Neighbors Magazine November 2020

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November/Winter 2020 | Volume 45 | Number 11 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 | Seminole 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.

13

In This Issue 5 | Hurricane Sally Slams Alabama Gulf Coast

36 | Thanksgiving Sides

13 | Bama In A Box Spotlights State’s Small Businesses

17 | Ag Foundation Names Scholarship Winners

28 | Vote In Honor Of A Veteran Program

5

21

On The Cover

Zachary Foster, the 9-year-old son of Mitch and Jenny Foster, practices on his horse, Miss Cheyenne. The Fosters say horses keep their family close.

36

Photo By Debra Davis

www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQAM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

alfafarmers.org

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Now more than ever, celebrate life’s simple pleasures withcelebrate peanuts. life’s Now more than ever, simple pleasures with peanuts.

PeanutButter ButterSweet SweetPotato Potato Bread Peanut Bread

Recipe Littleofofsouthernbite.com southernbite.com Recipe by

by Stacey Stacey Little

15 minutes 15 minutes 12 PrepPrep time:time: 15 minutes CookCook time: time: 1 hour1 hour Total: 1Total: hour 1 15hour minutes Servings:Servings: 12

Ingredients Ingredients •• 1 ½1cups all-purpose flour flour • ½ cups all-purpose •• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda • •• ½ teaspoon salt salt • ½ teaspoon •• 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon cinnamon •• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

2• large 2 eggs large eggs ¼• cup¼unsalted butter, melted cup unsalted butter, melted ¾• cup¾firmly packed light brown cup firmly packed lightsugar brown sugar 1• teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½• cup½finely roastedroasted cup chopped finely chopped salted peanuts

Directions Directions

salted peanuts

Preheat the oven to 350F° and lightly spray a 9x5-inch baking pan with nonstick Preheat the In oven to 350F° and lightly spray 9x5-inch cooking spray. a large bowl, whisk together theaflour, bakingbaking soda, pan salt, with and nonstick cookingSet spray.

InIna another large bowl, thethe flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. aside. largewhisk bowl, together stir together sweet potatoes, cinnamon.

Set aside. another large bowl, stir together peanut butter, eggs, butter,Inbrown sugar, and vanilla.

Mix well. the Addsweet the drypotatoes, ingredients to the wet andbutter, mix until just combined, cautious to not Add over the dry peanut butter, eggs, brown sugar, andbeing vanilla.

Mix well. mix.

Pour the batter prepared pan and sprinkle the chopped peanuts ingredients to theinto wetthe and mix until just combined, being cautious to not over over the Pour batter.the Bake for 50 tothe 60 minutes orpan untiland a toothpick in the peanuts mix. batter into prepared sprinkleinserted the chopped center out clean. to cool or in until the pan for about inserted 10 minutes overcomes the batter.

BakeAllow for 50the tobread 60 minutes a toothpick in the before removing. center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes

before removing.

Nutrition information per serving

Nutrition information per serving

271 calories, 14.7 g fat, 5.2 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 232 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 2.1 g fiber, 11.4 sugar, 7.5 g protein, 32% vitamin D, calories, 14.74% g fat, 5.2 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 232 mg sodium, 2%271 calcium, 13% iron, potassium

29 g carbohydrate, 2.1 g fiber, 11.4 sugar, 7.5 g protein, 32% vitamin D,

For 2% more peanutty13% recipes, calcium, iron,visit 4% nationalpeanutboard.org potassium

For more peanutty recipes, visit nationalpeanutboard.org

A once-promising pecan crop took a beating from Hurricane Sally. Baldwin County farmer Todd Cassebaum said fallen trees in the orchard will take years to replace following the Category 2 storm, which made landfall Sept. 16.

Hurricane Sally Slams Coast, Farmers Predict Major Losses

By Marlee Moore and Debra Davis low-moving Hurricane Sally stalled S for hours along Alabama’s Gulf Coast Sept. 16, her creeping progress

flooding fields — and farmers’ hopes for bumper harvests.

“It started blowing high winds about 3 a.m. and didn’t stop till mid-morning.

It was a beating,” said Eric Street, who farms near Fairhope with his brother, Tobin.

Forecasters originally predicted the storm would hit the Louisiana coast, but as it slowly churned in the Gulf, the storm turned east and made landfall in Alabama — 16 years to the day since Hurricane Ivan devastated the state.

Before the Category 2 storm brought 100-plus mph winds and over 20 inches of rain, Street was optimistic about his crops.

“We felt like we had a great crop of cotton, an awesome crop of peanuts and one of our best crops of soybeans,” said Street, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee. “This is why we buy crop insurance and why we bought the new hurricane protection insurance.”

Street’s fellow Gulf Coast farmers praised the new insurance product, developed by the Risk Management

alfafarmers.org

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, left, met with farmers such as Eric Street Sept. 28 during a listening session in Baldwin County. The secretary toured damaged farms and heard firsthand how thankful farmers were for new hurricane protection insurance offered this year.

Agency, when Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue met with leaders Sept. 28.

Perdue said the listening session will help ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture appropriates resources and personnel to assist farmers as they recover.

Roundtable members included Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Federation state board member Mark Kaiser, Baldwin County Farmers Federation (BCFF) President Hope Cassebaum, and BCFF board members

Joel Sirmon and Ray Bertolla. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, and Alabama Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate helped coordinate the event.

The extent of damage to soybean, cotton and peanut quality and yields will become clear throughout harvest, but loss of massive, decades-old pecan trees is a pressing concern. Farmers estimate as many as 40% of their trees were overturned.

At Cassebaum’s farm in Lillian, limbs were loaded with pecans before November/Winter 2020

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Winds whipped the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Sally, damaging homes, felling power lines and ruining barns like this equipment shed at Bitto Farms in Elberta. The 100-plus mph wind also left some structures standing, like the Bittos’ grain bins.

Wind and rain peppered soybeans with tiny holes at Mark Kaiser’s farm in Seminole. It was a promising crop, Kaiser said, but pod development and quality were expected to suffer following the storm.

Wind ripped a concrete irrigation pivot foundation from the earth at Mark Kaiser’s farm. Farmers and other locals were short on time to prepare for Hurricane Sally, which originally tracked to make landfall west of Alabama.

Over 20 inches of rain flooded south Alabama as a result of Hurricane Sally. The slow-moving storm caused extensive damage to crops, pond dams, roadways and fields, including on State Wildlife Committee member Kenny Childree’s Barbour County property.

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November/Winter 2020

the storm. The bumper crop popped underfoot as she and her husband, Todd, surveyed orchard damage.

“Years’ worth of work is devastated,” Todd said. “We had a good crop coming before the storm. The wind was so hard the trunks rocked and fell. They just couldn’t take it.”

A concrete irrigation pivot foundation ripped from the soil told a similar story at Kaiser’s farm in Seminole.

“We knew once it slowed like that, we were in trouble,” he said. “There’s a certain amount of prep you can do but only so much time.”

Dillon Turk shared Kaiser’s sentiment.

Across Mobile Bay in Semmes, his family’s Martin’s Nursery uncovered greenhouses in preparation for the storm.

“If a bunch of wind is coming and we know it, we need to uncover the plastic,” said Turk, the Mobile County Young Farmers chair. “If the wind catches it, it can tear the whole greenhouse down. It’s hard enough to get ready with enough heads up, much less with a day’s notice.”

