/4 cup Blue Plate sandwich spread 2 packages of 15-count Athens filo shells 2 tablespoons chopped chives Combine bacon, tomatoes and lettuce in a bowl. Slowly add sandwich spread and stir until coated. Spoon mixture into shells and sprinkle chives over the tops.

Third Place

Dora Rider Monroe County SWEET AND SAVORY BACON CRACKERS

36 club-style crackers 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 pound bacon (not thick-sliced) Preheat oven to 250 F. Spread crackers flat on two wire baking racks, leaving a little space between the crackers. Set racks on two rimmed 13”x11” baking sheets. Place a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese on half of the crackers. Place a tablespoon of OCTOBER 2018

brown sugar on remaining half. Slice the bacon in half. Wrap each cracker with a half-piece of bacon, tucking the end of the bacon underneath the crackers. Bake 29

crackers for about 2 hours. Bacon will cook slowly and start to wrap tightly around crackers. Excess grease will drip onto the baking sheets. Serve warm. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g