Neighbors Magazine, May 2020 by Alabama Farmers Federation

May 2020 | Volume 45 | Number 5 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 Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville Donald Sewell | Southside Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Daphne Chris Carroll | Ariton Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Jonathan Sanders | Brundidge Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

In This Issue 5 | Auburn Students Tour Alabama Farms

27 | Enjoy The Sweetness

Of Strawberry Season

9 | Pandemic Highlights

Poor Rural Connectivity

10 | Gardening Popularity

Grows During Pandemic

16 | Farm Moms Say Family

Time Has Rich Rewards

On The Cover

This Mother’s Day, Neighbors magazine is celebrating moms whose hard work fuels their families and farms. One example is Celeste Senn, a Dale County poultry farmer and mother of three.

Photo By Debra Davis

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May 2020

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Grace Farms in Walker County hosted the Alabama Ag Expedition March 9. The trip for Auburn University College of Agriculture students was sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers.

Extra Credit:

Auburn University Students Tour Alabama Farms By Marlee Moore or 27 Auburn University (AU) Flooked students, earning college credit different this spring.

Farms transformed into classrooms, and farmers became teachers who shared the diversity of the state’s largest industry through the second Alabama Ag Expedition March 8-13, sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers. “Although the students all study agriculture at AU, some had never stepped onto a farm before, much less experienced a cattle sale or seen

a grain elevator,” said Scott Saucer, a Monroe County farmer on the State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee who visited with students during the tour. “It’s rewarding to know our Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff dollars helped fund an educational trip for future leaders of Alabama agriculture.” Students earned two college credits for attending the tour. They traveled 1,200 miles in six days with stops at 12 farms. Student groups researched each farm stop and shared information before and after the visit. “I wouldn’t have wanted to do anything else with my spring break,”

Siblings Mike Dee and Annie Dee, right, of Dee River Ranch outside Aliceville in Pickens County taught the Auburn agriculture students about electronic ID for cattle, conservation, row crops, irrigation and technological advances. alfafarmers.org

said Jasey Black, 20, a Limestone County native and sophomore in agricultural communications. Black said her favorite stop was Grace Farms in Walker County, which grows poultry, cattle and row crops. Walker County Farmers Federation President Dorman Grace and his sons, Cade and Jud, invited support personnel including ag lenders, Alfa Insurance agents and local U.S. Department of Agriculture staff to interact with students. “I learned it’s not just a farmer on a tractor that makes farms successful,” Black said. “It’s everyone he or she comes into contact with, the people they feed and every consumer who purchases something they grew.” Grace said he was impressed by the interest the students showed and the depth of questions they asked. “Some agriculture students don’t have farming backgrounds, so they don’t really know what they’re going to face in the workforce after graduation,” Grace said. “This tour helped them see what career options are out there by visiting different farms and industries.” The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady is the Wheat & Feed Grain Division director. She helped May 2020

NEIGHBORS

coordinate the trip, adding that farmers and other ag partners across the state were eager to participate. “It’s invaluable for students to realize the knowledge they’ve learned in a classroom can improve lives for farmers and rural Alabamians — the very people they met on this trip,” Hornady said. “Plus, it’s fun to watch their reactions when we visit these farms.” For example, when Drury Catfish Farms hauled nets full of wriggling catfish out of ponds in Hale County, it was an unfamiliar sight for most students, except senior Bill Taylor. Taylor was raised on a catfish farm but said the Alabama Ag Expedition highlighted technological advancements — such as Bluetooth oxygen readers on catfish ponds, electronic ID for cattle at Dee River Ranch in Pickens County and wood pellet manufacturing at Pinnacle Renewable Energy in Pickens County. “There was a lot about agriculture that I thought I knew but didn’t,” said Taylor, 21, who studies agricultural communications. “If you want to be successful in agriculture, this trip will benefit you the rest of your life.”

Drury Catfish Farms welcomed Alabama Ag Expedition attendees to Hale County March 11, where the students experienced catfish harvest and visited with farmer Wallace Drury, left.

Joel Sirmon of Sirmon Farms in Baldwin County taught students about sweet potatoes, hydroponic lettuce and industrial hemp during the Alabama Ag Expedition.

At the Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) Grain Division in Decatur, students learned the pivotal role the division plays in marketing farmers’ crops to secure the nation’s food supply. “It’s a great example of how the industry works together and how we use the crops farmers grow to supply end users with things like soybean oil and grain to feed chickens,” said AFC

grain merchandiser Jack Segrest. “The Ag Expedition could be one of the best tools students have to determine a career path.” Food science junior and Idaho native Tyler Stumbo said the tour exceeded expectations, from seeing the largest contiguous field east of the Mississippi River at Dee River Ranch to tours of Cullman County poultry farms conducting research of rainwater collection and solar power. “You’re looking at a lot of money invested in doing something these farmers love,” Stumbo said. Dr. Amy Wright, interim assistant dean for instruction at AU’s College of Agriculture, thanked the Wheat & Feed Grain Producers for investing in students who connected with farmers and each other, forming lifelong relationships. “This trip provides students with such unique opportunities to see a lot of operations they would not normally get to experience in person,” Wright said. “Hopefully, the students were able to see how their discipline relates to others in agriculture and how diverse and dynamic our industry really is. Since I was able to participate in the Ag Expeditions in 2018 and 2020, I know firsthand what an amazing experience this is for our students.” Other stops included Sirmon Farms, Baldwin County; Rainbow Omega, Calhoun County; Haynes Farms, Cullman County; Sessions Farm Market, Mobile County; and Frisco City Stockyards, Monroe County.