Fortunately, the nursery’s power was restored the day after the storm, while neighbors in Baldwin County powered up days later. Snapped power poles and downed lines were common sights the day after the storm.

Farmers farther inland felt Sally’s wrath, too. The storm dumped record amounts of rain, causing extensive damage to crops, pond dams and roadways.

Help to farmers and homeowners came in the form of 35 additional Alfa Insurance adjusters and agents deployed to help customers impacted

by Hurricane Sally. Adjusters and agents were checking on customers and taking claims as soon as the storm moved out, said Parnell, also president of Alfa.

The Federation also established a relief fund to help growers whose farms were damaged by Hurricane Sally, which can be accessed at AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org.

In Fairhope, Street spent the day after the storm helping neighbors clear driveways. He said storms like Sally put life into perspective.

“My family is accounted for, and no one is hurt. That’s what I care about,” he said. “This is going to be a kick, but we will recover.” alfafarmers.org

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Alfa Insurance Presents New Car To Teacher Of The Year

Dr. Andy Jackson, center, received the keys to a 20202021 Chevrolet Traverse Sept.

10 — just one way he’s being honored as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year. Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, presented the keys, along with State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey.

By Mary Wilson labama’s 2020-2021 Teacher of the A Year Dr. Andy Jackson was given the green light to drive off in a brand

new Chevrolet Traverse following a Sept. 10 press conference at the Alfa Insurance home office in Montgomery.

Thanks to Alfa, the fourth-grade teacher will cruise in style as he uses the car throughout his reign as Teacher of the Year.

“Teachers are so important when it comes to educating and inspiring the next generation,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We’re proud to partner with the Alabama State Department of Education to offer a vehicle to our state’s Teacher of the Year for the 24th consecutive year. I’m confident Dr. Jackson will make us all proud as he represents Alabama during this academic year.”

Employed at Eden Elementary School in the Pell City School System, Jackson is a National Board Certified Teacher who also has a background in special education. He and his wife, Sheree, are dedicated foster parents who have adopted children.

“It is truly an honor to represent

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Dr. Andy Jackson will travel in style as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, thanks to a new Chevrolet Traverse provided by Alfa Insurance. The Alabama Farmers Federation covers insurance for the vehicle.

Alabama’s educators,” Jackson said.

“The only thing constant in education, and often in life, is change. Education continues to evolve through research, technology and resources. But helping children learn and develop their own sense of individuality is still at the core of education. While there will always be challenges and growth opportunities in front of us, I am confident educators, families and communities will continue to rise to those challenges for the benefit of all children across our state.”

Jackson was one of more than 150 highly skilled educators nominated

for the award. The Alabama State Department of Education whittled nominees down to the Top 4 in July and announced Jackson as Teacher of the Year during an Aug. 13 board meeting.

As Teacher of the Year, Jackson will serve as an official spokesperson for education. He is also Alabama’s official candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.

“Dr. Jackson represents the essence of what a great educator is all about,” said Dr. Eric Mackey, state superintendent of education. “Through his professional accomplishments, as well as his personal life, Dr. Jackson walks the walk and demonstrates the true determination necessary to be a teacher and a leader. He not only has the mind of an educator — he has the heart. We look forward to him serving as a representative for the teachers of Alabama and being a strong, resolute example of what hard work, commitment and caring can yield.”

In addition to the car, insurance coverage is provided by Alfa Insurance with costs covered by the Alabama Farmers Federation. For more photos from the car presentation, check Alfa Insurance’s Facebook page. alfafarmers.org

Endorsements

FEDERAL & STATE RACES

President of the United States Joseph R. Biden  Donald Trump  United States Senator Doug Jones  Tommy Tuberville  United States Representative District 1 James Averhart  Jerry Carl  United States Representative District 2 Phyllis Harvey-Hall  Barry Moore  United States Representative District 3 Adia Winfrey  Mike Rogers 

Amendment #1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to amend Article VIII of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 177 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to provide that only a citizen of the United States has the right to vote.

 Yes

 No

Amendment #2

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to increase the membership of the Judicial Inquiry Commission and further provide for the appointment of the additional members; further provide for the membership of the Court of the Judiciary and further provide for the appointment of the additional members; further provide for the process of disqualifying an active judge; repeal provisions providing for the impeachment

Court of Civil Appeals Judge, Place No. 2

Matt Fridy 

United States Representative District 4 Rick Neighbors  Robert Aderholt 

Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place No. 1

United States Representative District 6

Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place No. 2

Gary Palmer 

United States Representative District 7

Terri A. Sewell 

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 1 Greg Shaw 

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Place No. 2 Brad Mendheim 

Court of Civil Appeals Judge, Place No. 1

William C. “Bill” Thompson 

Mary Windom 

Beth Kellum 

President of the Public Service Commission Laura Casey  Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh  State Board of Education District 1 Tom Holmes  Jackie Ziegler  State Board of Education District 3 Jarralynne Agee  Stephanie Bell  State Board of Education District 7 Belinda Palmer McRae 

STATEWIDE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS of Supreme Court Justices and appellate judges and the removal for cause of the judges of the district and circuit courts, judges of the probate courts, and judges of certain other courts by the Supreme Court; delete the authority of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to appoint an Administrative Director of Courts; provide the Supreme Court of Alabama with authority to appoint an Administrative Director of Courts; require the Legislature to establish procedures for the appointment of the Administrative Director of Courts; delete the requirement that a district court hold court in each incorporated municipality with a population of 1,000 or more where there is no municipal court; provide that the procedure for the filling of vacancies in the office of a judge may be changed by local constitutional amendment; delete certain language relating to the position of constable holding

more than one state office; delete a provision providing for the temporary maintenance of the prior judicial system; repeal the office of circuit solicitor; and make certain nonsubstantive stylistic changes.

 Yes

 No

Amendment #3

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a judge, other than a judge of probate, appointed to fill a vacancy would serve an initial term until the first Monday after the second Tuesday in January following the next general election after the judge has completed two years in office.

 Yes

 No

Amendment #4

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the Legislature to recompile the Alabama Constitution and submit it during the 2022

Regular Session, and provide a process for its ratification by the voters of this state.

 Yes

 No

Amendment #5

Relating to Franklin County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a person is not liable for using deadly physical force in self-defense or in the defense of another person on the premises of a church under certain conditions.

 Yes

 No

Amendment #6

Relating to Lauderdale County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to provide that a person is not liable for using deadly physical force in self-defense or in the defense of another person on the premises of a church under certain conditions.

 Yes

 No

Paid for and distributed by Alabama Farmers Federation, PO Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191. alfafarmers.org

November/Winter 2020

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Farmers Eligible For Additional $14 Billion In COVID-19 Relief

labama farmers facing continued market disruptions associated with A COVID-19 may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the second phase of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2). CFAP 2 will include up to $14 billion in direct support for agricultural producers.

CFAP 2 applications are due Dec. 11 at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Access a list of eligible commodities and payment limitations at farmers.gov/cfap.

USDA will use funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and Coronavirus Aid, Resources and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, poultry, aquaculture and additional commodities. USDA has incorporated improvements in CFAP 2 based on stakeholder engagement and public feedback to better meet the needs of impacted farmers.

