Neighbors Magazine, October 2017 by Alabama Farmers Federation

We Believe in We Believe in Opportunity

Opportunity

Kim Mullenix

Extension Beef Specialist & Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences Kim Mullenix Auburn University

Extension Beef Specialist & Assistant Professor, Animal Sciences Auburn University

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! ÂŠ 2017 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. www.aces.edu ACES-2432

VOLUME 42,

NUMBER 10

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

October 2017

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, 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 Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Rickey Cornutt, Boaz Joe Anders, Northport Dell Hill, Alpine Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Meador Jones, Gallion Garry Henry, Hope Hull Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Nell Miller, Snead Jerry Allen Newby, Athens

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.

Fall Farm Memories

14 Battling Biscuits

17 Federation Awards Scholarships 28 An Appetite For Apples

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

Chambers County’s Chris Langley is the 2017 Alabama Farmer of the Year and will compete

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.

Oct. 17 for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo

Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award. Photo by Jeff Helms

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October 2017

Alabama’s Farmer Of The Year

11 The Beetle Invasion

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Hard Work, Ingenuity Keys For Alabama Farmer Of The Year By Jeff Helms

hen Chris Langley bought his first heifer and pulpwood truck at age 16, he probably never dreamed 35 years later he’d compete for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award. Then again, maybe he did. “I believe you can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard,” Langley said. “The harder you work and the more you put in it, the more you’ll have and get out of it.” It’s a proven philosophy for Chris and wife Elizabeth. From humble beginnings, the winners of Alabama’s 2017 Farm of Distinction built a successful cattle and timber business spanning 2,650 acres. It includes a 320-cow commercial beef herd and three mechanized logging crews. “I started when I was a kid with goats, rabbits, chickens and pigs,” Langley recalled. “My father helped me get financed with a pulpwood truck and a 440 John Deere skidder. I started logging when I was old enough and have been logging ever since.” Langley is among 10 finalists competing for the overall award to be announced Oct. 17 at the Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. He will receive a $2,500 cash award, a $500 gift certificate from the Southern States Cooperative and a Columbia vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply. The overall Farmer of the Year wins a $15,000 cash prize, use of a Massey Ferguson tractor for a year from Massey Ferguson North America and other prizes. As Alabama’s winner, the Langleys won a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and AgPro dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative; and an engraved farm sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. A fifth-generation farmer, Langley said his goal is to provide an opportunity for his and Elizabeth’s children to live and work on the farm. Their oldest, Christopher, is a volunteer firefighter and runs a logging crew. Charlie attends the University of Arkansas at Monticello on a rodeo scholarship, and their third son, Chandler, is active in the Alabama and Chambers County Young Farmers programs. Daughter Chelsea attends Wadley High School, participates in barrel racing October 2017

Chris and wife Elizabeth operate Chris Langley Timber and Management Inc. near the Chambers County town of Camp Hill.

and gives horse-riding lessons to young children. “That’s our future,” Langley said. “We’ve got to take our youth now and train them for the future. If we don’t get these young people more involved, to know where the products come from in agriculture and forestry, a lot of them won’t ever know.” The Langleys are county and state leaders in the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. Past honors include being Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family in 1996. To learn more, watch Simply Southern Show 314 at SimplySouthernTV.net. n 5

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Families Find Fun Down On The Farm By Debra Davis

hildren lost in a cornfield rather than a cellphone is what Eric and Amanda Knight had in mind when they began Corn Dodgers Farm in Headland. “Make some memories, and start a tradition — that’s what we like to tell everyone who comes here,” said Amanda, 37. “If we can help them do that, we feel blessed.” The idea for Corn Dodgers Farm happened when the couple visited a corn maze near Auburn in 2001, Eric said. The Knights opened Corn Dodgers in 2009 with a maze and four attractions, expanding to include two mazes covering 8 acres and 29 attractions. They also raise hay, pecans and satsumas on their farm. Their most recent addition, The Crooked Porch, opened in 2015. It features October 2017

Top photo: Eric and Amanda Knight and their children, Kip, 10, and Holly, 7, welcome visitors to Corn Dodgers Farm in Headland. Center, children look for gems in the Lost Yer Mine attraction on the farm. Left, children roll large plastic barrels, which are actually converted drainpipes. The farm offers 29 attractions and a giant corn maze with two paths.

