43rd Annual Headland
HARVEST DAY Festival
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE DOTHAN EAGLE
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Henry County farmers have worked for months with hopes of a good yield during the 2014 harvest season. Farmers began preparing their fields during the months of March and April during the continuous rainfalls.
Agriculture, still a way of life for many in Henry County Tradition in its 43rd year
For more than 40 years, Headland residents and visitors to the city have gathered around the town square to pay tribute to local farmers for their annual harvest.
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griculture, as an occupation, has experienced many changes over the years. However, one thing remains the same; it is a way of life for many in Henry County. “Henry County ranks between third and fourth in the nation in peanut acreage,” said Larry Wells, superintendent of the Wiregrass Substation Auburn Experiment Station. Henry County has approximately 200 full-time farmers. “Farming takes a dedicated individual, and Hen-
ry County has several,” Wells said. “Along with our full-time farmers, we have several others who have taken up another career. But, they still enjoy farming in their spare time. “We also have a significant amount of cattle for Henry County. With Henry County as far south as it is, we can grow grass year round for horses and other cattle. That is a big plus.” Weather in Henry County also plays a key role in harvest time for farmers. “Our growing season for peanuts and cotton •
is quite a bit longer than other parts of the United States,” Wells continued. “Our winters are usually mild, and our soils are very good for growing peanuts and cotton. However, Mother Nature is never predictable.” The rainfall in Henry County averages 50 inches a year; however, in 2013, the county received an abundant amount of rain. In 2014, the rainfall so far has been average or below average. “Local farmers are hopeful for a good yield this year,” Wells said.
Custom Printing Cus Custo • Inv Invitations • M Monogramming • Personalized Gifts • Tyler Candles • Stephen Joseph • And More! On the Square iin Headland 334-785-5149 334-7 334
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or the past 43 years, the city of Headland has enjoyed a fun-filled day set aside to honor local farmers for a job well done. Headland residents, as well as residents from around the Wiregrass area, will take part in a memory-making event. Harvest time is very important to farmers. This is the time of the year that farmers will sell their crops to pay off expenses that they have incurred throughout the year. Harvest Day gives farmers a sense of pride to know so many appreciate them for a job well done. This year’s Harvest Day is Saturday, Oct. 11, with festival activities beginning at 9 a.m. The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce extends an invitation to everyone to visit the town square and enjoy the
festivities and also show farmers how much they are appreciated for all they do. Vendors will be situated along the town square, offering specialty items, such as clothing, hand-made jewelry, arts and crafts, candles and more. Several food vendors will also be in attendance and will offer a large selection of items to appeal to everyone. Individuals attending this year’s event are encouraged to arrive early for parking. An antique car show will be on display on Cleveland Street, behind City Hall. Limited seating is available for entertainment during the festival. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information about festival activities, call 693-3303.
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Headland Area Chamber of Commerce announces 2014 agenda The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce announces the 2014 Harvest Day Festival agenda.The festival activities are as follows: » 9-9:15 a.m. — Welcome and introduction of local queens; Ricky Sowell will perform the invocation; Boy Scout Troup 123 will perform the flag ceremony,
while Tania Dollar performs the National Anthem. » 9:15 a.m. — H.H.S. Band
» 10:15 a.m. — announcements
» 12:30 p.m. — Oldies singing performed by Gary Smith
» 10:30 a.m. — Marital arts demo performed by Hurst’s Tae Kwon Do » 1 p.m. — Performance by » 11 a.m. — Pee Wee Cheer A, B Spark Theatre Company
» 9:25 a.m. — H.H.S. junior varsity cheerleaders
and C teams
» 9:30 a.m. — H.H.S. varsity cheerleaders
» 11:15 a.m. — Gospel singing performed by John Ard
» 9:45 a.m. — Singing performed by Tania Dollar
» 11:45 a.m. — Southern Gospel performed by The Christian Heirs
FUN FOR ALL AGES
» 1:30 p.m. — Singing performed by Ed Tanza
» 2:15 p.m. — Announcements » 2:30 p.m. — STEPS Dance Studio performance.
