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VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

JANUARY 2014

_____________________________________

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Waymon Buttram, Crossville Don Allison, Arley Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge Sammy Gibbs, Atmore S. Steve Dunn, Samson Sharon Byrd, Ariton Allie Corcoran, Eufaula

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In This Issue

JANUARY 2014

Young Farmer Winners

22 Growing Greens 28 Cooking For Good Luck

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: McFarland AdVantage, (334) 652-9080, McFarlandAdvantage@gmail.com.

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

8

16 Soggy Year For Sesame

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

www.AlfaFarmers.org

Federation Elections

12 Legislative Preview

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.

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.

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On The Cover 12

Lee County farmer Ben Ingram is optimistic about the future of sesame.

Photo by Mary Johnson

When you see these icons on a page, visit the appropriate website for more content.

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Federation Leaders Elect Officers and Board Members

By Debra Davis

S

teve Dunn of Conecuh County, Jake Harper of Wilcox County and Dean Wysner of Randolph County were re-elected officers of the Alabama Farmers Federation Dec. 6 at the organization’s 92nd annual meeting in Montgomery.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell of Chilton County, who was elected last year, presided over the voting process in which almost 500 delegates chose new officers and board members. Officers serve two-year terms.

Dunn, a row crop and cattle farmer, was re-elected secretarytreasurer, a statewide position.

Harper, a cattle and timber farmer, is vice president of the Southwest Area, which includes Baldwin, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties.

Wysner, a cattle and hay produc-

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New officers and directors were elected Dec. 6 at the Federation’s 92nd annual meeting in Montgomery. Seated, from left, are District 2 Director Paul Looney of Limestone County; State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Sharon Byrd of Dale County; State Young Farmers Chairman Allie Corcoran of Barbour County; and District 11 Director Sammy Gibbs of Escambia County. Standing, from left are Secretary-Treasurer Steve Dunn of Conecuh County; Central Area Vice President Dean Wysner of Randolph County; Southwest Area Vice President Jake Harper of Wilcox County; District 5 Director Joe Roberts of Fayette County; and District 8 Director Dan Robertson of Perry County.

er, is vice president of the Central Area, which includes Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.

Elections for four district directors also were held. Directors serve three-year terms.

Paul Looney, a cotton and grain farmer from Limestone County, was elected to represent District 2, which covers Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties. He succeeds Ted Grantland of Morgan County.

The Cherokee County Herald and its editor Terry Dean, center, were honored with the Alabama Farmers Federation Agricultural Communications Award Dec. 6. Dunn is pictured with Federation Director of Communications Jeff Helms, left, and Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

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Joe Roberts of Fayette County, a poultry farmer, was elected to represent District 5, which includes Bibb, Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar and Tuscaloosa counties. He succeeds John Walker III of Tuscaloosa County.

Dan Robertson of Perry County was elected District 8 director. He is a catfish and cattle farmer representing Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens and Sumter counties. He succeeds Dickie Odom of Greene County.

Sammy Gibbs, a row crop farmer from Escambia County, was elected District 11 director. He represents Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe, Mobile and Washington counties and succeeds David Bitto of Baldwin County.

Elected to one-year, ex-officio terms on the Federation State Board were Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Sharon Byrd of Dale County and State Young Farmers Chairman Allie Corcoran of Barbour County. n JANUARY 2014

Heritage And Future Bring Farmers To 92nd Annual Meeting

By Debra Davis

M

ore than 1,300 members of the Alabama Farmers Federation took time to reflect on their heritage and discuss the future during the organization’s 92nd annual meeting Dec. 5-6 in Montgomery.

The convention theme, “Our Heritage, Our Future,” was the backdrop for farmers who considered policy changes, discussed agricultural issues, held elections and honored outstanding leaders and young farmers at the Montgomery Convention Center.

“I guess that’s the main thing we come for – is to know we’re voting for the leadership of the Farmers Federation,” said Cleburne County Farmers Federation First Vice President Jimmy Jimmerson.

“We have good leadership now; we just want to keep good leadership — ­those people who help the Farmers Federation.”

Caroline Batcheldor of Russell County attended her 65th annual meeting.

“I always enjoy this meeting because I see people I’ve known since we started the Women’s Committee years ago,” she said. “This is a beautiful place to come, and it’s so convenient.”

The first meeting day included a general session where L.O. Bishop of Colbert County received the 2013 Service to Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor.

That night, attendees enjoyed the Roots and Boots Concert by Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin.

Following comments by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, the Federation honored outstanding leaders at its morning general session Dec. 6.