Day 2 of the sixday Alabama Ag Expedition included stops at Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Grain Division and Agri-AFC’s Fertilizer Terminal.

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May 2020

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Federation, Alfa Insurance Feel Impacts Of COVID-19 By Jeff Helms

he COVID-19 pandemic and efforts T to slow its spread impacted nearly all aspects of life this spring for citizens,

businesses and organizations across the world. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance were no exception. “Our priority is to safeguard the health of our members, customers, employees and their families,” said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell. “Agriculture and insurance are both essential to our state and nation. We are working to ensure uninterrupted service while being a responsible partner in the communities we serve. We are grateful for loyal customers and are blessed to have the financial strength to help them weather this storm.” Alfa and the Federation began taking proactive steps in mid-March to support social distancing. Employees were equipped with technology to facilitate working from home; customers utilized non-contact service options including AlfaInsurance.com; service centers remained open but limited access to appointments only; and large meetings were canceled, postponed or held by videoconference. To help policyholders facing financial strain due to COVID-19, Alfa Insurance offered to temporarily suspend policy cancellations due to non-payment of premium. The company also waived late fees. “When disaster strikes, Alfa is the first

to answer the call. While the disruption caused by COVID-19 is not a natural disaster, we realize the devastating impact it’s having on our neighbors and communities,” Parnell said. “We’re happy to be part of easing the immediate impact from this pandemic.” Ripple effects from COVID-19 impacted the Montgomery home office. The Alfa childcare center closed, vendor access was restricted, and the cafeteria transitioned to carry-out only. In the Federation, the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) was among the first events postponed when the City of Montgomery closed Garrett Coliseum, impacting the Southeastern Livestock Exposition and related events. JBE organizers and sponsors are exploring opportunities to honor the exhibitors’ year-long work. The Federation Women’s Leadership Conference and Farm-City Awards Luncheon were canceled. Farm-City student and county winners will be announced during a Facebook Live event May 12, when the Farm of Distinction winner will also be honored. Other impacted events include the South Dakota Beef Tour, postponed until 2021; Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute, rescheduled for Sept. 11-12 and renamed the Teacher Workshop; and the Peanut Referendum vote, postponed. Travel and gathering restrictions affected dozens of county

Event Postponements And Cancellations

Junior Beef Expo

Postponed

Women’s Leadership Conference

Canceled

Farm-City Awards Luncheon

Canceled

Alabama Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute

Postponed until Sept. 11-12 and renamed Alabama Ag In The Classroom Teacher Workshop

Federation Beef Tour

Postponed until 2021

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

meetings, as well as Alfa Insurance events. Meanwhile, the pandemic changed the way farmers do business. U.S. Department of Agriculture and Alabama Cooperative Extension System offices were among agencies and businesses with altered hours and remote work schedules. Stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, federal stimulus packages and rapidly changing news prompted questions from farmers, leading the Federation to create the COVID-19 Ag Report online at AlfaFarmers.org. Communications were enhanced with special editions of the Capitol Connection newsletter; more than a dozen news stories; modified content in Neighbors magazine and the Cultivator newsletter; social media posts highlighting families who are #StillFarming; Virtual Field Trips highlighting commodities and farmers; posting of Ag Mags and other educational materials; and Facebook playlists of “Simply Southern TV” segments. COVID-19 also disrupted public policy. Alabama Republican and Democratic runoff election elections were postponed from March 31 to July 14. The Alabama Legislature extended its spring recess by a week before setting April 28 as the first possible date to reconvene. State lawmakers are required to pass the Education Trust Fund and General Fund budgets by May 18, or Gov. Kay Ivey will need to call a special session. With the full impact of the economic downturn and possible federal stimulus money unknown, legislators are expected to pass bare-bones budgets or delay action until summer. Despite COVID-19’s unprecedented challenges, Parnell said he was encouraged by changes he witnessed during the pandemic. “We are focusing more on faith, family and helping others,” he said. “That’s a good thing.” alfafarmers.org

Students And Employees Go Online, Highlighting Need For Broadband Access By Debra Davis hen schools and offices W throughout the country closed to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, stressed

students and employees turned to the internet to stay connected. For many rural Alabama residents, poor connectivity left them lacking. Data compiled by the Federal Communications Commission show 26.4% of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to 1% of urban Americans. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the state’s largest farm organization continues to seek solutions to bring connectivity to underserved areas. The organization has been a strong proponent of rural broadband access at the state and federal levels. “Farmers and other rural Alabamians are at a significant disadvantage without high-speed internet access,” Parnell said. “The pandemic illustrates many of those problems, particularly for people who need access to telehealth services, as well as employees and students trying to stay connected.” Rural students without broadband access have limited ability to connect with teachers and peers and stay on top of their schoolwork, he said. In many cases, adults in rural households have off-farm jobs that may require them to work from home.