Keep an eye on your children Police: Officers with the Headland Police Department will be in attendance during this year’s annual Harvest Day Festival. “I ask all parents to keep an eye on their children during the Harvest Day
See POLICE, Page 15
ABOVE: Last year the Headland Chamber of Commerce had more than 100 vendors participate in the annual Harvest Day Festival, and more are expected this year. Vendors offer a variety of items, from food to arts and crafts, for all to enjoy. RIGHT: For years, children have lined up around the town square to wait their turn to participate in the pony ride. Pony rides will be available for children who meet the appropriate age requirements.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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Welcome to the city of Headland From the Mayor
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t’s a great time to be from Headland. On behalf of the Headland City Council and the city’s residents, let me welcome you to Headland’s 43rd annual Harvest Day Festival. Harvest Day is a day we put aside to honor our local farmers, plus enjoy some very fine entertainment. For those of you who have never visited our city or maybe it’s been awhile since your last visit, we hope you like what you see with the improvements around
the town square. Harvest Day is a great way to not only become more familiar with our town but our residents as Mayor well. Ray Marler Headland is populated by happy, friendly people who love life and their places in it. Welcome to our city. We hope you have a great experience in Headland and will come back again and again. RAY MARLER Mayor of Headland
WISHING OUR FARMING COMMUNITY A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST THIS SEASON
Real Steaks Hand Carved for Real Steak Lovers open harvest day 11:00 am - 10:00 pm featuring burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pastas in addition to our legendary steaks
16444 hwy. 431 headland 693-0507
Eat In Historic Headland, AL
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FFA more than just farming W
hen individuals hear the National FFA Organization mentioned, everyone jumps to the conclusion of farming. That’s understandable. When the FFA started several years ago, it was related to just farming. Times have changed, and so have the contents of FFA. Although farming is a huge part of the FFA program, it has grown to include several other related topics associated with agriculture. “I have more than 70 students who participate
in the different classes through my vocational classes here at Headland High School,” said Tracy Scott, FFA director. “We have programs that not only appeal to students interested in farming, but courses also reach out to students who are interested in agri-science, animal science and twoand-four-stroke engines. It is truly amazing how, over the years, more and more topics and interests are addressed and made available for students.” Students who partici-
pate in the agri-science course learn career opportunities, safety, technology applications, wildlife science, wood working, small engines, electrical wiring and plumbing. The goals of the agri-science course strive to expand the curriculum beyond the limits of these content standards to accommodate specific community interests and utilize local resources. “The majority of the subjects of the topics taught in the agri-science course are skills that a student can learn and apply
in the workforce,” Scott said. “This course encourages critical thinking, use of the scientific method, integration of technology, development of student leadership skills and application of knowledge and skills related to practical questions and problems. Safety concepts are integrated into instruction to the maximum extent possible. My goal is, for whatever courses these students participate in, they are prepared for either continuing their Headland High School students participating in the AgriScience class listen to Tracy Scott, FFA director, review See FFA, Page 15 material for their upcoming test.
ALL ABOARD FOR A TRAIN RIDE Children of all ages will once again have the chance to ride the train around the square in Headland during the annual Harvest Day Festival.
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334.693.3336
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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VENDORS OFFER HHS ANNOUNCES ITS 2014 FFA OFFICERS VARIETY OF ITEMS
Vendors will have booths set up around the town square offering a variety of items that should appeal to all.
Headland High School announces its 2014 FFA officers. They are Shelby Philips, president; Andrew Gamble, vice president; Nicholas Wiggins, secretary; Jacob Hartzog, treasurer; Riley Richburg, reporter; Dilan Kirkland, sentinel; Carey Solomon, parliamentarian; Kaitlyn Chestnut, photographer; Rob Bradshaw, historian; Cade Newton, chaplain; and Kaleb Wilkerson, student adviser.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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Peanuts – Know your facts Across the state 4-H is growing (The following information was provided by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.) There are many interesting facts about peanuts. You may be surprised at some of the following tidbits of information. Share them with friends and family and see their reactions, too. » Approximately half of the peanuts grown in the United States are grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan. » Alabama has 1,400 peanut farmers who employ an additional 2,500 full-time employees. » The National Peanut Festival, the nation’s largest peanut festival, is held each fall in Dothan to honor peanut growers. For more information, call the NPF office at (334) 7934323 or visit www.national peanutfestival.com » Americans consume 700 million pounds or 3.3 pounds per person, of peanut butter per year…. that’s enough to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon. » There are approximately 810 peanuts in an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter. » The United States produces four basic varieties of peanuts: Runner, Virginia, Spanish and
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Valencia. Each type is distinctive in size and flavor. Runners are grown mainly in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma. » Brundidge, Ala., hosts the annual Brundidge Peanut Butter Festival the last Saturday in October. For more information, call 735-2385. » The peanut is unusual, because it flowers above the ground, but fruits below the ground. » By law, any product labeled “peanut butter” in the United States must be at least 90-percent peanuts. » Nearly half of the United States peanut crop is used to make peanut butter. » In the U.S., annual peanut production (about 1.5 million tons per year) often exceeds the production of beans and peas combined. » Worldwide, about two-thirds of the crop is processed for peanut oil. » 20 percent of the world’s peanut production
Headland Insurance Agency “Dependable Service”
is used in candy. » Peanut oil accounts for eight percent of the world’s edible oil production. » Peanuts are also called goobers, goober peas, pindars, ground nuts, earth nuts, monkey nuts and grass nuts. » Peanuts are members of the pea family. » Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the U.S. » The first peanuts grown in the United States were grown in Virginia. » Peanuts may be a favorite food, but we’ve found many uses for their shells, too! You might find peanut shells in kitty litter, wallboard, fireplace logs, paper, animal feed and sometimes as fuel for power plants. » Two peanut farmers have been elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter. » One acre of peanuts will make 30,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
We Appreciate Our Farmers & Their Support
Good Luck This Season!