a leaning house with tilted windows and wacky walls and has restrooms and an air-conditioned store. Families enjoy hayrides plus farm animals like goats, rabbits, pigs, a donkey and horses. For everyone who visits the farm, the experience is a little different, Eric said. “For some, it’s a walk down memory lane of childhood days spent on a farm,” he said. “For others, it’s a connection they can’t find through modern technology or other things. This place gives families a connection to the land and to each other.” 7

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Amanda agrees. “It seems like we’re married to a screen nowadays,” she said. “You’ve got to have a lot of different things to offer people to pull them away from that. The only time you usually see someone pull out a phone here is if they’re taking a picture.” Corn Dodgers is also a learning experience. The Knights created the Crop College, a station for learning about pumpkins, sunflowers, corn, cotton

and other crops. Children touch and feel crops and seeds and discover how farmers grow their food and clothes, Amanda said. A concession stand increased the average farm stay for most families to about three hours, she said. Corn Dodgers Farm is open weekends Sept. 23 to Oct. 29 on Fridays from 5 - 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon-10 p.m., and Sundays from 1 - 6 p.m. Admission is $11 and includes most attractions.

The farm hosts birthday parties and other events by appointment throughout the year. The farm attracts about 10,000 guests annually plus thousands more children on school field trips. In addition to education and entertainment, Corn Dodgers Farm boosts the local economy by hiring 30 to 50 part-time employees ranging from teenagers to retirees. “The most rewarding part of our farm is seeing a child’s face light up when they get to experience a little bit of what it’s like to really be on a farm,” Eric said. Visit CornDodgersFarm.com for more information, or find Corn Dodgers Farm on Facebook. n

Children enjoy a giant slide at Corn Dodgers Farm in Headland. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Battling A Barrage Of Beetles

Tiny Bugs Attack Alabama’s Largest Industry By Debra Davis

lamming the door to the Cessna 182 RG, pilot Phillip Montgomery yells, “Contact!” and cranks the plane on a scorching summer day. Building speed as he heads down the Montgomery Aviation runway, he’s soon soaring 1,000 feet above a sea of green scanning for signs of a pest no bigger than a grain of rice. It's not long before he spots his targets — trees damaged by southern pine beetles. “With healthy trees, you’d pretty much see solid green,” said Montgomery, an Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) pilot. “Light green, yellow and reddish-colored trees really stand out from the air and are proof beetles are killing them. We mark the spot with a GPS, and a local forest ranger notifies the property owner. We recommend they cut the trees before things get worse.” It’s been a busy year for

Montgomery and other AFC pilots. Last year’s drought stressed trees throughout the state, making them more susceptible to southern pine beetles, Montgomery said. The aggressive tree killers are native insects that predominantly live in the inner bark of pine trees. The beetles feed on tree tissue under the bark and effectively

Healthy Trees

Dying or Dead Trees

State Forester Rick Oates, right, and Alabama Forestry Commission pilot Phillip Montgomery take to the skies to search for pine beetledamaged trees.

girdle a tree, causing its death, said State Forester Rick Oates. “Damage from southern pine beetles is growing in many areas of the state with more than 2,060 spots recorded this year, compared to less than 700 last year,” Oates said. “It’s an epidemic in Montgomery County. By the time pine trees change color, they’re under attack and dying. Trees can’t be treated since the beetles are under the bark. The only option is to cut down affected trees and make a buffer around them.” Forestry is Alabama’s largest agricultural industry and covers 23 million acres — about 69 percent of the state — Oates said. Forests generate over $21 billion in timber production and processing revenue and provide over 122,000 jobs to Alabamians. Southern pine beetles are Light green, yellow and reddish-colored trees show various stages of pine beetle damage in this aerial photo.

October 2017

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the primary killers of pines in Alabama, with unmanaged and overcrowded stands of southern pines most susceptible to attack, said AFC Forest Health Coordinator Dana Stone. Epidemic populations of beetles occur periodically. If not controlled, they can devastate entire forests, causing millions of dollars in damage. The AFC urges landowners to monitor property for signs of damage and contact their Red dots on the map provided by the Alabama Forestry Commission local AFC office or registered forester for manageshow areas of pine beetle damage throughout the state. ment recommendations before taking action.