JANUARY 2014

The Alabama Farmers Federation recognized former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, (right) with the inaugural Cultivator Award during the organization’s annual meeting. Federation President Jimmy Parnell made the presentation.

The Cherokee County Herald and its editor, Terry Dean, received the Federation’s Agricultural Communications Award for the newspaper’s outstanding farm coverage.

Guy Goodson of the Houston County Farmers Federation received an Individual Leader Award for Outstanding Local and Community Service. Jewel Griffin of Pike County, Jo Anne C. Laney of Russell County and Sharon Wilson of Talladega County received

Individual Leader Awards for outstanding work on their Women’s Leadership Committees.

Senior Leader Awards, honoring Federation members for long-time service, went to James Powell of Autauga County, Gerald Willis of Calhoun County, Jimmie Harrison Jr. of Chilton County and James Brady of Perry County.

Federations in Baldwin, Blount, Dale, Lee and Mobile counties were honored with the organization’s

New County Presidents

Wendell Wilson Calhoun County

Wendell Kelley Chilton County 5

Raymond Shaw Coosa County

Rickey Cornutt Marshall County

Jimmy Bice Shelby County w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Award For Excellence for overall achievement in organization, agricultural programs, governmental programs, and Young Farmers and Women’s Leadership programs.

During the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, outstanding county committees were honored. Winners were: Division 1, Russell County; Division 2, Lee County; and Division 3, Calhoun County. Butler County was recognized as the Most Improved Women’s Leadership Committee.

Members of the Elmore County Women’s Leadership Committee were recognized for collecting the most aluminum pop tabs (437 pounds) for the Ronald McDonald House. Collectively, county committees turned in 2,317 pounds of pop tabs for the charity.

In addition to the awards program, farmers discussed the nation’s political landscape.

“To tell you things in Washington are difficult is an understatement,” said Don Parrish, American Farm Bureau Federation senior director of regulatory relations.

“Only about 35 congressional districts face significant opposition in 2014. We are seeing agricultural districts evaporate before our eyes, which makes it difficult to reach consensus.”

Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey, left, presents Elmore County Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Betty Barrett the award for most pop tabs collected. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Young Farmers Division elected state officers and committee members during the Federation’s 92nd annual meeting Dec. 5-6 in Montgomery. Seated, from left, are Tyler Ellis, Lowndes County, District 5; Shawn Keel, Calhoun County, District 3; Vice Chairman Garrett Henry, Montgomery County, District 6; Stan Usery, Limestone County, District 1; and Secretary Lindsey Brown, Montgomery County, South Alabama-at-Large. Standing, from left, are Colin Wilson, Jackson County, District 2; Chairman Allie Corcoran, Barbour County, District 7; Hop Baker, Jefferson County, District 4; Lance Miller, Blount County, North Alabama at-Large; and Jeremy Sessions, Mobile County, District 8.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division elected state officers and committee members during the Federation’s 92nd annual meeting Dec. 5-6 in Montgomery.

Seated, from left, are Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Sharon Byrd, Dale County; Vice Chairman Cheryl Lassiter, Choctaw County; Secretary Regina Carnes, Marshall County; and Faye Dial, Clay County. Standing, from left, are Mary Helen Benford, Chambers County; Kathy Anderson, Jefferson County; Debra Bowen, Randolph County; Nell Miller, Blount County; Dot Stone, Wilcox County; and Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey.

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JANUARY 2014

Parrish said this political environment makes it important to preserve the “iron triangle” of conservation, nutrition and farm programs in the farm bill, rather than splitting the individual components of the bill. Ag leaders hope to have a new farm bill later this month.

At the closing general session, former U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, received the Federation’s inaugural Cultivator Award recognizing him for nearly 30 years of service as a congressional staffer and congressman.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., addressed attendees at the closing session and thanked farmers for their work. The selection of Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) concluded the meet-

Six counties were honored with the Award For Excellence during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 92nd annual meeting in Montgomery. Accepting on behalf of their counties were, from left, David Bitto of Baldwin County, Roger Brumbeloe of Blount County, Jerry Byrd of Dale County, Tom Ingram of Lee County, Calvin Freeland of Mobile County and Roland St. John of St. Clair County.

ing. For more about the OYFF see page 8 of this issue.

Other highlights of the meeting included a silent auction and shotgun raffle for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation that raised more than $18,000. The foundation supports charitable educational and scientific endeavors related to agriculture including Alabama Ag in the Classroom and Federation scholarships.