6 East Church St. • Headland, AL 36345 Phone: (334) 693-3351 www.headlandinsurance.com
• Auto • Life • Home • Commercial • Bonds • Farm Owners Billy & Cindy Hamm • Kellie H. Price • Wanda Stacey and Judy Smith
he love of agriculture starts at a very young age. That is why the Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers 4-H to students across the state. The youth development mission of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 4-H has agents in each county who work with youth and train volunteer leaders to provide a wide range of educational programs. “Alabama 4-H offers a variety of programming in every county, so a youth is only limited by his/her interest and passion,” said Lamar Nichols, assistant director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for 4-H and Youth Development. In hard economic times being faced by all families, 4-H continues to not charge a membership fee and offers noto-low cost programs and events. “Alabamians see the value of 4-H programs and know with the great work of our regional 4-H Extension agents, county staff and volunteer leaders, we are building belonging, independence,
generosity and mastery in today’s young people,” Nichols added. 4-H offers unique adult membership and research-based youth development education because of its link to landgrant universities nationwide — something no other youth development organization offers. The mission of 4-H, “Join the Revolution of Responsibility,” is tied to a national research report that shows 4-H’ers are caring, involved and responsible youth. The study shows they are 25 percent more likely to contribute to their families and communities, spend more time exercising and being physically active, and two times less likely to engage in drug use, drink alcohol or to use cigarettes. Alabama 4-H is open to youth between the ages of 9 and 18 and offers many types of clubs, including the following: In schools, which provide 4-H educational materials and projects for teachers and volunteers to use in class.
See GROWING, Page 13
We appreciate and proudly support all of our area farmers during this harvest season.
Headland ace Hardware Highway 431 • Headland, AL
(334) 693-2140 Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
4-H teaches students life lessons
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he Alabama 4-H Club Foundation was established more than 50 years ago to support statewide 4-H youth education programs delivered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Over the years, students participating in the 4-H program have learned many life lessons. “Many individuals may not truly understand what the 4-H program offers to students,” said Doug Summerford, 4-H Regional Extension agent. The 4-H program originally started out as being known as the Corn Club for boys and the Tomato Canning Club for girls. With times changing, so did the program and the skills taught.” The 4-H program is taught in many schools across the state of Alabama. Many are in the county school systems. Summerford oversees Henry, Houston and Dale counties. “Dale and Henry counties have around 650 students who participate in the 4-H program,” Summerford said. “Houston County has around 175 students. Students who participate in the program learn many life skills. Yes, the program still includes agriculture, but so much more is available to students. Not only do students enjoy the completion levels available through the programs, but, they also learn the importance of responsibility and hard work. “We have programs available that allow students who are interested in livestock the chance to not only raise the animal or take care of the animal, but they must also show
teach the students the way to handle a situation, where, not only has the student stressed to their friend they are not interested, but, if their friend needs someone to talk to, the 4-H student can help educate them on the right people to turn to. We also have programs available that show the importance of learning computer skills and bicycle safety. There are just so many programs available through the 4-H.” Another favorite program for 4-H students is the Skins and Skulls 4-H teaches students life program. lessons Henry County 4-H “A majority of the stuinstructor Samantha Dansby dents love this program,” discusses the importance Summerford said. “I take of being a 4-H member several animal skins and with students at Headland skulls with me during our Elementary School. lessons, and the students the animal in competihave the chance to see, tions. This program allows feel and learn about what the students to learn that animal’s function is responsibilities in caring in our environment. This for the animal, keeping re- program is usually a huge cords of the animal’s food success. Many students and supplies as well as have never even seen a learning how to show ani- possum before or a real mals. Then, if the animal is deer. This program, to sold, the student has also many students, is the first learned the importance chance they have ever of making and managing even seen or heard about a money.” possum. The 4-H program The 4-H program also truly is amazing. See, it is teaches life lessons outnot all about agriculture side of agriculture. anymore, but so, so much “We also have a program more.” that targets middle school For more information students,” Summerford on the local 4-H Club, call said. “The program is 693-2010. designed to teach children “We are always looking the importance of staying for more students to paraway from drugs, alcohol ticipate in the program,” and tobacco. The program Summerford said. “Howalso teaches students how ever, we are also looking to handle situations with for volunteers to help with friends that involve drugs, the program. It is a great alcohol and tobacco. A way to help educate our majority of students will children in life skills in sometime or the other be a fun way. Knowing you approached by a friend might have helped make to use these items. This a difference in the life of program is designed to student is priceless.”