With timber prices already low, finding a logger who’ll cut damaged timber can be difficult, Montgomery said. Jeremy Brown who lives in south Montgomery County said family land around his farm is infested, and timber is being harvested for a fraction of the price it would normally bring. “Timber can be a 30- to 50-year investment, and something like this can really hurt, financially speaking,” Brown said. “Timber that might have brought $1,500 an acre may bring only $200 an acre if beetles are in it.” Mother Nature could reduce beetle numbers this winter. “The best thing we can hope for is a cold winter to kill back the beetle population,” Oates said. “Until then, we'll keep searching for beetle outbreaks and encouraging landowners to cut infested trees.” Visit Forestry.Alabama.gov for more information. n

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Meridianville Drive-Thru Claims Bama’s Best Biscuit Contest Crown By Mary Johnson

very good Southern cook has a tried-and-true recipe for mouth-watering, buttery biscuits. For Madison County’s Mike and Judie Donovan, their award-winning recipe has kept them in the biscuit-making business for over two decades. Recently, the Donovans’ drivethru restaurant, Biscuit Express in Meridianville, won Simply Southern TV’s Facebook contest for Bama’s Best Biscuit, beating out 10 other Alabama restaurants nominated by viewers. “We have real, made-fromscratch biscuits,” Mike said. “We just where to go when the hankerdo the whole process right here in ing for a homemade biscuit hits. the store everyday, from mixing all “We’re always running over to the ingredients to rolling them out Biscuit Express to get something and baking them.” — at least three or four times a On a regular day, about 350 week,” said Perry, who nominated biscuits are the restaurant for baked, slathered Top 4 Bama’s Best Biscuit the contest. “My with butter, favorite is the piled high with • Biscuit Express - Meridianville chicken biscuit, and fixins, bagged my grandson loves (with second location in and handed out their bacon, egg Moores Mill) the store’s driveand cheese biscuit. • Acre - Auburn thru window. If you order bacon, But on busy days, • Cahawba House you’re going to get Montgomery Biscuit Express lots of it.” staff churn out Mike said giving • Bliss Bistro and Boutique up to 500 of the people more than Muscle Shoals yummy, glutenthey expect is one laden treats. of their secrets to Judie said she was blown away success. to find out they won the contest “Our philosophy is quality, by almost 900 votes, and she was quantity and fast service,” he humbled by the community’s said. “We give you plenty of meat, support. because when you bite into a bacon “We’re just country folks who biscuit, you want to taste bacon. have been majorly blessed beyond Most fast food places only give you measure,” Judie said. “This is a real a little bit, but when you get our honor. We try to do everything with product, there’s quite a lot of meat love, and we care. People can tell on there.” when you care and love what you Mike and Judie took a do. It shows in the food and in the leap of faith to start service, and that’s what we strive Biscuit Express for.” in 1997 after Alfa Insurance Agent Sandra Mike left Perry works across the street from his 20-year Biscuit Express and said she knows career in w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Biscuit Express, owned by Judie and Mike Donovan, received a plaque and $300 for winning Bama’s Best Biscuit, sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers. Simply Southern TV co-host Mary Johnson presented the couple their prizes.

the fast food industry. The experiment worked, as the Donovans will celebrate 20 years as restaurant owners in November. “The first day we opened we had $90 dollars in the bank, and we only did about $90 in business,” Mike said. “But the second day, we doubled the first day’s business, and the third day we doubled the second day. We have been really blessed. Most food places only survive a year or two.” The Donovans own a second Biscuit Express location in Moores Mill. Breakfast is guaranteed until 11 a.m., and both locations serve lunch until closing at 1:30 p.m. Bama’s Best Biscuit contest was sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers, a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation. As winners, the Donovans received a plaque and $300 in prize money. Watch Simply Southern show 326 at SimplySouthernTV. net for a segment on Bama’s Best Biscuit. n October 2017

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Federations Award Auburn Ag, Forestry Students Almost $150,000 In Scholarships By Marlee Moore

he state’s largest farm organization expects investments of nearly $150,000 in scholarships to return high yields for 87 Auburn University (AU) students pursing agricultural and forestry degrees.