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Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said farmers are grateful for the additional funding, which will help lessen COVID-19’s detrimental impacts on agriculture.

“This assistance is critical as farmers face another year of depressed prices, market uncertainties and, most recently, catastrophic weather,” Walker said.

He noted the Federation is reviewing the details of CFAP 2 and will work closely with FSA to assist farmers in applying for help.

President Donald J. Trump made the announcement Sept. 17 with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

“America’s agriculture communities are resilient but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Perdue said. “President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel and fiber America needs to thrive.”

Producers of commodities such as row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, poultry and aquaculture may be eligible for coronavirus relief from the federal government.

Producers interested in one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application can speak directly with a USDA employee at (877) 508-8364. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn more.

alfafarmers.org

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Health insurance you trust from agents you know.

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Contact your local Alfa® Office or call 1-800-392-5705

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AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR

Alabama Farm Bureau Services, Inc. is an independent authorized producer/agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Bama In A Box Subscription Service Supports Small Businesses Troy businesswoman Angi Horn Stalnaker started Bama In A Box to help small businesses connect to a larger customer base during the pandemic.

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By Debra Davis When COVID-19 closed many small businesses to local foot traffic, a Troy businesswoman turned the crisis into a challenge to help others survive and thrive. alfafarmers.org

“When the governor issued the mandate to shut down a lot of small businesses, people really started to focus on buying American-made products. Even more so, they started to focus on buying Alabama-made products,” said 44-year-old Angi Horn Stalnaker, owner of Virtus Solutions, a government relations and communications firm. “Many things we use every day are made by Alabama companies, but a lot of people maybe didn’t know about them.”

Stalnaker made it her mission to change that when she created Bama In A Box. “Most people who own and operate small businesses have the knowledge

and passion to be successful,” she said.

“What many of them don’t have is a marketing budget to introduce their product to the people outside their immediate area.”

The idea of a subscription box featuring Alabama products was born.

Stalnaker sought to arm Alabama shoppers with the names of companies that make products they frequently use: food products, glasses, laundry detergent, shampoo, etc. The list is almost endless. Even the 10-by-10-inch box that holds the items shipped to customers around the world is made in Alabama. She said it’s easier to say what each box doesn’t contain than to list all the possibilities.

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Bama In A Box employee A.J. Engram, left, and office manager Laney Kelley prepare subscription boxes for shipping. Each box is filled with five to seven items made in Alabama.

“A box won’t have fresh produce or anything that requires refrigeration,” Stalnaker said. “Each box contains something you can eat and something you can use. We’ve shipped bath bombs, barbecue sauce, potato chips, custom-roasted coffee, etched glasses, hair scrunchies, shampoo, pickles, pancake mix and popcorn — to name a few.”

Subscription boxes can be monthly, quarterly or a one-time purchase.

No two boxes are ever the same, and Stalnaker, with the help of Virtus Solutions’ officer manager Laney Kelley, has identified enough distinctive products to keep them unique for seven years.

“When we first started, I was nervous about how the subscription service would be received,” Stalnaker said.

“As we began to recruit businesses to participate, if I knew the owner, they were generally receptive. But some of the businesses I called that didn’t know me were skeptical. That’s changed now.

Businesses want to be part of our box.”

Stalnaker buys the items in bulk, which also helps small businesses.

Those who’ve participated in the program have found new followings far from their typical circle of shoppers.

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“I think Bama In A Box has helped in two ways,” Stalnaker said.

“We buy massive volumes from these small businesses.

Our subscribers get to sample new things and decide if they want to purchase more. Each box has a description of the products included and information about how to buy more.”

Participating business owners have profited from the concept. Being featured in Bama In A Box has grown customer reach and increased sales during what could have been a disastrous time.

“When the pandemic hit, it was concerning to me as a small business owner,” said Amy Jinright of Troy, owner of Southern Scents and Sensations. “I thought I would use the time to increase my inventory, but instead I have been struggling to keep up with demand.”

Jinright creates custom bath products and hand-poured soaps. One

of her bath bombs was in the first box and has generated new customers.

“I’ve had new customers from Hawaii, Alaska and Oregon since the first box went out,” Jinright said. “Of course, I’ve had lots of new sales in Alabama, too, but I was surprised to see just how far my products reached. Bama In A Box has been a blessing for me.”

Elizabeth Mize, who owns Honeysuckle Home in Tuscaloosa, shared a similar story. Her hand-etched glassware is part of the Bama In A Box subscription service.

“I’ve had very good feedback from people who received one of my glasses,” Mize said. “I’ve gotten several larger orders because people learned about my glassware through Bama In A Box.” Since it launched in June, Bama In A Box has grown by leaps and bounds, and a line of specialty boxes is the next big step.

The Alabama Grilling Kit, Bath In A Box, Breakfast In A Box, Bama Snack Pack, Alabama Hot Sauce Sampler and The Ultimate Alabama Gift Pack will be ready in time for Christmas.

Stalnaker emphasizes her sense of community by donating 10% of Bama In A Box profits to nonprofit organizations in Alabama. Like small businesses, those agencies suffered in the pandemic, she said.

“Each item in a box is somebody’s dream,” Stalnaker said. “A lot of people have great ideas about starting their own business, but the people with things featured in our boxes actually did it.

The spirit behind Bama In A Box is that Alabama is made up of small towns and small businesses. If you can buy a product from someone in Alabama, you should.”

For prices and subscription options, visit BamaInABox.com. alfafarmers.org

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Alfa Eminent Scholar Hired In Auburn College Of Agriculture

College of Agriculture at Auburn TtheheUniversity (AU) has announced hiring of Mykel Taylor as the Alfa

Endowed Eminent Scholar.

This faculty position involves research and instruction with a focus on promoting student achievement.

“Dr. Taylor’s strengths play hand-inhand with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s mission of helping farmers and the agriculture industry, which has a $70 billion impact annually,” said Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Taylor Federation president, Auburn College of Agriculture alumnus and Chilton County timber and cattle farmer.

“She has a true interest in farmers

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and a proven record of working with them and other stakeholders on farm management decisions. We will benefit from her communication skills and her skills in analyzing public policy and its impact on our state’s farmers. Dr. Taylor brings a level of expertise to Alabama and AU that will be especially helpful as leaders begin crafting future farm bills.”

Taylor is currently an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, where she has worked with landowners across the country to help mitigate common management struggles.

“I do research with land values and landowner-tenant relationships,” Taylor said. “It started because I got a lot of phone calls from individuals wanting help negotiating leases and understanding how to manage farmland leased out to farmers. Not only did I get a lot of those calls, but they were interesting calls. That really prompted me, and I’ve found that it has just been

a really interesting area of study and a pleasure to help those farm owners.”

Taylor assumes the position Jan. 1 and looks forward to the opportunities the new position at Auburn presents.

“I’m really looking forward to this shift from purely Extension to teaching in the classroom,” she said. “I’m excited to interact with students and bring my experience working with farmers and ranchers to the classroom and to the students. I think that’s going to be a great transition.”

The Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar provides leadership in a specific research area in partnership with the university; Alabama Cooperative Extension System; and state, national and international organizations and stakeholders.

This scholar engages regularly and effectively with producers, industry, nonprofits and organizations forming food and agriculture policies.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Taylor join the faculty here in the College of Agriculture,” said Paul Patterson, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. “She brings impressive experience in research and Extension and a background in farm management and land economics that will be an incredible asset to our college.”