alfafarmers.org

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey also recognizes the problem. In March, she announced $9.5 million in broadband expansion grants. The grants, part of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund, were awarded to nine broadband providers to fund multiple projects. Counties with areas affected by the grants include Autauga, Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Coffee, Colbert, Covington, Crenshaw, Dallas, Geneva, Houston, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Mobile, Montgomery, Pike and Randolph. “Availability of high-speed internet has always been vital, but the events of the past several weeks magnify just how imperative it is that all Alabamians have access to broadband,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support these projects and look forward to the day when every household, school, healthcare facility, emergency service and business throughout Alabama is afforded broadband availability.” The fund, which is being administered through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, was created by the Alabama Legislature in 2018 to provide high-speed internet to rural and underserved areas of the state. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, has fought to narrow the digital divide for rural residents. In March he sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting emergency

funds be directed to expand rural broadband access. “These new realities have left millions of rural Americans who have little or no access to broadband feeling abandoned and desperately in need of help,” Aderholt said in his letter. “As you negotiate with Congress on upcoming emergency legislation regarding COVID-19, I strongly urge you to prioritize the expeditious delivery of broadband to rural areas to ensure students have access to remote educational services and residents have full access to telehealth services.” The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act approved in April included $100 million to expand rural broadband and $25 million to increase access to distance learning and telemedicine. Ensuring reliable access to broadband throughout rural America is a priority for the American Farm Bureau Federation, of which the Alabama Farmers Federation is affiliated. The groups praised Congress’ recent passage of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which requires broadband providers to report more specific data to create a significantly more accurate and granular National Broadband Map. With more precise data, federal agencies can target funding to areas that need it most. May 2020

NEIGHBORS

Get Growing:

Gardening A Good Activity During Coronavirus Pandemic By Lois Chaplin ocial distancing. It’s a new phrase S in the American vocabulary as the nation worked this spring to stop the

spread of novel coronavirus (COVID19). It’s also encouraged more time at home, where projects and activities such as gardening are keeping families busy and in one place. Many people have big, sunny areas, including lawns, that can be made more productive with a few raised beds. Those allow families to raise some of their own produce while spending quality time together. Most gardeners remember helping an adult in the garden — not always voluntarily, though the love of gardening rubbed off anyway. Hunkering down at home reminds older folks of a time when many families made all their meals from the garden, passing down a good life skill to the next generation. Thankfully, American farmers continue to provide a great variety of food, and Alabamians can easily access Sweet Grown Alabama products by visiting tinyurl.com/findlocalnow. But if circumstances are causing an itch for homegrown produce, there’s still time to plant heat-tolerant veggies and herbs for summer. Not everyone can garden, but here’s some advice for people who have space — and the

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

desire to get dirty. If available, start with purchased transplants from the local co-op, nursery or home improvement store. Bonnie Plants also sells online and ships direct from BonniePlants.com. The easiest summer items are green beans, okra and basil. Next is eggplant, which loves the heat, but watch for flea beetles. Squash, melon and cucumber are easy, too, though caterpillar problems could pop up as summer wears on. Homegrown tomatoes are a classic but are the most challenging. However, cherry tomatoes seem to produce in spite of heat or plant diseases, so if choosing just one tomato, make it a cherry type. All these may also be started from seed. For first-time gardeners, the most important lesson is to get the soil right. Many times, flowerbeds already have improved soil that needs only some soil conditioner or bagged cow manure. Even homes in neighborhoods with homeowner associations that prohibit vegetable gardens can consider growing particularly attractive plants such as peppers, eggplant or basil in flower beds or containers, even in the front yard. A large container (half-barrel size) is best for big summer plants such as tomatoes or okra. Smaller plants such as pepper, basil or

eggplant are OK in containers about 18 inches in diameter. Smaller pots are hard to keep cool and watered at the peak of summer. If planting in a flower bed, be sure not to use herbicides or pesticides not also labeled for edibles. So dig out gardening gloves and trowels, get outside and prepare to enjoy the fruits of labor in the coming weeks. Search for these resources from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at aces.edu: n Raised Bed Gardening n Planting Guide For Home Gardening In Alabama n Alabama Extension Fruits and Vegetables

Book resources include

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Foster Named Employee Communications Director

lfa Insurance and the Alabama A Farmers Federation have named Brooke Foster employee

communications director. In her new role, which started March 2, Foster will facilitate and strengthen relationships across departments to bolster employee communications and various marketing initiatives. She will also develop and implement a streamlined internal communications strategy. “I am excited to serve as the new employee communications director for Alfa,” said Foster, 28. “I look forward to finding creative ways to help increase

engagement and awareness across the organization.” Public Relations and Communications Department Director Jeff Helms said he’s excited to have Foster on the team. “Brooke brings a wealth of experience to this position,” Helms said. “She understands the value of strong internal communications and has coordinated philanthropy and service activities for other organizations. We look forward to working with Brooke to strengthen