The 2014 annual meeting will be in Montgomery Dec. 7-9. n

Recipients of the Senior Leader Award were, from left, Gerald Willis of Calhoun County, Jimmie Harrison Jr. of Chilton County and James Brady of Perry County. Not pictured is James Powell of Autauga County.

Recipients of Individual Leader Awards, were, from left, Guy Goodson of Houston County, Jewel Griffin of Pike County and Jo Anne C. Laney of Russell County. Not pictured is Sharon Wilson of Talladega County.

JANUARY 2014

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Young Farmers Drive Home Big Prizes After Annual Meeting

By Mary Johnson

N

orth Alabama young farmers dominated contest events during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 92nd annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6, winning the Outstanding Young Farm Family, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests.

Limestone County farmers Stan and Kayla Usery were named Alabama’s 2013 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). The couple lives in Elkmont with their daughter, Jessa, 7, and farm around 700 acres of winter wheat, soybeans, cotton and corn. They also manage nine broiler houses.

The Userys took home more than $60,000 in prizes, including a nicely equipped 2014 Chevrolet or GM pickup truck, courtesy of Alfa Insurance and the Federation; a John Deere Gator 825i XUV, courtesy of Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit; lease of a John Deere tractor, courtesy of SunSouth, TriGreen Equipment and Snead Ag Supply; and a personal computer system from Valcom Wireless/CCS Technology.

Madison County farmer Stewart McGill won first place in the final round of the Discussion Meet contest held Dec. 6. He received a four-wheeler courtesy of First South Farm Credit.

Excellence in Agriculture winner Zac Burns of Marshall County was recognized at the annual meeting.

He received a zero-turn John Deere mower courtesy of Dow AgroSciences.

The Federation will provide the trio of winners expense-paid trips to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 95th annual meeting in San Antonio

From left, Doug Thiessen of Alabama Ag Credit and Ben Gore of Alabama Farm Credit presented Outstanding Young Farm Family Stan and Kayla Usery and their daughter, Jessa, a John Deere Gator as the 2013 winner. Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, right, presented the family a new Chevrolet truck from the Federation and Alfa Insurance.

later this month, where they will represent Alabama in national contests.

Plans for next year’s Young Farmers contests are underway. Applications for the 2014 OYFF program are due Jan. 15 and can be downloaded from AlfaYoungFarmers.org. See page 20 of this issue or contact Young Farmers Director Jennifer Himburg, jhimburg@alfafarmers.org for details. n Bottom left photo: David Rich of Dow AgroSciences, left, and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, right, congratulate Excellence in Ag winner Zach Burns of Marshall County. He received a zero-turn John Deere mower courtesy of Dow AgroSciences.

Bottom right photo: Discussion Meet winner Stewart McGill of Madison County received a four-wheeler courtesy of First South Farm Credit. From left are McGill, Mike Pigg and Camp Powers of First South Farm Credit and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

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JANUARY 2014

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National Campaign Seeks To Extinguish Fire Risks

By Melissa Martin

A

campaign aimed at exposing improperly installed gas lines in homes and businesses could help reduce fires and save lives.

The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) launched the Yellow CSST Safety Campaign, which shows improper grounding of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) can cause fires when lightning occurs. Yellow CSST has been installed in more than 6 million homes in the U.S. since the ‘90s, providing natural gas and propane to residential, commercial and industrial structures.

“Unfortunately, fires are a natural part of life. But in this situation, they’re also avoidable,” said State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk. “Most homes

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and any gas piping should be grounded properly, but I am concerned about installations that weren’t held to safety codes used today.”

An electrical arc is enough to puncture the tubing’s thin wall, which can start a fire, Paulk said.

Information on inspections and safety suggestions are on the campaign’s website at CSSTSafety.com.

Fire marshals across the country aren’t the only ones encouraging inspections. Alfa Insurance Vice President of Claims Bryan Hubbard said the company’s support of the Yellow CSST Safety Campaign is twofold.

“Our top priority is protecting policyholders in any way we can.

In this situation, being aware of the potential dangers is key to preventing loss of property, and even death,” Hubbard said.

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Hubbard said Alabama hasn’t recorded a significant number of CSST-related fires, however, such fires could have gone undetected if a home was a total loss.

“In an area with quick emergency response times, fires are often extinguished before the residence is a total loss. In that case, fire investigators are able to pinpoint the cause of the fire, including CSST,” Hubbard said.

“If a fire breaks out in an area with slow response teams, a house could be a pile of ashes by the time investigators arrive.”