Taylor earned her doctorate in economics from North Carolina State University. At Montana State University, she earned a Master of Science in applied economics and a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business management.

She has been a faculty member at Kansas State since 2011. Previously, she was an assistant professor and Extension specialist at Washington State University.

The Montana native, her husband Justin and children Camille, 14, Marlee, 10, and Tim, 6, eagerly anticipate their move to the South.

“It is a new adventure,” she said.

“It’s a great department with a lot of new faculty being hired, so there is an opportunity to be a mentor and leader in that respect. It’s a great school, and I’m excited to be part of it.” alfafarmers.org

Auburn University Ag, Forestry Students Awarded $128,000 In Scholarships County

Auburn University (AU) students earned $128,000 in scholarships through the Alabama Farmers Federation for 2020-2021. From left are forestry senior Orum Snow of Wilcox County, AU College of Agriculture Associate Dean for Instruction Amy Wright, Federation President Jimmy Parnell, agricultural business and economics sophomore Brittany Carroll of Dale County, and AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson.

By Marlee Moore and Mary Wilson eventy-six students at Auburn S University (AU) received scholarships for the 2020-2021

academic year through various Alabama Farmers Federation groups.

Of the recipients, 54 received the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) Scholarship. The

alfafarmers.org

Autauga Baldwin Barbour Blount Butler Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clay Coffee Colbert Conecuh Covington Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dallas DeKalb Elmore Escambia Etowah Geneva

Name Year Major Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Scholarship recipients Daniel Carter senior crop and soil sciences (science) Zoe Vicich senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Becky Hawkins senior agricultural business and economics Seth Ingram senior agricultural business and economics Catherine Odom senior poultry science (production) Rachel Hollingsworth senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Gavin Rankins junior animal sciences (animal/allied industries) Wesley Rogers sophomore animal sciences (pre-vet) Bailey Price senior crop and soil sciences (turfgrass) Kalie Lindsay sophomore animal sciences (animal/allied industries) Nick Pope senior wildlife ecology and management Will Jordan sophomore agricultural communications Cody Davis senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Katie Davis junior animal sciences (pre-vet) Abby Dunn junior agricultural business and economics Caleb Whitehurst senior agricultural business and economics Kyndal Staley sophomore poultry science (pre-vet) Kacie Donaldson senior agricultural business and economics Hannah Welch senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Will Ingram freshman agricultural business and economics Kailee Johnson senior agriscience education Kody Wingard freshman pre-forestry Will Smith senior forestry Emma Stough freshman applied biotechnology Sara Green freshman agricultural business and economics November/Winter 2020

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Hale Henry Houston Jackson Jefferson Lauderdale Lawrence Lee Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Marengo Marshall Mobile Monroe Montgomery Morgan Pickens Pike Randolph Shelby St. Clair Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Walker Washington Wilcox

Shelby Marsh junior animal sciences (animal/allied industries) Kaitlyn Chestnut senior agricultural science Anna Beth Freeman senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Megan Woodall freshman pre-agriscience education Clayton Crump senior poultry science (production) Angelina Rich sophomore horticulture Tanner Hood sophomore agricultural communications Louie Harris freshman animal sciences (pre-vet) Jasey Black junior agricultural communications Abigail Lane sophomore biological and agricultural technology management Alyson Mann junior wildlife science (pre-vet) Luke Cheatham junior crop and soil sciences (turfgrass) William Yates sophomore biological and agricultural technology management Nathan Cornutt senior crop and soil sciences (production) Will Miller senior crop and soil sciences (production) Clay Tucker senior agricultural business and economics Mason Belcher freshman animal sciences (pre-vet) Dustin Randolph sophomore crop and soil sciences (production) Victoria Dee senior agricultural communications Alexander Mueller junior horticulture Kendall Holmes senior agriscience education Robert Baxley Shores freshman wildlife ecology and management Ben Castleberry senior agriscience education Josie Williams junior agricultural business and economics Sage Hammonds senior agricultural business and economics Lizann LaBresh freshman animal sciences (pre-vet) Jace McCauley senior forestry Riley Hill junior environmental science Orum Snow senior forestry Additional County Farmers Federation Scholarship recipients Grayson Bertolla senior ecological engineering Regan Smart freshman environmental science Gavin Rankins junior animal sciences (animal/allied industries) Thaddeus Hunter senior animal sciences (pre-vet) Dawson Jernigan freshman poultry science (pre-vet) Emily Wismer junior horticulture Peyton Zessin junior agricultural science Brittany Carroll sophomore agricultural business and economics Gabriel Alger junior crop and soil sciences (production) Wayne Brady senior crop and soil sciences (science) Bryce Johnson sophomore crop and soil sciences (production) Clay Rippey senior crop and soil sciences (production) Ashlyn Peters senior agricultural science Jacob Sizemore senior crop and soil sciences (production) Julia Bush freshman agricultural business and economics Clari Gregson freshman pre-forestry Julia Lawrence junior poultry science (production) Wes Stewart junior wildlife enterprise management Ethan Jones senior biosystems engineering Jay Moore freshman animal sciences (pre-vet) Justin McCaghren senior crop and soil sciences (production) Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship Michael Morrison junior animal sciences (meat science) Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Kaycee Wright senior animal sciences (equine)

Baldwin Baldwin Chambers Chilton Covington Covington Covington Dale Henry Henry Henry Henry Houston Houston Lee Lee Lee Lee Madison Madison Madison Clay Cullman 18

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program is a joint effort between AFAF and county Farmers Federations, which split the funding of the scholarships — $1,250 and $500, respectively.

“We’re proud of these students.

They’re hard workers who represent the future of agriculture and farming,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell, also AFAF board president and an AU College of Agriculture alumnus. “It’s a pleasure to invest in their education through this scholarship program. We’re confident these young adults will go on to achieve great things in our industry.”

One future leader is Brittany Carroll of Dale County. She’s a sophomore studying agricultural business and economics.

“I can’t say thanks enough,” said Carroll, 20, who was raised on a diversified row crop, cattle and poultry farm. “These scholarships help us pursue our future careers and achieve our dreams.”

For Orum Snow, time on his family property in Wilcox County and earning the rank of Eagle Scout cued his career dream — working in the great outdoors.

Federation scholarships helped smooth his path to a career in land management.

“I wanted to be outdoors and find something that was hands-on but still technical. I decided on forestry because it was the major that provided the most time outdoors,” said Snow, 21.

“Scholarships allow you to focus on schoolwork without stressing about jobs or finding other ways to pay for school, books or housing.”

This year, Farmers Federations in Baldwin, Chambers, Chilton, Covington, Dale, Henry, Houston, Lee and Madison counties awarded an additional 21 scholarships. Recipients were also selected for the Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship and the Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship.

Students pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry or a related field at AU or Alabama A&M University can apply for the competitive AFAF Scholarship Program.

Applications open Nov. 17 and close Jan. 31. Learn more by visiting alfafarmers.org/scholarships.

For recipient photos, view the scholarship album on the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page. alfafarmers.org

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Foster Family Finds Happiness On Horseback From left, Zachary, Spencer, Anna Kate and Emma Foster gallop across the pasture at their home in Crenshaw County.