Eighty-seven Auburn University students and Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship recipients were recognized at the Ham Wilson Arena in Auburn Aug. 19. From left are Clay County Farmers Federation President Michael Dick; Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell; Greene County scholarship recipient and forestry sophomore Cal Logan; Colbert County scholarship recipient and ag communications senior Ellie Isbell; and Auburn College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson.

Students were honored at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 2017 Scholarship Recipients Luncheon

2017 County scholarship Award Winners County

name

major

YeaR

Autauga Autauga Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Baldwin Barbour Blount Butler Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clay Cleburne Coffee Colbert Conecuh Coosa Covington Covington Covington Covington Crenshaw

Will Howard Wendland Richard White Dylan Taylor Kelsey Cassebaum Grady Gunn Grayson Bertolla Austin Pegues Becky Hawkins Bailey Morton James Burkett Korie Burgess Zachary Slay Matt Sewell Joseph Dennis Cory Powell Hayley Anderson Katherine Dixon Aaron Milstead Spencer Gibbs Grayson Sessions Ellie Isbell Kelly Goneke William Pharr Brandon Buckelew Drew Blackstock Emily Hammett Cammie Grace Weaver Trent Warrick

Agronomy & Soils (Production) Agronomy & Soils (Soil, Water, Land Use) Pre-Forestry Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Production/Management) Poultry Science (Pre-Vet) Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Business & Economics Wildlife Ecology & Management Agricultural Business & Economics Pre-Agriscience Education Forestry Agronomy & Soils (Soil, Water, Land Use) Agricultural Business & Economics Natural Resource Management Biosystems Engineering (Ecological) Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Forestry Poultry Science (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Science Agricultural Communications Pre-Biosystems Engineering Pre-Forestry Wildlife Ecology & Management Agricultural Business & Economics Pre-Agriscience Education Agricultural Communications Pre-Agriscience Education

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

October 2017

Aug. 19 at Ham Wilson Arena in Auburn. Scholarships were funded by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said as agriculture and technology evolve, the organization’s most important task is investing in the future. “These young people have answers to questions producers haven’t even thought of yet,” said Parnell, an AU ag graduate. “These days, it takes an education to be able to farm and do it correctly.” Senior agricultural communications student Ellie Isbell promised county and state Federation leaders a return on their investment. “I want to make a commitment on behalf of all the students — we will be the next generation of ag leaders,” said Isbell, a Colbert County native and former Federation intern. “You have equipped us, and when it’s time for you to retire, we will be ready. We will step up, lead this industry and represent the farmers of our state.” Clay County Farmers Federation President Michael Dick said his county organization is small but w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

recognizes the importance of scholarships. “As a teacher and high school principal, I spent a lot of time helping graduating seniors choose where they would go in life,” said Dick, now retired. “This is a wonderful way we help students pursue an ag or ag-related field. We’re proud of these students and their commitment to hard work.” At the reception, Kim Slay wore two hats — wife of Chambers County Farmers Federation (CCFF) President Phil Slay and parent to scholarship recipient and AU senior Zac. Thanks to the Federation, CCFF and Alfa Insurance, almost half the forestry student’s tuition is paid. “When I married into my farm family, I didn’t realize I was marrying into the Farmers Federation,” said Kim, an AU animal science graduate whose children grew up attending Federation events. “Because of our Alfa family and like-minded individuals and organizations, when Zac graduates next spring, he will not walk off with a crippling load of student debt.” Fifty-nine $1,750 scholarships were awarded through a county Federation match of $500. The AFAF contributed $1,250 with support from the Federation and Alfa Insurance. Another 28 students received county Federation scholarships from Autauga, Baldwin, Chambers, Chilton, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Lee and Madison counties. Other county Farmers Federations awarded scholarships directly to students during county ceremonies. Earlier this year, Alfa® awarded $1,000 scholarships to 100 students pursuing various careers at Alabama colleges, universities and technical schools. Additionally, Cullman County’s Nathan Duke received the R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship named after longtime Cullman County Farmers Federation and Cattlemen’s Association member. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