For problems related to yellow CSST inspections, contact the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, a division of the Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4166 or via their website at www.firemarshal.

Alabama.gov. n

JANUARY 2014

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Federation Focused On Farm Equipment Legislation

By Mary Johnson

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change in state tax laws supported by the Alabama Farmers Federation would put Alabama farmers on a level playing field with peers in surrounding states. When the 2014 legislative session starts Jan. 14, lawmakers will consider a measure to exempt farm equipment purchases from sales tax.

Currently, farmers pay 1.5 percent sales tax on farm equipment in Alabama, while farmers in the nearby states of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi are exempt from such taxes.

“Buying a new piece of farm equipment is often an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department Director Brian Hardin. “Alabama’s sales tax rate amounts to thousands more our farmers must pay when buying equipment. Removing this state sales tax will help Alabama farmers stay competitive by allowing them to update and replace equipment at the same cost farmers in other states are paying.”

Another Federation legislative priority seeks to remove the limitation on F-4 registered tags for farm tractor-trailers used to transport commodities or equipment. By law, farmers may only register one F-4 tag. Any additional trailers must be registered with the more expensive X license tag.

“Farmers use these tractor-trailers for about three months of the year to transport their harvest and large equipment,” said David Cole, Federation state legislative programs director for the Alabama House of Representatives. “Farmers shouldn’t have to pay the premium price for an X tag. Our goal is to allow farmers to purchase unlimited F-4 tags.”

According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, an F-4 tag costs $250 and is used for tractor-trailers weighing more than 42,001 pounds.

During the upcoming session, the Federation will seek to protect landowners’ investments.

“We’ll be monitoring eminent domain legislation and will support bills that give landowners greater security,” said Matthew Durdin, Federation state legislative programs director for the Alabama Senate.

Revising eminent domain law would require a constitutional amendment.

The Federation will support legislation during the session to amend the state cotton checkoff program. Farmers pay the checkoff at the selling point; however growers currently may request a reimbursement. Cotton checkoff funds are used for research, promotion and education about the crop.

Another measure supported by the Federation would prohibit construction of public buildings using certification standards that discourage the use of Alabama lumber. The change would benefit Alabama’s forestry industry, which generates $21.4 billion annually for the state and employs 122,020 people.

Farmers can sign up to receive the Federation’s Capitol Connection e-newsletter at alfafarmers.org/capitolconnection. n

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JANUARY 2014

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Annie and Mike Dee, seated, accepted the 2013 Alabama Farm of Distinction Award on behalf of their family and Dee River Ranch. Sponsors standing are, from left, Jim Allen with Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Lester Killebrew with SunSouth John Deere dealers, Lynne Morton and Jay Hamlett with TriGreen Equipment and Jimmy Parnell with Alabama Farmers Federation.

Farm-City Committee Seeks Farm Of Distinction Applications

A

Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag Supply dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative and a $2,500 cash award from Swisher International. Alabama’s Farm of Distinction will represent Alabama in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., Oct. 14-16.

“We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors,” Helms said. “Their participation in the Farm of Distinction program helps honor the men and women who care for our land and fuel Alabama’s largest industry.”

A 2013 economic impact study shows Alabama farms and forests contribute more than $70 billion to the state’s economy and generate 580,000 jobs.

Started in 1955, Farm-City Week is observed the week before Thanksgiving. Across Alabama, hundreds of rural and urban volunteers are involved in tours, banquets, children activities and other events that celebrate the interdependence of farmers and their city neighbors. The accomplishments of these volunteers also will be recognized at the April 3 awards luncheon.

For applications and more information visit www.

AlabamaFarmCity.org. n

labama farmers have until Jan. 31 to apply for more than $14,000 in cash and prizes as part of the Alabama Farm-City Committee’s Farm of Distinction competition.

State Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms said the contest honors farms that excel in productivity, environmental stewardship, overall appearance, efficiency and leadership by the farm owners.

“Alabama is blessed with some of the most diverse and innovative farms in America,” Helms said. “From catfish and cattle to peanuts and poultry, these businesses demonstrate the dedication and adaptability of our state’s farmers. As the Farm-City Committee works to increase understanding among rural and urban residents, it’s fitting we spotlight some of our state’s top farms.”

The Farm-City Committee will select up to six finalists from the applications received, and a panel of judges will visit those farms in February. The winner will be announced at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 3 in Birmingham.

Each finalist will receive a $250 gift certificate from the Alabama Farmers Cooperative. The overall winner will receive an engraved farm sign from the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere JANUARY 2014

15

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Farm worker Felix Stinson helps load sesame seeds harvested at a Lee County farm.