By Debra Davis hooves drown out the Tfourhundering giggles of Jenny and Mitch Foster’s children as they race across the pasture on their farm in Crenshaw County. Mounted on horses of various sizes and colors, each child’s personality is matched with that of an equine companion that brings out the best in each of them.

“Horses are hard work, but most of the time, we don’t think about it like that,” said Jenny, who is an internal audit manager at Alfa Insurance and serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Equine Committee.

“Horses were a big part of my childhood, and I wanted my children to have those same experiences.”

Jenny said she and sister Jodie were ”horse crazy” as young girls.

Their first horse was a rowdy steed that was a little too much for the alfafarmers.org

inexperienced riders. Their uncle, Max Ellis of Brundidge, was an experienced horseman and lived nearby. He provided the sisters with horses, encouragement and transportation to area trail rides.

“When I turned 16, my parents gave me the choice of a good horse or a car,” Jenny said. “I chose the horse.”

With a better horse, Jenny began to rack up wins in local and state rodeos, as did her sister. In 1991, Jenny was the Alabama High School Rodeo Association Barrel Racing Champion and competed two years at the National High School Rodeo Finals representing Alabama in Gillette, Wyoming.

Conversely, Mitch grew up in Dothan and wasn’t a fan of horses until he and Jenny met while students at Troy University. Spending time with Jenny meant Mitch spent time with

her horses.

“When we were dating, we’d go to the barn and see about the horses before we went anywhere,“ said Mitch, 45, a project manager for Stephens Construction and Concrete in Luverne.

“I like horses, but I don’t love them like Jenny does. But I do love how horses keep our family close. I’m typically the person behind the scenes getting the trailer ready or cooking dinner at the campground.”

There’s plenty for Mitch to do preparing for upcoming horse trail rides, camping trips, horse shows or rodeos. He’s also an accomplished leathersmith and Dutch oven chef.

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Members of the Foster family are, from left, Mitch, Anna Kate, Spencer, Emma, Zachary and Jenny at their arena on their farm in the Panola community in Crenshaw County.

The Foster children, Emma, 15; Anna Kate, 14; Spencer, 11; and Zachary, 9, are involved in lots of activities at Highland Home School. Their recreational activities have included football, basketball, volleyball, softball and gymnastics. The children also are members of the Crenshaw County 4-H Trailblazer Club, where Jenny serves as club leader.

Ribbons, trophies, belt buckles and saddles decorate the Fosters’ home — proof of the family’s success in rodeos and horse shows. Any given weekend, it’s common to see the family of six

Eleven-year-old Spencer Foster combines two of his favorite activities — swimming and riding horses.

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loaded up in their double-cab pickup towing a living-quarters horse trailer headed for an adventure.

“I love watching Jenny and the kids,” Mitch said. “A lot of other kids don’t understand the work our kids do, but they’re learning a lot while they’re doing it. They are learning what it’s like to be responsible for another life. Their horses depend on them for food, water and shelter. They’re also learning about hard work — cleaning tack, exercising their horses and mucking stalls. All that can be a lot of work.”

It barely seems like work Anna Kate Foster, 14, grooms her gelding C.B. before as the crew leaves the house saddling up for a ride on the family’s farm in Crenshaw headed to the barn to saddle County. up for a practice ride in the family’s arena next to their home in the Panola community.

That horse-loving gene was passed Like most siblings, there are jokes on to each of the Foster children. On a and teasing, but the Foster foursome late summer day when it seemed too are always eager to lend a hand to hot to do anything outside, the Foster help one another. children managed to combine two of “I can’t explain what it is about the things they love best — swimming horses that makes me love them so and horses. much,” said Jenny, 46. “I’ve been “We love camping with the horses at crazy about them for as long as I the Heart of Dixie Trail Ride near Troy,” can remember. Even as a child, I Jenny said. “It’s fun to watch them ride couldn’t get enough of them. I read out into the pond and play. If it has to every book about horses I could do with horses, we’re pretty much going find and watched every western TV to give it a try, and we’re going to do it show just so I could see horses.” as a family.” alfafarmers.org

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Simply Southern TV’s Season Seven To Launch With New Look

heap of changes are in store for A “Simply Southern TV” as the show enters its seventh season in January

2021.

Viewers will see a new set with an impressive video wall measuring over 12 feet. The new “Simply Southern TV” logo incorporates the state of Alabama, and each episode will include a greater variety of agricultural content.

“Since 2015, our staff has strived to share the wonderful stories of our state’s farmers and rural life through ‘Simply Southern TV,’” said Alabama Farmers Federations Communications Department Director Jeff Helms. “With these improvements, I think the show moves up a notch in production value and becomes even more entertaining and educational.”

To reach a broader audience, the broadcast schedule is changing in three markets. Starting in January, the show will air at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays on WAKA-TV in Montgomery and WTVY-TV in Dothan. In Columbus, Georgia, the show will move to Saturdays at 5 p.m.

CST on WLTZ-TV. “The most frequent feedback we hear about the show is that people love

New Schedule Beginning January 2021

Saturdays New Day & Time

Columbus, Ga. . . . WLTZ-TV 38 . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m.

Sundays Mobile . . . . . . . . . . WPMI-TV 15 . . . . . . . . . . . 6 a.m.

Birmingham . . . . . WBMA-TV 33/40 . . . . 6:30 a.m.

Huntsville . . . . . . . . WAFF-TV 48 . . . . . . . . . . . 9 a.m.

New Station & Time

Montgomery . . . . . WAKA-TV 8 . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m.

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Dothan . . . . . . . . . . WTVY-TV 4 . . . . . . . . 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays RFD-TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m.

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Mary Wilson and Kevin Worthington will co-host season seven of “Simply Southern TV,” produced by the Alabama Farmers Federation and slated to premiere in January. The duo will welcome viewers to learn more about agriculture and rural life on a new and improved set with a fresh, Alabama-shaped logo.

it but don’t always get up early enough on Sundays to watch live,” Helms said.

“We’re hopeful the changes will help us reach more viewers with the story of agriculture.”

A few familiar faces will take on new roles within the show. Kevin Worthington will step behind the anchor desk with co-host Mary Wilson.

Worthington will also continue in his role as agriculture reporter and director.

“I look forward to working alongside Mary as we continue taking the stories of Alabama’s farmers to the state’s urban citizens,” Worthington said.

“Federation staff who work as the crew of ‘Simply Southern TV’ have always aimed to capture compelling stories. I’m confident the investment we’ve made in a new set and new technology will make the show even better.”

Stacey Little of SouthernBite.com, who Neighbors readers know for his monthly Farmhouse Kitchen articles, will host a weekly cooking segment, and freelance reporter Melissa Bowman will share a feature in every episode.

While “Simply Southern TV” is a production of the Alabama Farmers Federation, it is funded through support of sponsoring organizations. The Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) is the show’s major sponsor.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Federation to bring ‘Simply Southern TV’ to people across the state of Alabama and even across the country,” said AFC President and CEO Rivers Myres. “It’s exciting to see how much the show has grown in the past six years, and we’re looking forward to even better things to come.”

Additional sponsors for season seven are supporting sponsor Alfa Insurance; sustaining sponsors Alabama Catfish Producers, Alabama Soybean Producers and Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers; and contributing sponsors Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and Sweet Grown Alabama.