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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Saluting Our Farmers During The Harvest Season!
GOLDEN PEANUT COMPANY 693-3332 • 693-2721 Headland
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
HARVEST DAY PAGEANTS
Tiny Miss Harvest Day
Miss Harvest Day
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Teen Miss Harvest Day
LEFT: The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce announces its 2014 Miss Harvest Day, Caroline Bradford. RIGHT: Makela Perry was crowned the 2014 Teen Miss Harvest Day. The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all of its sponsors for this year’s pageant.
Kinley Hughes was crowned Tiny Miss Harvest Day during the annual Harvest Day pageant. Ella Waters was named first runner-up, and Lydia Money was named second runner-up.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
HARVEST DAY PAGEANTS Junior Miss Harvest Day
LEFT: Paige Griffin was crowned the 2014 Junior Miss Harvest Day. Abbey-Leigh Jones was named first runner-up, and Emma Wells was named second runnerup.
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RIGHT: Reece Bradford was crowned the 2014 Little Miss Harvest Day with Lana Jeffcoat being named second runner-up. Not pictured is Lori Jane Woodham, first runner-up.
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Congratulations
Lori Jane Woodham! First Runner Up Little Miss Harvest Day 2014
The Power of Community,
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A LOT OF THINGS TO CHEER ABOUT
RIDES ALL AGES CAN ENJOY
One major attraction during the annual Harvest Day Festival is the entertainment provided by the Headland junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders.
Children of all ages will be amazed at the many rides that will be available during the 43rd Annual Harvest Day Festival.
Are today’s youth properly trained to work in the agricultural field? (The following information was submitted for publication by Jimmy Jones, Henry County Extension agent.) n estimated 104 children younger than age 20 die of agricultural-related injuries on U.S. farms and ranches each year. Fatality rates among young agriculture workers range from 12 to 16 per 100,000 workers, about three times the private-sector rate. The fatality rate for all work-
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ers in agriculture is 19.2 per 100,000 workers. Of male youth fatalities, 53 percent occur in crop production. Female youth fatalities occur primarily in livestock production. Farm machinery (including tractors) is the leading agent of fatality, accounting for 36 percent of deaths to youth less than 20 years old. Thirty percent of farm-machineryrelated deaths are among children less than 5 years old. Drowning is the second-leading mechanism
of death on farms with children less than 5 years of age, accounting for 32 percent of farm deaths. The highest injury rates for all farm youth were seen for youth less than 10 years of age and youth 12 to 13 years of age (two injuries per 100 youth). The three most prevalent mechanisms of injury to youth less than 20 are falls (22 percent), followed by off-road transportation incidents (15 percent) and being
struck by objects (11 percent). It is the responsibility of adults to provide appropriate supervision for youth who work on Alabama farms. All agricultural tasks must be deemed appropriate for the youth who are approved to perform that task. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System will work with you by providing training and guidance to assess farm tasks and their appropriateness for your prospec-
tive youth employees. Contact your county office to receive helpful training that will reduce
Stanley R. McCardle, D.M.D., P.C.