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

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Sesame Crop

JANUARY 2014

Lee County farmer Ben Ingram, left, is a contract agronomist with Sesaco Corp. He said Alabama farmers averaged 900 pounds of sesame per acre in 2012. Above,thousands of harvested sesame seeds are loaded into a truck destined for the state docks in Montgomery, which is approved to handle the crop.

By Mary Johnson

T

iny sesame seeds are popping up across Alabama farms where the crop could make a big impact on farmers’ bottom lines. However, near-record summer rainfall dampened high hopes for a plentiful harvest last year.

In Alabama, farmers contracted to grow a record 7,500 acres of sesame in 2013, up from only 1,500 in 2012.

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t have a more normal year to see what sesame would do,” said William Birdsong, a Geneva County Farmers Federation board member and agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

“Our biggest problem was the rain.

It’s hard to judge the crop’s potential based on this year.”

Birdsong grew 50 acres of sesame, and rain pushed his last planting to Aug. 10. He said an early November frost kept some sesame pods from maturing.

Early yield reports are sporadic across Alabama, ranging from 500 pounds per acre in waterlogged fields to 1,200 pounds per acre in drier areas.

Lee County farmer Ben Ingram is a contract agronomist with Sesaco Corp., a Texas-based sesame seed company. He said sesame grows well in arid conditions, so there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic about future crops in Alabama.

JANUARY 2014

“We see no reason why Alabama couldn’t consistently produce yields of 1,000 to 1,200 pounds per acre,” Ingram said. “State yields in 2012 averaged 900 pounds an acre.

Farmers don’t need specialized equipment for sesame. It can be harvested with any combine, grain platform or draper head. It’s planted in rows with regular row crop planters or grain drills.”

Marketing the crop is easy, Ingram said, because Sesaco buys all the sesame its contract farmers grow. Harvested sesame must be handled at an approved facility.

Currently, Alabama farmers can carry seed to the state docks in Montgomery or facilities in Florida and Georgia.

Sesaco mainly sells sesame for buns, crackers and other specialty foods, Ingram said, adding that the market for sesame is strong.

“At this point, sesame is mainly grown in Texas and Oklahoma,” Ingram said. “We have not been 17

able to supply the U.S. demand. We have to import. As we gain stability in sesame acreage, more products could be developed.”

Autauga County farmer Andy Wendland added sesame to his crop rotation for the first time in 2013.

Planting 250 acres was a learning process, he said, but he sees potential.

“Sesame seemed like a good fit because it didn’t require much moisture, and it isn’t appealing to wildlife,” said Wendland, who saw yields of 800 pounds an acre.

“Other growers can give recommendations, but we had to adjust our machines. The small seeds can be a little hard to handle, but our experience was positive. We’ll probably raise it again.”

As a relatively new crop for Alabama, Ingram said raising sesame is a learning process for all growers.

He said Sesaco recommends farmers rotate locations where the crop is planted.

“In farming, there is no silver bullet,” Ingram said. “Sesame may not work well for everyone, and that’s understandable. But knowing there is a market provides a sense of optimism we haven’t had in a while in agriculture. At this point, farmers could just give it a shot with 75 to 100 acres to see what it can do on their farm.” n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Federation Commodity Organizational Conference Set For Feb. 4-6

L

by Jan. 10. After this date, registrants should expect an eaders of the state’s largest farm organization will additional $30 late fee. gather Feb. 4-6 in Montgomery for the Alabama On-site registration will be $70 per day. To register, Farmers Federation’s annual Commodity Organivisit http://bit.ly/19CQCVh. zational Conference.

Registration opens daily at 8:30 a.m., and comNearly 700 farmers representing 16 commodities modity sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. are expected to attend the threeMeetings should conclude by 3:30 day conference at the Embassy p.m.

Suites Hotel. The conference has Federation President Jimmy a three-fold purpose: to elect state Feb. 4 Beef; Catfish; Cotton; Pork Parnell is expected to speak durcommodity committee memand Bee & Honey ing lunch each day of the conferbers, establish goals and priorience. A list of session speakers is ties from commodity leaders, and Feb. 5 Forestry; Hay & Forage; available online at the conference share thoughts and information Horticulture; Meat Goat & registration website. on current issues, said Federation Sheep and Poultry The state’s peanut farmers Governmental and Agricultural will meet Jan. 30 in Dothan for Programs Director Brian Hardin.