Visit SimplySouthernTV.net to learn more. alfafarmers.org

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What is important about your farm’s heritage?

My ancestors homesteaded land near here around 1850.

I grew up working with my dad, who still farms. My children are the seventh generation on the farm, and I hope we have the farm for the next seven generations.

Stewart Koon Stewart Koon of Gordo was recently elected Pickens County Farmers Federation president after serving three years as vice president.

The 44-year-old and wife Ashley have six children ranging from 5 to 19 years old. Everyone works on the farm, where they raise pullets, beef cattle and hay. Stewart has been a fireman with the Tuscaloosa Fire Department for 24 years but plans to retire soon and farm full time. The family attends Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church in Gordo.

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What challenges do farmers face?

The economics of farming are tough. It can be hard to keep money flowing and remain sustainable. That’s why we have poultry, cattle and hay; those things work well together.

What do you like most about farming?

I love working with my family, and farming is different every day. There’s always something new and challenging, and there’s always something to be done.

Why is the farmers federation important?

The biggest benefit of the Alabama Farmers Federation is political involvement. By working together, farmers can help elect officials who are going to be kind to farmers and help us.

alfafarmers.org

Photo by Darin Clifton

Coastal Growers Plans $87 Million Plant Republished from Business Alabama

By Erica Joiner West oastal Growers LLC plans to build C an $87 million peanut shelling and storage plant in Atmore, bringing 100

jobs to the area. The plant will be built on 60 acres in the Atmore Industrial Park.

“The Coastal Growers facility in Atmore will become a vital resource for peanut farmers in Alabama and beyond by helping to make their operations more sustainable and profitable,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.

Coastal Growers is owned by a cooperative of farmers, most of them residing in Alabama. Paul Turner, an attorney representing the company, said the average wage in the plant will be more than $17 per hour for the 100-plus full-time workers. In addition, temporary workers will be needed during peak shelling time.

“We are excited to announce this project, to bring peanut shelling to south Alabama and to bring economic benefit to hard-working farmers of

alfafarmers.org

our state who so desperately need it,” Turner said.

Joe Parker, owner and general manager of Summerdale Peanut in Baldwin County and a member of Coastal Growers, said, “The peanuts we have in this area are among the highest quality available, yet we really had no infrastructure for shelling in this area.”

Baldwin County farmer Mark Kaiser said the new plant will allow local farmers to capture more of the profit off their crops.

“This facility will be owned by the farmers who use it, and they’ll keep those profits themselves,” said Kaiser of Seminole, who serves as Alabama Farmers Federation District 12 director.

“That’s good for both the farmers and for the immediate area, because the money will just keep turning over

locally.”

Jess Nicholas of Centerfire Economic, who also serves as executive director of Escambia County Industrial Development Authority, said he expects other businesses will come to the area because of this investment.

“Shelling operations tend to attract other businesses in this sector and also spur development in infrastructure and other areas. We expect it to have a positive effect on the Port of Mobile as well,” Nicholas said.

Hollis & Spann Inc. of Dothan will head up the construction efforts on the project. The new 400,000-square-foot facility will take about a year to build.

UB Community Development LLC, a community development affiliate of United Bank, led efforts to secure financing for the project, utilizing New Market Tax Credits, incentives and traditional financing.

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Alfa Farmers Partners With Merrill To Honor Veterans

Participating in the Sept. 29 announcement of the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program were, from left, Mark Kelley of Election Systems and Software, Iris HurdHunter, Tamara Cofield, Secretary of State John Merrill, Alfa and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Harold Jones and Mylinda Jones Brown.

By Jeff Helms Alabama Farmers Federation and TStateheAlfaJohn Insurance joined Secretary of Merrill in announcing the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program Sept. 29.

The effort encourages Alabamians to submit stories about a loved one’s service in the military through the form at AlabamaVotes.org.

Secretary of State John Merrill and Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell launch the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program.

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Voters who share stories will receive stickers and lapel pins courtesy of Alfa and the Federation.

The program will bring greater recognition to over 380,000 Alabama veterans.

“We believe it’s important to bring recognition to those individuals who have made such a significant contribution to our state and to our nation,” Merrill said. “This program would not be possible if not for the support of the Alabama Farmers Federation.”

Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said he hopes the program will prompt voters to consider the blessings of liberty when voting.

“This program aligns so much with our values and our stance as an organization,” Parnell said. “We are so supportive of the veterans of this state and this nation. I think we owe it to each of these veterans to vote. I think we owe it to these veterans to be an informed voter. They fought so we could vote and have a free nation.

“I appreciate Secretary Merrill for initiating this program, and I hope it will make each of us think a little deeper

about what we are doing when we go vote,” he added.

Merrill said several testimonials about veterans already have been posted to the website. One of those was shared by Tamara Cofield about her friend and sorority sister, Iris Hurd-Hunter.

“First of all, I want to thank the State of Alabama for recognizing veterans,” said Hurd-Hunter, who served 24 years in the U.S. Army including deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. “I just want you all to know we don’t do it for the recognition or for the praise from others. We do it because we have a passion to serve our country.”

Mylinda Jones Brown submitted a testimonial about her father, Sergeant Major Harold Jones, 89, who served 43 years in the Army and National Guard.

“He’s still Army Strong and tough as nails,” Brown said. “It will be a wonderful privilege to cast my vote in honor of a veteran and my personal hero, my father.”

Visit AlabamaVotes.gov to view testimonials or share a tribute about a veteran. alfafarmers.org

New Alfa Commercials Show Heart Of The South

Alfa Insurance debuted new commercials this fall featuring Sean Dietrich. He’s an author, humorist and podcast host whose down-home personality and comical commentary reflect Southern values.

familiar face will remind potential customers of Alfa Insurance’s A Southern values as the company unveils

a new advertising campaign this fall featuring Sean Dietrich.

Known as Sean of the South, the author, humorist and podcast host has earned a loyal following for his comical and heartwarming commentary on the people, places and traditions of the region.

Jeff Helms, general manager of Alfa’s in-house advertising agency, Creative Consultants Inc. (CCI), said Dietrich was a natural fit for Alfa.

“Sean understands and appreciates the personal service, heritage and community spirit that distinguish Alfa from its competitors,” Helms said.

“He has spoken at meetings for both Alfa agents and Alabama Farmers Federation members. We believe his down-home humor, love of all things Southern and celebration of everyday heroes resonate with current and future Alfa customers.”

Dietrich said he’s received encouraging, heartfelt emails from Alfa customers who read his columns in the

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Federation’s Neighbors magazine.

“I love Alfa,” Dietrich said. “I’ve met some great people over the years through Alfa at various events, and I haven’t met one person wearing an Alfa badge who I wouldn’t invite to a barbecue — except for maybe the guy who writes those stories in Neighbors magazine.”

Television commercials in the new campaign feature Dietrich fishing, playing his accordion and cooking with wife and professional chef Jamie. They tout online quoting for auto customers in Alabama; discounts for teachers, military, first responders and others; insurance for small businesses; and Alfa’s caring service and customizable coverage.

The campaign also includes digital advertising, billboards and print ads.

CCI worked with the Hampton-Legg agency and Sunspot Pictures to produce video portions of the campaign. The commercials were filmed in Alabama and Georgia using local talent and crew members.