Alabama Farmers To Plant More Corn And Wheat, Fewer Cotton, Peanut, Soybean Acres

By Debra Davis labama farmers will plant more A corn and wheat this year, but fewer cotton, peanut and soybean acres,

according to the Prospective Planting Report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture March 31. Farmers decisions are greatly influenced by the economy, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. Fluctuating markets, weather, unstable foreign trade, and in some cases, erratic buying habits of consumers all can influence farmers’ decisions, she said. “Commodity prices, along with

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

other factors, play heavily into planting decisions,” said Hornady, the Federation Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “Farmers are looking to plant crops that will make their farms profitable. Current market prices are making those decisions difficult.” Farmers throughout the country were surveyed the first two weeks of March for the report prepared by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Cotton will remain the top crop grown in Alabama, if NASS predictions materialize. Farmers reported intentions to plant 530,000 acres of cotton, down

employee communications and the Alfa Cares initiative.” A Montgomery native, Foster graduated from the University of Alabama in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She most recently served as communications specialist for MAX Foster Credit Union, where she managed community outreach and public relations efforts. She and her husband, Neil, live in Pike Road.

2% from last year’s 540,000 acres. Corn is still a staple crop for Alabama farmers, who say they’ll plant 370,000 acres this year. That’s an increase of 50,000 acres more than last year. If realized, this will be the largest acreage since 1985. Soybean acres are expected to drop by 5,000 acres from 2019, with an estimated 260,000 acres this year. Alabama peanut acres are expected to increase slightly, from 160,000 acres in 2019 to 165,000 acres this year. Wheat is a cool-season crop, often planted by Alabama farmers as a cover crop or as a predecessor to a late soybean crop. NASS reports state farmers will buck the national trend of fewer acres by planting 150,000 acres this year — that’s 20,000 acres more than 2019. The state’s largest but often overlooked crop is hay. It’s harvested for cattle, horses and other livestock. Alabama’s forecast for 2020 predicts acreage to remain steady at 700,000 acres — the same as last year. NASS estimated 97 million acres of corn will be planted in America, up 8% from last year. National soybean acreage is predicted to be 83.5 million acres, up 10% from last year, and U.S. cotton acres are estimated to be 13.7 million acres, down less than 1% from 2019. Wheat acreage estimates of 44.7 million acres are down 1% from last year and represent the lowest amount since records began in 1919. alfafarmers.org

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A Labor Of Love:

Celebrating Farm Moms By Marlee Moore eep, beep, beep. B Dale County farmer Celeste Senn punches off her chirping alarm, and the rush is on as she prepares for her three sons to face the day. By 8 a.m., she’s at Southern Brothers Farm caring for another brood — thousands of chickens in six 60-by-600-feet poultry houses. “I’m all about family and time with my husband and the 16

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

boys,” said Celeste, 36. “Farming allows me to do that. It takes all five of us throughout the flock to make it work.” Celeste taught kindergarten for a decade before a career change to poultry production nearly four years ago. Her husband, Justin, formerly worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. He joined the farm full time in December. “Like anything new, we were hesitant and nervous starting the farm,” said Justin, 37. “Without Celeste, there’s no way we could have done this. I love being with her every day. It’s the alfafarmers.org

best thing that’s ever happened to our family.” The Senns’ daily to-do list includes checking chickens, monitoring feed and water, and observing fuel usage. During summer, when preparing for a new flock, Ian, 14, Addison, 11, and Titus, 8, are called to action. “On a good day, you don’t have many problems,” Celeste said. “On a bad day, there’s a feed spill or water leak. Not everyone would want to or could do it, but the good outweighs the bad.” In the afternoon, Celeste is in mom mode, cleaning the house, gathering game day gear and dishing up dinner (slow cooker roast is a family favorite). She’s one of thousands of multitasking moms balancing family time and farm duties across Alabama. The Census of Agriculture shows 34% of Alabama’s 65,000 farmers are women, above the

One-year-old Clara Jane tags along with her mom, Michaela Sanders Wilson, on milk deliveries. Michaela owns Blue Ribbon Dairy in Kent, which bottles milk onfarm for delivery in the River Region.

Celeste Senn is a multitasking mom pulling double duty raising her three sons and managing six chicken houses. She and husband Justin live in Ariton with their boys, Ian, Addison and Titus. alfafarmers.org

national average of 27%. That includes Michaela Sanders Wilson of Kent in Elmore County. She and husband Brandon are raising 1-year-old Clara Jane on Blue Ribbon Dairy, where the toddler tags along in the tractor’s buddy seat or sways from a custom swing in the milk parlor. Clara Jane often accompanies her mom on milk deliveries and other adventures. “She’s with me as much as I can keep her,” said Michaela, 31. “It’s a dream come true to have her do the same things I did growing up.” As a new mom, Michaela is learning to be patient and flexible — and survive on less sleep than her daily 3:30 a.m. trip to the milk barn originally allowed. “Clara Jane may not appreciate early mornings, but she’ll learn to like it,” Michaela said with a laugh. Lora Gail Bagents grew up in Montgomery County on her parent’s dairy farm and put those same early morning life lessons to work while raising her four children in Luverne with her husband, Mike. May 2020