Feb. 6 Dairy; Equine; Greenhouse, the Alabama Peanut Producers “This meeting is important to Nursery & Sod; Soybeans; Association meeting. The annual farmers because it allows FederaWheat & Feed Grains and meeting is held in conjunction tion members to select leaders Wildlife with the Alabama-Florida Peanut who will be their voice,” Hardin Trade Show at the National Peasaid. “The meeting is vital to nut Festival Fairgrounds. On-site the Federation commodity staff because we get information from farmers on their chal- registration is at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit alpeanuts.com. n lenges and priorities for the coming year.”

Pre-registration is $30 per day and must be received

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JANUARY 2014

Farmers Federation Welcomes New Staff Members

T

he Alabama Farmers Federation recently welcomed three new employees.

Josh Melson and Bradley Cox, both 2012 graduates of Auburn University, joined the field staff as area organization directors.

Melson replaces Tom Jones, who Melson retired Nov. 27, and Cox replaces Matthew Durdin, who is now Federation state legislative programs director for the Senate. They will serve Area 1 and Area 2, respectively, until all field staff positions have been filled.

“The Federation stands for the same values I have,” Melson said.

“I look forward to working alongside Federation staff and our farmers. It’s a great journey ahead.”

Melson’s involvement with the

Federation began years ago when he received a Federation scholarship to Auburn.

“That scholarship let me know someone invested money and time in me, and that allowed me stay in agriculture,” he said.

Melson lives in Somerville with his wife, Mary, and their daughter, Ellie.

Cox, an Arab native, lives in Fayette and formerly taught vocational agribusiness at Fayette County High School. He said he is looking forward to improving participation in the Young Farmers’ programs and getting to know farmers in his area.

“The most important function the Federation serves is being Cox an advocate for farmers,” Cox said. “I’m proud to

be part of a group that defends the rights of farmers.

Young farmers are the future of our organization, so I want to put a lot of emphasis on that Long in my area.”

Deborah Long started work Nov. 20 as the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department administrative assistant. She replaces Wendy Golson who is now executive secretary to Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. Long previously worked for Alfa Insurance.

“After being gone for 16 years, the Federation has been so welcoming,” she said. “This is a great group of people. It’s an honor to serve this organization and to be back with my Alfa family.”

A Georgia native, Long has two children and two grandchildren. n

Edith Grover

Elmore County Farmer Four-legged animals reserve a special place in the heart of Elmore County’s Edith Grover.

Though she was raised in town, the Elmore County Farmers Federation Board member said she looked forward to the day she could live in the country.

“I lived for weekends when my family would go to my uncles’ dairy farms,” said Grover, 61.

“I have always loved animals and the life that farming offers.”

Edith and husband Ron moved to Alabama in 1992 and began their sheep farm, eventually adding Boer goats. Today, they have 100 goats.

“We concentrate on structural correctness and hearty genetics in our goats,” said the mother of two. “We also added dapples, reds, black and paints to our farm, which gave our breeding program a new slate. I’m proud of the quality of goats we have been able to produce.”

JANUARY 2014

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Young Farmers Eye Magic City For Annual Conference

By Melissa Martin

S

JANUARY 2014

building a strong communication foundation.

The next session gives participants the option to attend morning workshops on financial planning and lending programs, Discussion Meet contest strategies or a breakout session with McCrea.

Afternoon workshops aim to clarify OYFF and Excellence in Agriculture contest applications and will provide strategies on how

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ome of the state’s sharpest young farmers will gather in Birmingham Feb. 28-March 2 to hone their agricultural planning and communication skills at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Young Farmers Conference.

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Himburg said the two-day event, held at the Birmingham Sheraton, offers attendees a chance to fellowship and share stories.

“The Young Farmers Conference facilitates conversations with others from across the state who share similar backgrounds and goals, allowing participants to learn more about the Young Farmers program and take away tools that will help improve their operations or involvement in agriculture,” Himburg said.

Registration deadline for the Young Farmers Leadership Conference is Jan. 28. Cost for registration is $268 per adult and $53 for children ages 4-12 and includes meals, seminars and entertainment. All children must be registered. A $35 late fee will apply to registrations received after Jan. 28. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/YFConference14.

The conference opens with registration check in Feb. 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program kicks off at 7 p.m. featuring announcement of the Top 15 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) finalists. A special performance by Trotline, one of the most popular country/Southern rock bands in the Southeast, will follow.

Saturday’s session begins with breakfast at 7:45 a.m., followed by a presentation from keynote speaker Andrew McCrea, a fifth-generation farmer, author and National Association of Farm Broadcasters member.