“We are blessed with a wealth of professional filmmakers in Birmingham

and the surrounding area,” Helms said.

“Alfa is proud to keep our production dollars in the state and hire local people — many whom had been out of work for months due to COVID-19.”

Dietrich said his first experience as a spokesperson was memorable.

“Whenever I would try to say my lines, I felt like Mel Tillis,” he said. “I was surprised at how much fun we had on the set. But every day of filming was full of laughter, jokes — and only twice did I get beaten by the director with a hickory switch.”

Helms said Dietrich’s humor and easy-going style kept the five-day video shoot lighthearted.

“Working with Sean and Jamie was like being with Alfa team members or Federation members. They share our values and are committed to representing the company well,” Helms said. “I also want to thank CCI Corporate Media Director Melissa Martin and Art Director Mike Moody for their work on this campaign. It would not have been possible without their talent, professionalism and persistence.”

In addition to the Sean of the South campaign, CCI also produced a new television commercial for use when tornadoes, hurricanes or other disasters strike. The spot features Alfa President Jimmy Parnell, who commends the company’s storm response as “second to none.”

Dietrich said Alfa’s agricultural roots are one reason he agreed to lend his voice, face and iconic beard to the advertising campaign.

“I come from farmers. My father didn’t go into the agriculture business like his family but went into ironwork instead,” Dietrich recalled. “But I come from quiet, workaholic, rural people who keep to themselves. Rural people don’t go in for celebrities or famous people.

So I didn’t grow up learning to be impressed with people who have great portfolios. The people I find remarkable, and the people I’ve spent my career — if you call it that — writing for are just good, ordinary folks. People just like me — only with better teeth.” alfafarmers.org

D

THANKS

ear God, It’s me again. Actually, I don’t know what you want me to call you.

For all I know, you might prefer to be called something Hebrew, Latin, German or Cherokee. Anyway, one thing’s for sure: You’re older than the names people call you.

My mother called you, “The Lord.”

My granny called you “Heavenly Father.” My uncle: the “Big Guy.” Either way, I was raised in church, and I remember hearing a lot about you in tiny chapels of my childhood.

I love those chapels. I remember plaster ceilings which leaked, and pews that creaked.

And Sunday-school teachers who made you sound like an old Western sheriff who wouldn’t take any lip. Like Wyatt Earp, or the Terminator.

But that’s not you. Not at all.

I know you’re the sun. You’re pine trees. You’re the sky over Lake Martin.

The smell of baked apples Mother used to cook. And prettiness.

You’re the look on a kid’s face when he or she catches a fish.

You are guitar music my uncle used to pick. You’re popping noises from hickory logs in a fireplace. You’re salted butter. Roasted pecans. Bottled Coca-Cola. And loyalty from a friend.

You’ve done things. And I’m not talking about big things — everybody knows you make the earth spin and stars twinkle.

I’m talking about tiny things. Like how you let me find a wood figurine my grandfather carved. It’s a buffalo, and it’s almost a hundred years old. I found it packed in an old box.

Then there’s the time I got locked out of my house. I was carrying armfuls of groceries. My wife was out of town. And I had to pee.

It was a miracle. The back window was open. That was all you.

How about the way you made it rain last week? Or the way you woke me up this morning.

There was a bloodhound on my bed — curled at my feet, snoring. A woman beside me, sleeping with her mouth open. The same woman who’s slept beside me for fifteen years.

So I should thank you for her. And coffee every morning. And Conecuh sausage and eggs I eat for breakfast.

And my mother. Soft cotton. My sister. Baseball. Tomatoes. The sound of a mandolin. The taste of rainwater.

I don’t thank you nearly enough, and I’m sorry. I really am. Because even though life is no cakewalk, and even though it looks like this world is falling apart sometimes, it’s not. And you’re still here. Being you.

I’m sorry I don’t know what your ancient name is, so I’ll just call you God. Thank you, God. Your friend, —Sean Dietrich ■

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Best of all Plant plugs in October and harvest sweet strawberries in the Spring!

FREE CATALOG

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

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Nootkatone: The Future Of Insect Repellents

By Mary Leigh Oliver labama is home to approximately A 60 different species of mosquitoes.

The state’s abundance of vegetation and water, combined with warm weather, makes a perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed and develop year-round.

Mosquitoes’ presence makes insect repellent an essential item in a household’s arsenal. Most repellents are known for their potent scent.

Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved a new chemical for use in mosquito and insect repellents. This substance offers long-lasting effects without an overpowering smell.

Nootkatone

Nootkatone is the first chemical the EPA has approved for use in insect repellents in 11 years. Unlike most insect repellents, nootkatone smells like grapefruit and lasts for several hours.

Nootkatone is an oil from cedar trees, citrus fruits and vetiver grass. It was first identified in grapefruit peels and juice in the early 1960s. It has since provided a fruity, sweet and citrusy odor for use in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Now its benefits stretch farther than simply enhancing smells and taste.

Xing Ping Hu, an Alabama Extension

alfafarmers.org

entomologist, said numerous studies have taken place over the last 20 years to explore nootkatone’s insecticidal activities, including repelling, killing and anti-feeding.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) biologists focused their research on the repellency and killing power of nootkatone,” Hu said. “They found nootkatone to be an effective repellent and insecticide for use against ticks and mosquitoes, which spread Zika and other viruses.”

How It Works

Hu said nootkatone is effective against ticks and mosquitos and other pests.

“Studies show that it not only repels but also may kill mosquitoes, ticks, bedbugs, fleas, lice, weevils and other pests,” she said. “It also kills bugs that are resistant to pyrethroids and other common insecticides.”

According to Hu, researchers theorize nootkatone acts by stimulating insects’ nerve cell receptors to send electrical impulses that cause fatal spasms. Since nootkatone kills mosquitoes, it is much more effective in its prevention longevity than deterring the insect.

Because nootkatone is a volatile essential oil, it’s environmentally friendly and nontoxic to humans and other

Nootkatone has been recently approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in mosquito and insect repellents.

mammals, birds, fish and bees.

“By giving its approval, the EPA is acknowledging that this chemical is safe and effective, formally giving the green light for companies to use nootkatone to develop new products for people and pets,” Hu said.

More Information

Hu is hopeful new nootkatone products will be available soon.

For more information on mosquitoes or other home pests, visit aces.edu or contact a county Extension office.

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By Lois Chaplin ne fruit known for great health benefits — the blueberry — is native O to Alabama. It’s one of the easiest and

most productive backyard berries, and now through February is the ideal time for planting.

Blueberry plants have been hybridized and improved for various traits. There are late-blooming varieties that avoid freezes, as well as varieties that have early, mid and late-season fruit. Some, such as Climax, have a short harvest period suited for freezing or canning. Others bear fruit gradually for harvesting over a longer period.

Some varieties perform better in north Alabama than on the Gulf Coast.

Once selected, plants need a sunny spot; organic, acidic soil; and good drainage. Avoid areas by foundations and concrete paving because of the alkalinity. Unless the native soil is an acidic, sandy loam, make sure to prep the planting area. Heavy clay or sand

Alabama

will not support good growth.

Thoroughly mix bagged soil conditioner (such as finely ground pine bark) or moistened sphagnum peat moss in a 1:1 ratio with the backfill of a planting hole; make the hole the same depth as the root ball of the plant but at least twice as wide. After planting, the blueberry plants do not need fertilizer but require regular watering. Keep roots moist with a 4-foot circle of pine bark or pine needle mulch 4 inches deep.