NEIGHBORS

“We’d pack a lunch and go to the hayfield,” said Lora Gail, 58. “People couldn’t imagine I was with my kids all day in a tractor. One would ride behind the seat, one on the side and one in my lap. In those days, the other hadn’t been born yet.” Lora Gail is at the forefront of Black Rock Farm in Crenshaw County, which sells registered Simmental and SimAngus bulls and replacement heifers. Mike managed their broiler houses for years, tag-teaming with Lora Gail as needed. When hay season rolls around, both cut, she rakes, and he bales. “It’s always been a partnership between us,” said Lora Gail. Except when crunching numbers. “Bookwork. That’s the one thing he doesn’t do!” she said. Lora Gail shares her love of farming with the next generation, namely her five grandchildren, who call her “Memaw.” Whitney Haynes, 35, is raising her five children the same way in Cullman County. The Haynes farmhands are pros at farm work, such as checking heifers near their house in Fairview and reporting

Whitney Haynes has her hands full on Haynes Farms in Cullman County. She and husband Ben are raising their most precious commodities — Jack, Lola, Charlie, Caroline and Pruett — to care for the land.

Lora Gail Bagents raised her four children on Black Rock Farm, where she’s the primary farmer of their Simmental and SimAngus herds. She’s now a busy grandmother, too, training the next generation to love farm life. 18

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

back to their dad, Ben. The family raises beef cattle, corn, soybeans and wheat while juggling ball practice, music lessons and a growing list of extracurriculars for Jack, 12; Lola, 9; Charlie, 7; Caroline, 3; and newborn Pruett. “I used to look at the weather outside and think about what shoes I should wear,” said Whitney, a family and consumer sciences teacher. “Now when I see rain, I think that my husband can’t get out in the field today or tomorrow. Even our kids watch the weather and look at the weather app.” Whitney said she and Ben strive to cultivate capable young people — a precious commodity. She’s a proponent of soaking in every minute, giggle and bump in the road, while making time for little things that make a big difference, such as family dinners. Celeste, Lora Gail and Michaela prioritize suppertime, too. Mealtimes may look familiar to non-farmers some nights — fast food during ball season, slow cooker suppers or Sunday lunch with family. But other nights, it’s all about the farm — with meals shared around a tractor, spread out in a truck bed or eaten at 9 p.m. when work halts. For Whitney, it’s the life she always wanted. “As farmers and farm wives, we have the opportunity not a lot of people have,” she said. “It’s the life I’d choose for my kids and family over and over again.” alfafarmers.org

By Lois Chaplin

Alabama

Abelia bears clutches of small white or light pink blooms in summer. Its fountaining form is ruined by pruning. For small spaces, get a dwarf selection.

Weeping yaupon is a slowgrowing, native evergreen tree with a light, airy canopy. The tree has small red berries in the fall.

Oakleaf hydrangea flower heads hang on for weeks, changing from white to a blush or parchment-like brown in extreme heat.

Yuccas are a group of rugged natives similar to starburst in a border. The leaves of some types are softer than they look.

ith our hottest months around the W corner, it’s a good time to think about which plants weather the heat

gracefully. Landscapes need a plan to endure hot sun and extended periods of dry weather. The good news is some plants don’t just survive; they put on a show. Featured are a few dynamic plants to spruce up your yard. Some also support butterflies, other pollinators and birds. Isn’t it nice to sit on the deck amid butterflies and birds? Some plants may be hard to find, especially as nurseries wind down for summer, but remember that nurseries

are often able to order things they don’t always stock. Fortunately there are many growers in the Southeast, so even uncommon natives are available for order from specialty wholesale nurseries. Online options also exist. Remember, anything planted now will need dutiful watering this summer. When it’s planting time this fall, replace boring evergreens that never bloom or offer fragrance for something that has more pizazz. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is named for its wispy blooms in midsummer. It reaches 8-12 feet tall. American smoke tree (Cotinus americanus) is native to dry, alkaline sites in north Alabama.

Vitex is a fast-growing, tree-like shrub reaching 20plus feet and is covered with spikes of purple blossoms in summer. It can be trained to single or multiple trunks.

Spring Into Savings In Store And Online E ALAFARM.COM alfafarmers.org

May 2020

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Langley Appointed To Alabama Forestry Commission hris Langley of Chambers C County was recently appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to serve a five-year

term on the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). The Alabama Senate confirmed the appointment March 12. Langley, a logger and cattle farmer, is a member of the Chambers County Farmers Federation board of directors. He Langley and wife Elizabeth won the 2017 Farm of Distinction contest and represented Alabama in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition at the Sunbelt Ag Expo. That same year, he was named Alabama’s Logger of the Year. Self-employed in the forestry industry for more than 40 years, he is owner/operator of Chris Langley Timber & Management Inc. in Camp Hill, which operates three fully mechanized logging crews. Langley Farms includes a 320-cow commercial beef herd on 2,650 acres of timber, hay and grazing land and is a Certified Tree Farm. “Chris will make a great addition to our commission, and we look forward to working with him,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “His experience as a logger, landowner and cattle farmer should give him a tremendous insight into the mission