McCrea will discuss what farmers can do to better meet the changing needs of consumers, along with

to compete effectively. County chairmen training sessions close out the afternoon agenda.

Saturday’s evening banquet concludes with the announcement of the Top 6 OYFF finalists.

Alabama’s 2014 Outstanding Young Farm Family will receive a prize package worth more than $60,000, including a new GMmodel truck valued at $35,000, courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator 825i, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; lease of a John Deere tractor, courtesy of TriGreen, SunSouth and Snead Ag Supply; and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. See page 20 of this issue for details.

For more information, contact Himburg at (334) 612-5159 or jhimburg@alfafarmers.org. n

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Field Of Greens Plant It And They Will Eat

By Mary Johnson

nutritious thing you can eat. When the weather gets cold and greens start getting real sweet, that’s something people can look forward to the same way they look forward to big, juicy tomatoes in the summer.”

Ten years ago, Snow and his wife, Margaret Ann Toohey, began farming full-time on land that’s been in Snow’s family since the 1860s. They sell to restaurants and at farmers markets, but most sales are through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Snow said he’d like to see more year-round farmers markets in Alabama. He said its difficult to sell greens at existing markets because they often close after tomato season.

Alabama Farmers Market Authority Director Don Wambles said it’s a goal he’s working toward.

“We only have two farmers markets that stay open 12 months — the Mentone Farmers Market and the Tuscaloosa River Market,” Wambles said. “We have enough farmers producing greens to sustain markets for a while. Shoppers like options, though, so we’re educating farmers about ways to grow other things,

W

hen most of the earth is barren and brown, Snow’s Bend Farm in Coker, Ala., is an oasis of green, fresh produce, from spinach and rainbow chard to mustard and collard greens.

Fields of leafy, green vegetables of all shades cover the farm nestled along the Black Warrior River and eventually will grace the table of “greens” lovers throughout the South. The entire crop is harvested by hand.

“We plant an acre of greens in the spring and an acre in the fall,” said farm owner David Snow. “Most of our cooking greens are sold in bunches.”

Many consumers rely on canned or frozen fruits and vegetables during winter’s chill. However, Snow said shoppers are warming-up to the idea of fresh greens when cool, crisp air moves in.

“Greens are gaining popularity,” he said. “I think people are becoming more aware of their diet and how it relates to health. I think greens are about the most w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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JANUARY 2014

At left, David Snow, owner of Snow’s Bend farm in Coker, Ala., stands in his field of greens. He and wife Margaret Ann Toohey plant an acre of the leafy vegetables in the spring and fall. The farm produces a large variety of greens including purple collards, cabbages and rainbow chard.

even in winter months, using materials like hoop houses.”

Wambles said cold months are the perfect time to enjoy a serving of greens, referred to as a “mess” by most Southerners, whether its turnips, collards or kale.

“Putting a dash of sugar in greens makes them even better — that’s my grandmamma’s old trick,” Wambles said.

Greens often grace Southern plates for New Year’s Day celebrations. Call it folklore, superstition or tradition — Southerners believe greens eaten on the first day of the new year bring good luck.

The variety and versatility of greens grown at Snow’s Bend, though, means the vegetables can please palates from fall through spring.

“We grow something called broccoli rabe,” Snow said. “Before it flowers, it can be treated just like a turnip green. It has a milder flavor and is not quite as bitter. It’s real easy and quick to cook. On the other side of the spectrum, we have mustard greens that are spicy and almost taste like wasabi.”

An unusual collard variety found at Snow’s Bend isn’t the typical green.

“We grow an old-timey purple collard,” Snow said.

“The plant has purple stems, and it produces a pink pot liquor when cooked.”

Collard greens are one of the oldest vegetables known, dating to prehistoric times. They’re known for producing a foul-stench when cooked due to sulfurcontaining chemicals called glucosinolates. However, JANUARY 2014

those stinky chemicals also make greens healthy and may help fight cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, greens are packed with vitamins C, E and K; folate; beta-carotene; and minerals.

With such a long, healthy history, Snow is confident greens will continue to be a popular item in kitchens and restaurants.

“The key to getting people to eat vegetables is to get good vegetables in their hands,” he said. “Then it’s not something they don’t want to eat; it’s something they look forward to eating.”

For more information on Snow’s Bend Farm, visit SnowsBendFarm.com. n 23

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

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Lee Haynes

Cullman County Farmer Cullman County poultry farmer Lee Haynes knows how to spot a good chick.