Replenish mulch as it breaks down and keep it free of grass and weeds.

Blueberries have fine, hairlike roots, so it’s important to keep the plants watered. Drying will stunt growth of young plants. Old plants are more drought tolerant, but well-watered plants always produce more and bigger berries.

In alkaline soil, gardeners must regularly add soil sulfur for acidity; get a soil test from the Alabama Extension

office to know exactly how much. You can also grow blueberries in large containers (28 inches in diameter) or in an 18-inch-high raised bed filled with bagged garden soil mixed with soil conditioner or peat moss.

The best way to judge whether a blueberry plant is thriving is by its color and the presence of new growth.

Normal foliage color is medium green; new growth, which appears in spring and summer, is blue-green. If leaves appear yellow, the soil is not acid enough or the plant needs iron. Each year in early spring and after fruiting, fertilize with a product containing extra iron and magnesium. This may be branded as a special fertilizer for azaleas, camellias, hollies or citrus. It’s easy to burn hair-thin blueberry roots; use organic or coated products that release slowly. Check labels and avoid fertilizer containing nitrate forms of nitrogen such as ammonium nitrate, which burn the roots. If yellowing does not go away, spray foliage with liquid iron or a nutritional spray for citrus.

Perhaps the hardest part of growing blueberries is cutting off all new blooms the first spring after planting. Sacrificing what few berries would appear the first year frees energy for growing more roots and stems — encouraging a bigger plant in years to come. After the first year, healthy plants sprout new shoots from the ground to ultimately form a multi-trunked shrub 6-12 feet tall, depending on variety. After five to seven years of good growth, each plant should yield several gallons of blueberries.

Rejuvenate 5-year-old plants with annual pruning after they fruit. Removing the oldest canes at ground level encourages new shoots as the plants age.

Blueberries are pretty landscape plants that turn a beautiful bright red in the fall and fit in any sunny shrub border. Make them part of your landscape for the freshest and sweetest blueberries ever!

Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

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How did you get in the hay business?

I grew up in the cattle and catfish business. When I was 16, I wanted to go out on my own and did 3,500 bales that first year. We never thought the business would be what it is today.

Bryan GVillo Bryan Gvillo knows the value in making hay while the sun shines. His family’s Old South Fish & Hay Farm in the Stewart community of Hale County will produce around 200,000 square bales of hay in 2020. Gvillo, 37, serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Hay & Forage Committee. He and wife Nancy, an event coordinator at the University of Alabama, have two young sons, Benson and William. They are members of Stewart United Methodist Church.

alfafarmers.org

Who is your clientele?

We sell to feed stores across the Southeast, horse stables, etc. I use social media and websites to help market the hay. We’ll be sold out by March.

How do you ensure your hay is top quality?

We’re constantly trying to improve efficiency. It’s all about science and numbers, and I’m constantly crunching numbers. We take soil samples and test our hay. We’re not opposed to trying something new.

What do you do when you’re not farming?

I like to crappie and bass fish. I also enjoy reading and am a mechanic, so I’m constantly working on equipment.

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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Prep Time Cook Time Servings 20 mins 1 hr 20 mins 4

Ingredients 4 medium sweet potatoes 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped pecans 3 tablespoons butter, melted 3 ounces cream cheese, softened Pinch of salt 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

can’t believe I’m saying it, but, folks, IMuch it’s time to talk about Thanksgiving. like this entire year has been

quite different, Thanksgiving might be different at your house this year, too.

I’m taking that “something different” approach and sharing nontraditional recipes just perfect for your menu.

These recipes have all the classic flavors you’d expect on your holiday table but present them in an entirely different way.

Take Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, for example. I included the flavors of traditional sweet potato casserole — brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, pecans and even marshmallows — but used them in a fun and different way. It’s like everyone gets an individual sweet potato casserole. My family loves them!

One of my biggest struggles for holiday meals is oven space. I can never have enough. This year, cook cornbread dressing in the trusty slow cooker rather than the oven. It frees up valuable oven space, and the slow cooker keeps the dressing nice and moist. If you’re a big fan of a crisp top on your dressing, a

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few minutes in the oven under a very low broil should do the trick. As in years past, there’s no sage in my recipe. My family never included it, so dressing just doesn’t taste like dressing to me when it’s in there. If you’d like to include it, 1 to 2 teaspoons should work fine.

Green bean casserole is a must for us, and Ultimate Green Bean Casserole at SouthernBite.com is my go-to. But no one ever complains about having too many options at Thanksgiving, right?

Add another green veggie to the mix and whip up these super easy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. This decadent dish only calls for a handful of ingredients and comes together in no time. Two of those ingredients, bacon and heavy cream, flavor the delicious sauce that coats the sprouts.

We can’t have Thanksgiving without a few dessert options, so I’m sharing my Apple Pecan Chewies with you. This recipe is based on my classic Pecan Chewies recipe, but I add in apples, cinnamon and nutmeg to get that great warm fall spice flavor. You just stir it all

Heat oven to 400 F and wash potatoes. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake about an hour or until soft and a knife easily slides through the middle of each potato. Allow to cool enough to handle.

In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Set aside.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the potato and carefully scoop out the flesh. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potato flesh with butter, cream cheese, salt and about 2/3 of the brown sugar mixture. Mix well. Carefully spoon the mixture back into the potatoes.

Sprinkle top with the remaining 1/3 of the brown sugar mixture and place back on the baking sheet. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with marshmallows. Bake 5 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Serve warm. together, pour it in a dish and bake.

Here’s the thing: Regardless of what’s on the table, the family and friends around it are what really matter.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s how quickly life can change. Treasure those around you, and take a moment to realize just how much there is to be grateful for. 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. alfafarmers.org

Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 4 hrs

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients 8 cups crumbled cornbread 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup 3 cups chicken broth 1 small onion, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Apple Pecan Chewies Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

In a large bowl, combine ingredients.

Transfer dressing to a 4-quart slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Servings 12

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup sugar 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 eggs, well beaten 2 cups self-rising flour 1 large firm apple, peeled, cored and finely diced (I like Fuji, Granny Smith, Jazz or Honeycrisp) 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions Heat oven to 325 F and lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, add melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and vanilla and blend well. Add beaten eggs and stir well. Add flour and stir until all lumps are gone. Fold in apples and pecans.

Spread batter evenly into the prepared dish.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown — be careful not to overcook. The dessert may still be jiggly in the center. Allow to cool, then slice and serve. alfafarmers.org

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Servings 5

Ingredients 5 strips bacon 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved Salt

1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese

Instructions Heat oven to 375 F. In a large oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, cool and crumble. Carefully spoon away all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.

Increase heat to medium-high and add Brussels sprouts to the hot pan. Cook, stirring infrequently to allow the sprouts to develop a dark brown color and get crispy around the edges. Cook until nearly tender. Season with salt.

Add garlic. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Pour cream over the sprouts and sprinkle with bacon and cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.

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ALABAMA FARMERS COOPERATIVE From large-scale farming to backyard gardening and everything in between...

Your local Co-op is there for all of your needs!

Visit www.alafarm.com/locations to ďŹ nd a store near you!