County

name

major

YeaR

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Seth Donaldson Tucker Thompson Shelby Windham Abby Himburg Matthew Ivey Hannah Wootten Andrew Palmer Lauren Smith Kennedy Vice Ethan Mobley Savannah Frederick Cal Logan Merri Day Caleb Nall Katie Shadell Josh Starling Anna Beth Freeman Hannah Whitecotton Doston Nichols William Tynes Rachel Kuntz Caleb Tanner Janet Roberts Thomas Reeves Christian Baker Brianna Behel Justin Potts Walker Davidson James Dowdell Jordan Farrell Gabby Gary Jack Slay Allie Williams Laura Jean McCurdy Zachary Kervin Ethan Jones Walker Bragg Lauren Lasater Jake Patterson Taylor Huggins Cara Cornutt Jaida West Clay Tucker Caleb Hicks Lilly Oaks Victoria Dee Chloe Dorrill John Adcock James Beck Ashton Gibson Preston Waid Hannah McBurnett Madison Boone Lorianna Holder Lynsie Taylor Reid Garris Beth Anne Burford

Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agronomy & Soils (Production) Agriscience Education Agricultural Communications Agricultural Business & Economics Horticulture Pre-Agriscience Education Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Business & Economics Pre-Biosystems Engineering Agricultural Communications Pre-Forestry Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Horticulture Biosystems Engineering Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Animal Sciences (Muscle Foods) Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Environmental Science Forestry Natural Resource Management Animal Sciences (Production/Management) Horticulture Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Science Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Business & Economics Agronomy & Soils (Science) Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Communications Fisheries & Allied Aquacultures Pre-Biosystems Engineering Agronomy & Soils (Production) Agricultural Business & Economics Agronomy & Soils (Production) Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Business & Economics Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Communications Horticulture Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Agricultural Business & Economics Horticulture Animal Sciences (Production/Management) Biosystems Engineering (Ecological) Pre-Agriscience Education Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Agricultural Communications Animal Sciences (Equine) Animal Sciences (Production/Management) Agricultural Communications

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R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship

Nathan Duke

Poultry Science (Production)

Sophomore

October 2017

Sunbelt Ag Expo North America’s Premier Farm Show ®

INNOVATION, SCIENCE, EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY

Oct. 17-19, 2017 Moultrie, GA

More than 1,200 Exhibitors

600-Acre Working Farm

www.sunbeltexpo.com

(229) 985-1968 w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

October 2017

Town Creek Farm Bull Sale & Commercial Brangus Bred Heifer Sale AT THE RANCH NEAR WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

Saturday, October 21, 2017 • 12 noon 150 TOWN CREEK FARM BULLS Johnes-Free, Trich, BVD Tested.

Brangus, TruBrangus™ and Ultrablack Bulls. FULL 2 year-old bulls (DOB: Fall 2015). Practical, functional bulls developed on high roughage, forage-based ration. Cow Creek Ranch based genetics. Large selection User-Friendly bulls.

Rapid Reward son TCF TruBrangus™ 384C2 sells. Rapid Reward son TCF TruBrangus™ 4861C18 sells. Rapid Reward 145Z3 son TCF Brangus 956C7 sells. Rapid Reward son TCF TruBrangus™ 4329C4 sells.

Rapid Reward TCF TruBrangus™ 5281C8 sells.

Rapid Reward TCF Brangus 589C4 sells.

• Fertility is our top priority because we know it’s your top priority. • Buy bulls from a program that culls EVERY open female and EVERY female that doesn’t bring a calf to the weaning pens.

Rapid Reward 145Z3 son TCF Brangus 1540C4 sells. Rapid Reward 145Z3 son TCF Ultrablack 14C14 sells.

• Genetics developed and proven over 30 years. • Genetics that will make you money. • Maternal bulls to develop replacement heifers. • Calving ease heifer bulls. • Managed to be disease free.

• Environmentally adapted, acclimated bulls. • User Friendly bulls. • Longevity – of bulls and their daughters. • Genetics that will develop profitable herds. • Bulls pay dividends annually just like cows.