NEIGHBORS

May 2020

Chambers County’s Chris Langley, a logger and cattleman, center, is the newest commissioner of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). Langley will serve a five-year term. From left are Alabama Senate Ag Committee members Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill; Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay; Langley; Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer; and State Forester Rick Oates.

of the AFC.” Langley has been active in the Alabama Farmers Federation for over 25 years and has served on the State Forestry Committee. He has been a member of the Alabama Forestry Association for more than 20 years; a member of the Alabama Loggers Council for over 20 years; served as a member of the Chambers County Forestry Planning Committee for 12 years; and was one of the first loggers to be certified as a Professional Logging Manager. Langley is also past president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, where he has been involved for more than 35 years. He is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, the American Angus Association, the Alabama Angus Association and the Alabama Master Cattle Program. The Langleys have four children, Christopher, Charlie, Chandler and Chelsea. As the newest AFC commissioner, Langley replaces Stephen May III. At the January meeting of the Alabama Forestry Commission, Robert Turner of Sulligent was elected chairman, and Joseph H. Twardy of Auburn was elected vice chairman. Other commissioners include Katrenia Kier of Huntsville, Jane Russell of Lapine, Robert Sharp of Mobile and Dr. Bill Sudduth of Tuscaloosa. This seven-member board, appointed by the governor and approved by the Alabama Senate, sets policy for the AFC, the state agency charged with protecting and sustaining Alabama’s forest resources. These resources contribute to abundant timber and wildlife; clean air and water; and a healthy economy. Learn more about the AFC at forestry.alabama.gov. alfafarmers.org

Lockhart Joins Federation As National Affairs Administrative Assistant K aelin Lockhart started work March 9 with the Alabama Farmers Federation as an administrative assistant in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department. Previously, she worked with the company as a customer service representative (CSR) for Alfa Insurance. Lockhart will work alongside commodity directors in the Federation to ensure agricultural issues are managed appropriately and promptly. She said she is motivated to deliver results and strengthen the Federation. “I am overjoyed at the opportunity to begin working with such a creative, unique and enthusiastic team,” said Lockhart, 23. “Alfa has been part of my life since I was a little girl in the Child Care and Development Center, and I am

excited to build my career and commodity division with a company so close to programs.” my heart. Together, we will Lockhart joined the execute new, innovative Alfa family in 2018. She strategies to improve our earned the distinction commodity programs.” of CSR of the Month in Assistant GAP December 2018, June Department Director Mitt 2019 and July 2019. Walker said Lockhart brings Additionally, Lockhart and professionalism and a fresh her office peers excelled in perspective to her new property, casualty and life Lockhart position. production, earning the “Kaelin is a great addition to the Co-star Award in 2019. GAP Department,” Walker said. “Her A native of Wetumpka, Lockhart experience helping members through graduated from Jacksonville State her prior role with Alfa Insurance University with a degree in marketing. will serve her well as she continues She recently relocated to Eclectic working with the Federation. We look with her husband, Taylor, and their forward to seeing great things from 5-month-old son, Ridge. her as she assists with national affairs

EXPO•2020

Mobile, Alabama July 30-AUG. 2

Registration closes june 25 | FarmAndLandExpo.org alfafarmers.org

May 2020

NEIGHBORS

$76 MILLION IN EXPORTS

unitedsoybean.org

for Alabama Soybean Farmers

OVERSEAS

cropportunity IS WHAT WE DO

Last year, Alabama exported $76 million worth of soybeans. That’s a lot of overseas #Cropportunity for one year. And we’re always seeking new market #Cropportunities abroad to help keep this demand going strong. And if you’re wondering how far your soybeans can go …

JUST WATCH US

Source: Office of the United States Trade Representative

#CROPPORTUNITY

BE NICE

’d like to make my mama proud. That’s one of my main goals in this world. If I’ve made her proud, well, then I’ve really done something. My mother, you see, is the kind of woman who taught me how to be nice, and how to have manners. Long ago, she would make me sit with my cousin, Myrtle, at covered dish socials so Myrtle wouldn’t be sitting alone. Mama would say things like: “Be polite, and make sure you ask your cousin how her baton twirling is coming along.” Admittedly, Myrtle was about as interesting as watching ditchwater evaporate. But like I said, I want my mama to be proud. Maybe I should back up and tell you where all this is coming from. Recently, I spent some time with people who were — how do I put this? — not very nice. Now, they weren’t MEAN people, per se, but you don’t have to be “mean” to be un-nice. I hope I am never an un-nice person. What would Mama think? Mama is a woman who says things like: “Be a good listener, your ears will never get you in trouble.” I don’t aspire to much in this life, but I know that I want to be the kind of man who listens. I want to be the man dogs follow for no reason. I want to be the guy who does magic tricks for toddlers. I want to go around reminding