Jimmy’s Heating and Cooling
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the incidence of farm fatalities and injuries to youth who work on your farm.
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HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
Keep an eye out for Fall armyworms F
all armyworms in pastures or hayfields have now been reported in 32 counties, as of July 28: Barbour, Blount, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Covington, Cullman, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Lamar, Lawrence, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marshall, Randolph, Pickens, Pike, St. Clair, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Wilcox, Winston and Washington. Armyworms invade Alabama pastures and hayfields every year. At best, they damage only a few fields during the summer. At worst, such as in 2009 and 2010, statewide epidemics of armyworms caused widespread damage to Alabama forages. The keys to armyworm control are understanding the biology of the insect and understanding how to best use each insecticide. » The insect that causes the most damage to Alabama forages officially is named the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The adjective “fall” is because the first papers written about the insect were from New York state where damage occurs in autumn. So, from here on out, I will use the name “fall armyworm.” This is to avoid confusion with the “true” armyworm (pseudaletia unipuncta), an occasional pest of fescue, corn and small grains in April and May. » Fall armyworms are subtropical insects. In extremely mild winters, a few fall armyworms may survive in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Elsewhere in Alabama, they die out after the first hard frost. Each spring, moths fly northward from overwintering grounds in Florida, the Caribbean Islands and southern Texas. The first moths usually
fly into southern Alabama in April. Later generations work their way northward, reaching north Alabama by May, but not reaching New York state until late summer. During the course of the season, local populations of fall armyworm are increased by flights of moths from farther south. » If it is a hot, dry summer ,you can be sure that fall armyworm populations will be higher than usual. In summers with normal or better rainfall a combination of diseases and parasitic insects keeps fall armyworms under control most of the time. In hot, dry summers, the natural enemies just can’t keep up with the fall armyworms. » Fall armyworm damage tends to occur in short intervals that are about a month apart. Why? It takes approximately one month from the time a fall armyworm moth lays an egg to the time her daughters lay their first eggs. This is all dependent on temperature, of course, since insects are cold-blooded. The warmer it is, the shorter this generation time. But as a general rule of thumb, in the middle of the summer: » Eggs hatch in two to four days. » Caterpillars feed for about two weeks, during which time they pass through six growth periods (instars). » Caterpillars transform into moths during the pupal stage, which lasts about nine days. » Adult moths live for about two weeks, but females lay most of their eggs four to nine days after they emerge from the pupal stage. » In epidemic years, the generations of fall armyworms overlap, allowing for almost continuous egg laying, which
means that caterpillars of all sizes can be found in a given field. In epidemic years, the monthly intervals when most of the damage occurs are not as noticeable. » Fall armyworm damage seems to appear overnight. All too often, the first warning a cattleman sees is the appearance of brown circular patches where the caterpillars have eaten all the grass. Even worse is to see an army of caterpillars crawling into a field from an adjoining field, leaving large defoliated areas behind them. Caterpillars tend to hide during the heat of the day, which makes it even harder to find them. » The first damage from fall armyworms is often seen in the same area of the field as in previous years. This is because the female moths are choosy about where they lay their eggs. Some of their favorite places to deposit a mass of eggs are: the underside of fence rails, the underside of tree branches, and lush, well-fertilized forage such as Bermuda grass and brown top millet. So if you usually see the first brown spots occurring in your best hayfield, under the limbs of the big oak tree, now you know why. Experience in where fall armyworms are first found can help you find the caterpillars before they cause problems. » The good news and the bad news is that most of the damage from fall armyworms is caused over the course of about four days from feeding by the biggest caterpillars (the last instar, which is ¾-inch long or larger). Bad news: if you discover the caterpillars when they are big, because damage occurs rapidly, and
See ARMYWORMS, Page 15
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Be cautious of slow-moving vehicles on south Alabama highways
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ave you ever seen a slow-moving-vehicle sign on a farm tractor traveling on a highway? The sign indicates that the vehicle is a slow-moving vehicle. When you see the sign, you must slow down. If you are traveling at 60 miles per hour and are 100 yards away from the vehicle — the length of a football field — you have 3.4 seconds until you will hit the vehicle unless you apply your brakes. Average reaction time is approximately 0.7 seconds, which leaves 2.7 seconds to reduce your speed to that of the tractor or about 20 miles per hour. We share our rural highways with farm tractors, and we must expect to encounter them in rural areas of Alabama. When you approach a slow-moving vehicle, slow down quickly and pass with caution, when the way is clear. Many visitors travel to Alabama beaches during the summer months. Farming is prevalent in many of these rural areas, and tractors must travel the same roadways as these visitors. Remain aware of slow-moving vehicles and drive responsibly and patiently. Just remember, when you see a farm vehicle on the road, brake immediately. Enjoy your stay, be safe and come back to visit again. This message is brought to you by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
god bless our farmers!