First sons of TCF Rapid Reward 145Z3 sell October 21st along with a tremendous set of stout, powerful contemporaries.

300 COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Multi-generation, ranch source verified and genetically-tracked heifers sired by Town Creek Farm and Cow Creek Ranch bulls and bred back to Town Creek bulls. Fall and spring calving heifers sell. Reputation heifer sale in its 20th year. Great opportunity to add climate adapted replacements.

For a sale catalog call, or go to www.TownCreekFarm.com. Total Commitment

Since 1993

TOWN CREEK FARM

THESE COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS SELL.

Milton Sundbeck, Owner • Office 662.494.5944 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207 Joy Reznicek 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Clint Ladner 662.812.8370 • Cladner@TownCreekFarm.com www.TownCreekFarm.com

3 Quality Assurance always comes first.

ALABAMA FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Annual Conference · Nov. 16-17

Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center ®

Clanton, Alabama

Trade Show • Educational Workshops • Farm Tours For exhibitor and attendee registration visit AFVGA.org

Registration Opens Sept. 29

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October 2017

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Randy Moody

October 2017

Randy Moody, 70, always knew he wanted to return to his family’s roots in Winston County. After serving in the Army and working as a locomotive engineer in Minnesota, he returned home, where he reconnected with childhood sweetheart Linda and bought a farm near Double Springs. The Moodys, married 29 years, have four children and 15 grandchildren.

1 2 3 4

What do you raise on your farm?

We’re working on building our cow/calf herd and have around 70 sheep. We also have several donkeys and yard chickens we use for eggs.

How did you join the federation?

I met Winston County Farmers Federation directors through the Cattlemen’s Association. The first meeting I attended, they opened up with prayer. I thought, “These are my people.” Now, I’m the county secretary.

Did you grow up around agriculture?

We didn’t have a farm, but we had some dairy cows and chickens. We worked neighboring fields and picked cotton, too. Every time I see a cotton patch, I get a backache.

what’s the best advice you received?

Always keep your word. Do what you say you’ll do. And put God first, others second and yourself last, and you’ll be okay.

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Auburn SGA President Has Roots In Alabama 4-H By Katie Nichols

untersville native Jacqueline Keck learned about leadership and teamwork as a young girl in Alabama 4-H programs. Keck, a senior majoring in economics, is Auburn University’s Student Government Association (SGA) president, the third female president in university history. Keck attended Cherokee Elementary School where she participated in 4-H programs in third through fifth grade. As a third-grader, Keck won the cabbage-growing contest with a cabbage weighing more than 54 pounds. “I remember driving to school with my cabbage in the back of my parents’ minivan,” Keck said. “It was the last day of school, and we had to remove the back seats to fit my cabbage in the back.” Aside from healthy competition, Keck said the project created a sense of community inside school walls. “4-H provided me a unique opportunity,” she said. “I was able to participate in the cabbage project alongside my classmates. This allowed me to share a common goal with people who were different from me. I would find out later what a valuable experience that was.” Keck said the opportunity for students to grow cabbages through the school program gave them common ground inside the

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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a former Auburn University Student Government Association (SGA) vice president, poses with Auburn's SGA President Jacqueline Keck, a former 4-H member. Below, Keck with the winning cabbage she grew in the third grade.

school when life was different for each of them at home. “In my mind, I was just growing a cabbage,” she said. “Without knowing it, 4-H programs were instilling values I still carry with me today.” Growing an award-winning cabbage takes time and determination. Keck said she has learned many things in life require the same passion and resolve. Much molding and shaping have taken place in Keck’s life. She said life is about taking opportunities and choosing to do the task in front of you to the best of your ability. Her goal is to leave Auburn’s SGA with an array of capable lead-

ers who can continue to produce success beyond what she will accomplish. “I believe in putting people over projects and that an investment in those you work with is an invaluable investment,” she said. Time spent participating in 4-H programs opened Keck’s eyes to life outside of her comfort zone. She said experiences in school with people of different backgrounds helped prepare her to work as the SGA president at Auburn alongside vastly different, yet highly intelligent peers at Auburn. Keck said she will be forever grateful for her experiences as a 4-H’er at Cherokee Elementary. “Who knows,” she said. “When you choose to say yes and commit to pouring your all into an opportunity in front of you, you may just win the cabbage contest!” n

October 2017

Alabama TREASURE Forest Association 2017 Annual Meeting

THURSDAY 1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

T FA

October 26-28 | Florence Registration closes soon! For more information, visit TREASUREForest.org.

SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.

Optional Tour – Historic Music Venues of the Shoals Welcome Reception (silent auction opens)

Tour Colbert County TREASURE Forest Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Lunch Educational Sessions begin Educational Sessions end Silent Auction closes Awards Banquet Gov. Kay Ivey, speaker

Devotional Breakfast Conference concludes

232 Cruise Road • Hope Hull, AL

2017 Headquarters Sale Friday, October 27 Noon 85 Solid 2 Year Old Bulls Angus, Chiangus, and SimAngus 20 Select Yearling Bulls 10 Angus Pairs 17 Chiangus Pairs 11 SimAngus Pairs

CK 3685C

Special Guest Consignment from the Highly Regarded

Kempfer Cattle Company out of Deer Park, FL Selling

10 Fancy F-1 Braford Heavy Bred Heifers (ABBA Golden Certified F-1’s) 10 High Quality Commercial Braford Heavy Bred Heifers

CK A109

Some Tiger Stripes

Chuck and Katie Madaris 334-657-5833 Charlie and Carrie Madaris 334-657-5839 Bradfield and Kat Evans 334-318-7497

ckcattle.com

“Honest data and quality breeding are longstanding at CK Cattle” October 2017

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By Lois Chaplin

right wildflowers may appear randomly in the countryside, but they can also be part of a carefully planned landscape in almost any location. The science of wildflower planting has advanced so greatly in the last few decades that growing a patch or even a few acres to enhance the beauty of property is within reach. It hasn’t always been the case, but now the easiest part of starting wildflowers is finding seeds for annual and perennial flowers native to Alabama. Several companies specializing in wildflower seeds can be found online, and some sell in garden centers. They make selection easy by creating mixes of compatible species adapted to the Southeast, often chosen to bloom over several seasons. Wildseed Farms, American Meadows, Native American Seed and others also provide good cultural information about various species. Don’t be tempted by pretty flowers from other regions. Stick to those verified as well-suited to Alabama or the Southeast.

The key to establishing a wildflower patch is prepping the planting area. It’s crucial to clear growth that competes with seedlings, which are slow to grow. Grassy weeds such as crabgrass and cool-season grasses like fescue choke out seedlings. It’s crucial seeds make solid soil contact. Before planting, most experts recommend killing any grass or other vegetation in the area with a non-selective herbicide. After the vegetation dies, mow the area as low as possible — to the point of scalping — to allow seeds to better reach the ground. Mowing with a bagger removes existing weeds’ seed heads, helping avoid competition. Raking the area lightly further exposes the soil surface, preparing it to accept seeds. Tilling the ground isn’t helpful because it exposes buried weed seeds that will sprout and crowd wildflower seedlings. Distribute seeds atop the ground at the rate indicated on the seed package. Be inventive about scattering seeds evenly. Spice containers, especially big plastic

ones, work well for sprinkling small- and medium-sized seeds in a small patch. Use broadcast seed spreaders for large areas. There’s no need to cover the seeds, but if possible, press them into contact with the soil by walking over them or using a waterfilled lawn roller for big areas. If seeds are planted before rain, they will sprout in fall. Seedlings will remain small, but because the ground in Alabama stays warm long enough to encourage good root growth, seedlings have a head start in spring. They can grow quickly to outcompete many weeds. Seeds of species that need spring conditions to germinate will wait though winter, just as if nature had sown them, then sprout in warmer weather. Leave plants to reseed annually, mowing the area in late winter. If after the first year some spots didn’t grow well, reseed them next fall. n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

FALL INTO SAVINGS! WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

October 2017

Jeff Register Building & Truss RegisterFarmBarns.com

Live at the Alabama Farmers Federation 96th Annual Meeting

TRAVIS

TRITT Sunday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m.

40’ x 60’ x 12’ - Installed Roof only, closed gables - $7,642 Roof only, open gables - $6,850