teenagers how important they are. I want to listen to the jokes old men tell when their wives aren’t around. I want the “little guys” to be famous. I want the overlooked to be looked at. I want to clap for the kid who dreams of singing on the Opry stage one day. I want to believe in people like she does. I want to watch sunsets with friends and convince them that they are the most SPECIALEST people in the world. And I want to use words like “specialest,” even though that word is English blasphemy. And if I live long enough to see my own white hair, I want to be a man who is proud of people who don’t have someone to be proud of them. I want my friends to succeed and surpass me. I want to be the one cheering for them in the bleachers. I want my funeral to be filled with people who say things like, “Sean Dietrich, wasn’t he a mess?” And I want you to know you are magnificent. Everyone and anyone. Landscapers, meter-readers, garbage men, abused spouses, divorcees, jewelry artists, single parents, immigrants, nurses, Waffle House waitresses, concrete layers, Baptists, salesmen. I hope I am the sort of guy who is kind. But most of all, I hope to make my mother proud. ■

ALABAMA GROWERS ARE:

ESSENTIAL

steadfast

#stillfarming

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

May 2020

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Savings around the corner or around the country. Whether you’re savoring a freshly-brewed cup of dark roast at your favorite local coffee shop or planning a family vacation online, your Alfa Farmers membership helps you keep more money in your pocket ... so you can enjoy even more PERK$.

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Cotton Blue Disease Remains A Factor In Cotton Production By Katie Nichols otton Leaf Roll Dwarf Virus C (CLRDV-AL) is now considered part of the environment, according to

Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialists. The aphid-vectored disease has been confirmed across the U.S. Cotton Belt. The virus now appears to be present at some level in most cotton fields in the state, according to Austin Hagan, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist. Between 2018 and 2019, CLRDV-AL was detected in multiple winter weed hosts — like henbit and white clover. Kassie Conner, also an Alabama Extension plant pathologist, confirmed the virus in samples sent from other cotton-growing states. The virus has been positively identified in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. “It can be a difficult disease to see and diagnose visually,” Conner said. “Sometimes, you could sample

A cotton plant exhibits signs of Cotton Leaf Roll Dwarf Virus.

This is an example of a healthy cotton plant.

every plant in the field, and all could be infected — but not show obvious symptoms.”

Brown said the impact on cotton is erratic. “We still don’t understand why one field has significant yield loss while others with CLRDV symptoms may be minimally affected — or not affected at all — in terms of loss,” he said.

CLRDV-AL Unknowns

In addition to symptoms which may be difficult to pinpoint, there are many unknown factors contributing to the spread of CLRDV-AL. Conner said she has observed plants emerging from the ground with symptoms. The earlier the onset of symptoms, the more severe symptoms will be, she said. Alabama Extension cotton agronomist Steve Brown said aphids are difficult to control. “In research plots, entomologists can never completely eliminate aphids, even with aggressive insecticide applications,” Brown said. “It’s clear we cannot manage the disease through aphid control.”

Yield Impacts Sporadic

Symptoms of CLRDV-AL can include reduced bolls, fruiting nodes and open bolls.

alfafarmers.org

“There are a variety of symptoms in different plants, with cotton cultivar and fertility status influencing symptom expression and severity,” Hagan said. Hagan has observed a reduction in bolls produced, fruiting nodes and open bolls. However, CLRDV-AL affects cotton plants differently at varying stages of crop growth.

On-farm Protection

The long-term goal is to develop resistant cotton varieties. For now, producers can use these practices to minimize risks. Plant early. Researchers observed reduced effects in cotton planted during the first week of May. Late plantings tend to be more at risk for significant yield effects. Stalk destruction. Cutting stalks to the ground helps eliminate some overwintering habitat for aphids and the virus. It also prevents stalk regrowth where aphids could deposit the virus. Winter weed control. Remove winter weeds. Henbit, white clover and chickweed are likely winter hosts. There may still be unidentified hosts. Cover crops. Researchers are working on cover crop options as a means of virus control. Research is being done to determine whether certain cover crops sustain aphids and CLRDV, or if those crops minimize the virus threat.

May 2020

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May 2020

alfafarmers.org

Fresh Strawberry Pie

Prep Time 20 mins

Servings 8

Ingredients 1 (12-ounce) can lemon-lime soda 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored gelatin 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries 1 (9-inch) prepared pie crust (regular or graham cracker), baked according to package instructions

Instructions In a medium pot, bring the lemon-lime soda and cornstarch to a boil. Boil until liquid is nearly clear — about 3 minutes. Remove from stove and add the gelatin, mixing well.   While the mixture cools, wash, hull and otes N e cut the strawberries Recip r version ’s y in half. Stir e Stac low-suga swap the strawberries into ply ake a et To m ecipe, sim a for a di x the gelatin mixture bo od is r of th on-lime s 3-ounce y and pour into the lem nd use a trawberr prepared pie crust. s a soda ugar-free ce of the Chill until set. Serve a s l p of tin. in in with fresh whipped gelat ular gela reg cream or thawed frozen ith Alabama’s strawberry season W in full swing, it seemed obvious that this month’s Farmhouse Kitchen

had to include one of my most beloved fruits…strawberries! Did you know the average person eats 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries every year? I’ll admit I probably consume more than my fair share, but they’re just so good. Whether you’re grabbing strawberries from the grocery store or a great roadside stand, or going to a U-pick, I have a handful of delicious recipes to make use of that bounty of beautiful berries. My Best Strawberry Sheet Cake is exactly as it implies. Pureed strawberries — with a little help from some strawberry gelatin — give this light, moist cake its classic pink hue and delicious strawberry flavor. To make it even better, we add both of those helpers to the