Proudly Supports And Salutes All Area Farmers and Appreciates Their Business. Water Wells
Service & Maintenance
746 E. Main St. • Headland, AL • 693-2969
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• Sewing & Quilting Classes • Fabrics & Notions • Patterns & Books • Quilt Repair • Quilt Appraisals • Gift Certificates Available!
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
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The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries held a Pesticide Cleanup Day during the month of September. The event allowed local farmers to properly remove unwanted, unusable and unneeded pesticide free of charge. The event was made possible through an Environmental Protection Agency grant.
Local farmers do their part to protect the environment
D
uring the month of September the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the State of Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries held a Pesticide Cleanup Day at the Wiregrass Substation in Headland. “Alabama has hosted events like this, throughout the state since 1995,” said Ray Marler Agricultural and Industries Supervisor Pesticide Management Section. “Since 1995, one million pounds of unwanted pesticide related materials have been collected and properly removed by standards set by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).” This was Headland’s third time hosting the cleanup day. “The last time we held this event in Henry County, we collected 88,000 pounds,” said Jimmy Jones, Henry County Extension agent. “This event is not only a partnership between us all, but, most importantly, it is all about building trust between us and the farmers. This is an event that allows farmers to disregard unwanted, unusable and not needed pesticides without any questions asked. That is where the trust comes in. This event is not held to ridicule anyone, it is held to eliminate unwanted materials properly instead of the pesticides getting into our precious natural resources.” All materials collected were properly weighed, secured and transported by an
11 member crew provided through MXI Environmental Services LLC. “All the materials collected will be transported to our Virginia location,” said Jon Ramsay, MXI Environmental manager. “The materials will be consolidated and liquids safely removed and then placed into an EPA approved incinerator.” According to Jones, in order for a farmer to properly remove unwanted, unusable or unneeded pesticides, the farmer would pay thousands. However, this program is free of charge to farmers. “Our farmers are our biggest environmentalists,” Jones said. “They need all natural resources to be free from harm. That is why this event is so important to all involved. Yes, it took some time to build the trust bond between us and the farmers. That bond is still growing. Everyone involved in this removal project has one goal — to protect our natural resources.” The Pesticide Cleanup Day was made possible through grants through the EPA. “We are hoping to continue to have the cleanup days available annually throughout the state,” Marler said. “Each event is rotated between counties each year. However, each event is made possible through grants provided through the EPA. As long as the funds are available, the state of Alabama will continue to hosts these events to benefit our farmers and protect our natural resources.”
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HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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LOTS OF FUN, ENTERTAINMENT
LEFT: What Harvest Day Festival would be complete without the famous blow-up slide? CENTER: The inflatable Moon Walk, an all-time favorite of children, will be set up on the square ready to please every child who enters. RIGHT: Children of all ages will have many forms of entertainment available at the 43rd annual Harvest Day Festival Oct. 11.
Tips to stay safe when dealing with grain bins Growing (The following information was submitted for publication by Jimmy Jones, Henry County Extension agent.) » When a grain bin is unloaded, the grain flows downward from the top center creating a funnel effect where the conveyor transports the grain out of the bin. It takes less than three seconds for a person inside the bin to become helpless in flowing grain. The grain acts like quicksand and will pull a worker under the grain and cause suffocation.
No one should enter a grain bin or gravity wagon when grain is present. » Never enter a grain storage structure when it is being loaded or unloaded. All power conveying equipment, both automatic and manual, must be shut off, locked and tagged to prevent unexpected operation. » Always use a safety harness with a safety line and two observers during any grain bin entry. » Install a permanent ladder
on the inside of all grain bins for workers to use for emergency entry and exit. » Secure all grain storage areas to prevent unauthorized entry. » All external grain bin access ladders must be raised above the ground at a height that is inaccessible to children. » Warn all workers, family members and visitors about the dangers of flowing grain. » Place warning decals on all bin entrances and gravity wag-
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ons. Stored grain can cake and form a crust leaving a hollow area below the crust. It can appear stable enough to walk on, but will usually break and instantly bury the worker in the hollow cavity that formed below the crust. Grain can also form large vertical columns against the bin wall, forming a V-shaped cavity in the center of the bin. Workers that dislodge the grain using a stick or other device may suddenly cause the wall to collapse, burying the worker.
From Page 6
Community 4-H club, which can service a wide range of 4-H’ers with many members enrolling in projects according to their interests. Special interest clubs, such as shooting sports, livestock judging, Junior Master Gardener or a particular need in their community. In addition to clubs, Alabama 4-H’ers can take part in a variety of activities offered by the community, county and state. For more information, call the Henry County Alabama Cooperative Extension Office at 585-6416.
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HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
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Harvest up new recipes with peanuts (The following recipes have been provided by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.) Peanut butter surprise cookies 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 2 c. old fashioned oats 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 c. unsalted butter, chilled, cut up 1 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar 1 c. creamy peanut butter 4 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs 3 c. honey-roasted peanuts 2 (10 oz) pkg. peanut butter chips 2 (8 oz) pkg. toffee bits or 12 (1.4 oz.) bars milk chocolate toffee, such as Heath bars, chopped. Directions: Whisk flour, oats, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl at medium speed 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. At low speed, beat in flour mixture just until combined. Stir in peanuts, peanut butter chips and toffee bits. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
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F., line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Gently form into balls and flatten slightly to about ½- to ¾-inch thickness. Freeze dough on baking sheets for 10 minutes or until firm. Bake about 12 minutes or until light brown on edges. Cool on baking sheet on wire rack 3 minutes. Place cookies on rack to cool completely before storing. Gluten free peanut butter vanilla bean cake 1 1/2 c. (1 can) Great Northern Beans (or any white beans), rinsed and drained 1/3 c. peanut butter 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 c. coconut oil, melted 3 large eggs 1/2 c. local raw honey Directions: Grease or line a 8”x8”square pan and preheat the oven to 350; in a food processor or blender, puree the rinsed and drained beans.Add in the peanut butter and other ingredients, mixing well. Scrape down the sides of the machine or blender with a spatula as needed until no lumps remain. Pour mixture into baking pan and bake for 32-38 minutes or until middle is set and edges are lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack for one hour to
AXES
finish setting. Dust cake with powdered sugar, cut into 9 squares. Peanut butter loaf with chocolate chips 1 c. creamy peanut butter 1 c. granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp kosher salt 1/3 cup unsalted peanuts halves 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper so it over hangs the edges. Beat the peanut butter with the sugar until creamy.Add the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Beat in the milk until smooth. Stir the flour with the baking powder and salt. Stir into the wet mixture just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Scatter the peanuts and chocolate chips over the top of the loaf. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the loaf out of the pan and directly onto the rack cool completely.
Peanut butter, strawberry, pineapple smoothie 1 1/2 c. fresh or frozen strawberries 1 c. plain, fat free Greek yogurt 1 c .milk 1/4 c. pineapple juice 1/3 c. creamy peanut butter 1 tbsp. honey (approx.) Directions: Place the strawberries, yogurt, milk, pineapple juice, peanut butter and honey in a blender. Puree until very smooth. Adjust honey to taste. Serve immediately. Makes two to four servings. Nutty-Jalapeno-chicken stuffed peppers 12 large jalapeño peppers, split open (but not all the way through) and seeded
1/2 c. peanut butter 1 c. shredded cooked chicken 3-oz. package cooked bacon pieces 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 c. mayonnaise 1 c. crushed cornflakes Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peppers in a medium bowl and cover with boiling water two minutes. Drain and pat dry. In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, chicken, bacon and cheese. Fill each jalapeño with the mixture. Smear each pepper with a little mayonnaise and roll in the cornflakes in a shallow dish to cover. Place jalapeño on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 15-20 minutes.
Breakfast with Elvis 4 slices bread 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter 1 ripe banana 1 tbsp.butter 3/4 c. milk 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: Spread peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread. Cut banana in half crosswise and lengthwise. Put two pieces of banana on two pieces of bread. Cover with remaining slices of bread, making two sandwiches. Melt butter in non-stick skillet over medium heat. In a flat bowl, beat together milk, eggs and vanilla. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture, allowing both sides time to soak it up. Saute until golden brown on each side.
Best Wishes for a Great Harvest Season!