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whipped topping. cream cheese icing, too. It’s a family favorite that I bet your family will dig into, as well. While Strawberry Cobbler might not be the first cobbler you think of, this version may be my absolute favorite. When I want cobbler, I want a lot of cake-y dumplings in the mix, and this one fits that bill perfectly. It takes a little extra time to put this together, but it’s worth every minute. Pair this with vanilla ice cream or pour a little heavy cream over the dish for a dessert sure to make you smile. Now, Fresh Strawberry Pie is my wife’s preferred way to eat the delicious red fruit. If you’ve ever enjoyed the strawberry pie at Shoney’s, you’re going to love this one. And for those of you watching your sugar intake, this pie can be made low sugar by swapping a few ingredients for low sugar counterparts. Check out my notes for the details.

And last, but certainly not least, Strawberry Jam Pound Cake is my newest strawberry star. This seriously might be my most delicious pound cake ever. It’s packed with strawberry deliciousness by way of fresh strawberries, strawberry extract and melted strawberry jam. The jam also helps to keep the cake moist and gives it a great color. So whichever recipe cranks your tractor, grab a couple pounds of Alabama-grown strawberries and whip up something delicious. Y’all enjoy! Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com. May 2020

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Strawberry Jam Pound Cake

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings 8 to 10

Cake Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries 1/2 cup strawberry jam (I use seedless) 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup vegetable shortening 2 1/2 cups sugar 5 large eggs, room temperature 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons strawberry extract 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract 1 teaspoon salt Red food coloring (optional)

Glaze Ingredients 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (from above instructions)

Cake Instructions Wash and hull strawberries. Use a food processor or blender to puree them until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of puree for the cake, plus 2 tablespoons for the glaze. Use a microwave to melt the strawberry jam until it is liquid. Start with about 30 seconds and add additional time to melt it. Set aside to cool slightly. Do NOT preheat the oven. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan. (You can also use nonstick baking spray with flour if you have a pan you trust.) Set aside.  Use a mixer to cream the butter, shortening and sugar together for 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. Measure the flour by spooning the flour into a dry-measure measuring cup and leveling off.   Add 1 cup of the flour to the dry ingredients and mix well. Add half of the strawberry puree and mix well. Add another cup of the flour and mix well. Add the other half of the strawberry puree and mix well. Finally, add the last cup of flour and mix well.   Add the vanilla, strawberry and lemon extracts to the melted strawberry jam and stir to combine. Add mixture to the cake batter and mix well. Add the salt and mix well. If desired, add red food coloring to turn batter pink.   Pour batter into the prepared pan, and spread evenly. Place in a cold oven and turn to 325 F. Bake 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes — or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake just starts to pull away from the edges of the pan. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before placing a plate or serving platter over the cake and inverting it onto the platter. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.

Glaze Instructions Combine powdered sugar, strawberry extract, vanilla extract and strawberry puree in a small bowl. It might seem like it won’t combine, but keep stirring! Once combined, drizzle over the cooled cake. 28

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May 2020

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Best Strawberry Sheet Cake

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Servings 10 to 12

Cake Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries 1 (15.25-ounce) package white cake mix 3 eggs 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin

Icing Ingredients 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), room temperature 4 ounces cream cheese 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons strawberry puree, reserved from cake instructions 1 teaspoon strawberry-flavored instant gelatin, reserved from cake instructions

Strawberry Cobbler Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Serves 6

Ingredients 1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar, divided 3/4 cup butter, divided 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Wash, hull and slice strawberries.â&#x20AC;¨ In a medium pot over medium heat, combine strawberries, orange juice and 1/2 cup of white sugar and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Pour into prepared baking dish.â&#x20AC;¨ In another bowl, combine flour and remaining 1/2 cup of white sugar. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut 1/2 cup of the butter into it. It will be dry and crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture on top of the strawberries. Soften the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and mix with 1 cup brown sugar. Drop in dollops on top of the flour mixture. Bake 55 minutes to an hour, or until golden and bubbly and the cobbler is cooked through. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of heavy cream. alfafarmers.org

Cake Instructions Wash and hull the strawberries. Use a food processor or blender to puree them until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of the puree for the cake, plus 2 tablespoons for the icing. Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer), mix together the cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil until well combined. Open the gelatin, measure out 1 teaspoon into a small bowl and set aside for the icing. Pour remainder of the gelatin and 1 cup of strawberry puree into the batter and mix well. Pour mix into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before icing.

Icing Instructions In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer), cream together butter and cream cheese until well combined and all lumps are gone. Add vanilla and mix well. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree and the reserved teaspoon of strawberry-flavored gelatin and mix well. Add additional powdered sugar if icing is too thin. Spread over the cooled cake. Store in the refrigerator.

May 2020

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