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FARMERS PREPARE
Farmers across the area are hoping the rain will continue to stay away for just a little longer. Harvest time for many farmers is just around the corner. However, a few peanut crops are being harvested.
Police From Page 3
Festival,” said Chief Mark Jones of the Headland Police Department. “There will be several items drawing children’s attention from their parents. If a child is allowed to play games without their parents’ supervision, we ask all parents to establish a time when their child should report back to them.”
Armyworms
The Headland Police Department will have officers stationed throughout the town square to promote safety during the festival. “We ask everyone, if they notice anything suspicious taking place, to notify an officer,” Jones said. “We are also asking everyone to not leave any valuables visible in their vehicle. Lock all valuables in your trunk while you enjoy all the Harvest Day activities.
small. The easiest way is to try to find them using an insect sweep net. From Page 11 Watch out for grazing the caterpillars may have and harvesting intervals, burrowed into the ground which restrict how soon to pupate before you have a field can be grazed or time to spray an insectiharvested following apcide. Good news: if you plication. Insecticides can find the armyworms with longer residuals are a during the 10 days or so better choice for outbreak when they are younger, years. Some insecticides smaller, and not yet caus- will only kill smaller ing damage. If you find caterpillars, so check the them early, you have comments provided about more time to react and yet each insecticide. still control them before You can find more widespread damage ocinformation about fall curs. armyworms in your local » It is possible to find the Alabama Cooperative Excaterpillars when they are tension System Office.
HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
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Peanut butter a favorite snack by many (The following information was submitted for publication by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.) Many individuals love to eat peanut butter. However, a favorite peanut butter product enjoyed by individuals of all ages is the famous peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich stacks up well against other popular food items, such as a chicken filet sandwich, a hot dog, a slice of pepperoni and a hamburger.
FFA From Page 4
education or joining the workforce, and they will leave here with the knowledge they need to show their employer they have education and experience in that field.” The Animal Science portion provides students with instruction in this area of the agricultural industry. Students participate in activities related to the animal science field as they engage in the study of topics, such as career opportunities, safety, importance of the livestock industry, breed identification and characteristics, nutrition, disease and parasite control, genetics and reproduction, animal rights versus animal welfare, and specialty animal production and animal products. “The goals of animal science are to strive to expand the curriculum beyond the limits to accommodate specific community interests and utilize local resources,” Scott said. A favorite among the
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich made on white bread contains a lower percentage of calories from fat, less saturated fat and almost no cholesterol (The small amount is from the bread) than the other items. The peanut butter and jelly contains more fiber and less sodium than the other items (with only one exception-the hamburger contain two milligrams less sodium than the peanut butter and jelly.) All comparisons were based on 100-gram servings. A 100-gram
male students attending HHS is the Two-and FourStroke-Engine Course. “This course addresses career opportunities, as well, but it also teaches safety, tool usage, engine overhaul and exhaust systems, cooling systems and preventive maintenance all related to two-
peanut butter and jelly sandwich includes two tablespoons of peanut butter and two slices of white bread with jelly. The chicken filet sandwich is two ounces of chicken on a plain bun with no condiments (This is much smaller than a normal chicken sandwich.). The hot dog on a plain bun has no condiments included. The slice of pepperoni pizza represents 1/8 of a 13-inch pizza. The hamburger is two ounces of lean ground beef on a plain bun with no condiments.
and four-stroke engines,” Scott said. “These Organizations serve as a means to enhance classroom instruction while helping students develop leadership abilities, expand workplace-readiness skills and broaden opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“I believe every course taught helps students to be productive citizens and leaders in an everchanging society. “That is the goal I strive every year to accomplish, making my students understand what they do does matter and is important in our society.”
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Wishing Our Farmers a great harvest seasOn!
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014
HARVEST DAY FESTIVAL
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Harvest Day Reminds Us That Our Heritage Is Rich. Our community’s celebration of Harvest Day is an annual event that signals many things to each of us. We remember that we are blessed as a nation, that nature has smiled on our farmers, and that the joy of gathering among friends and neighbors on this day is a clear sign that autumn is passing. Winter will arrive soon, and the cycle of life goes on. Right here at home, Harvest Day is a signature event, and when it comes to our community, its traditions and its values, HNB First stands tall. We proudly serve as your true community bank, investing our efforts, resources and focus on our hometown all day, every day.
40 Main Street • Headland • 18057 U.S. Highway 431 • Headland 334.693.3352 • www.hnbfirst.com
Community banking at its best!