With parents Robert and Carol Haynes, Lee owns and operates Nature’s Best Egg Co. and C&R Haynes Farm. The family’s commercial egg operation has 240,000 hens and an egg processing plant. They raise, process and distribute eggs to both retail and institutional customers.

Lee said he feels blessed to be a farmer.

“I take pride in producing the best product I can and seeing it through the entire process, from the hen house to consumer,” said Lee, 27, a University of Alabama graduate. “I like to stay busy and enjoy a challenge. As a farmer, I have no problem doing both on a daily basis.”

Lee is a member of the Federation’s Agricultural Leaders For Alabama class. He and his wife, Sara, are members of Lystra Baptist Church and have two children, Clara and William.

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

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JANUARY 2014

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Public Notice By Alabama Pork Producers And National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2015 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place Feb. 4, 2014, at 1 p.m., in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Alabama Pork Producers Association in the State Boardroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center at 300 Tallapoosa Street in Montgomery, Alabama during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Commodity Organization Meeting. All Alabama pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer who is a resident of the state, at least 18 years old, is a producer of porcine animals or its representative, and has paid all assessments due, may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participant in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted.

For more information contact: Alabama Pork Producers, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001; telephone (334) 6125181; email ghall@alfafarmers.org.

JANUARY 2014

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Wearable Computers Could Be Boon To Crop Producers

A

wearable computer described as “a smartphone for your face” has the potential to help row-crop farmers operate more efficiently and profitably.

Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station researchers Greg Pate and John Fulton tested the yet-tobe-released device—called Google Glass—in cotton fields at Auburn’s E.V. Smith Research Center.

“I can use one of these devices to capture in-field information that can be stamped by time, date and GPS coordinates and can be automatically archived,” Fulton said. “In the blink of an eye or a tap [of the Google Glass], I’ve made a screen capture that could be of critical importance later in the crop season.”

Pate, who used Google Glass to inspect a cotton field, said wearable computers could prove useful in many facets of farming, particularly crop consulting.

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

“We have lots of farmers who receive data compiled by a scout [crop consultant] and question it or dismiss it as someone’s opinion,” he said. “With Google Glass, a consultant can pull up the data that

26

Greg Pate, director of Auburn’s E.V. Smith Research Center, scouts cotton using Google Glass technology.

was compiled and say, ‘Here it is.’”

Pate is director of E.V. Smith, located off I-65 between Montgomery and Auburn, and Fulton is Extension specialist and associate professor of biosystems engineering at Auburn.

Bruce Rasa, a farm technology consultant and one of 8,000 people worldwide whom Google commissioned as Glass Explorers to test the device.

“It’s like a smartphone for your face that enables hands-free use,” Rasa said.

Rasa introduced Pate and Fulton to the pair of glasses with a tiny computer mounted just above the right eye.

Uploading data into a cloud where it can be retrieved for future reference is also appealing to Pate, who is responsible for every facet of farming at the 3,816-acre research center.

Google has said Glass will be commercially available in 2014, but the corporation has not indicated what the price tag will be. n

JANUARY 2014

A blooming crocus.

By Lois Chaplin

air or radiant heat will cause the blooms to fade more quickly. Use small pots of crocus along with small, houseplants typically sold in 2- to 6-inch pots, to create a pretty basket of foliage and color.

When the weather warms, the crocus can go in the garden, and the small houseplants can step up to larger containers for the summer.

Like all bulbs, crocuses have active and dormant periods. Fall is when most are dormant, so that’s when they can be handled easily (like an onion bulb). September and October are best times to buy these by the dozens. They will send up foliage about the time they bloom. It’s important to keep the foliage intact and healthy because that’s how the plants re-energize for next year’s blooms. Apply a bulb booster fertilizer right after they bloom.

An exception to the crocus mentioned above is the saffron or Fall Crocus (Crocus sativus), which blooms in the fall almost immediately after it is planted. The stamens of each saffron crocus are prized by cooks for the yellow color and unique flavor they lend to rice, soups and stews. These are not generally found in garden centers, but are easy to get from mail-order bulb companies in the fall. n _____________________________________

W

hen it’s too cold or wet to do much outside, gardeners start looking for something to do with plants indoors. For those looking for a flower to enjoy, orchids crocus is a versatile choice.

Crocus is easy to use indoors and out because of its small size. Inside, little pots can perch almost anywhere in the kitchen, bath or on a tabletop. In spring, the cluster of little plants can be transplanted to the garden where they will bloom the following winter.

Crocus bulbs are actually members of the iris family. Native to the dry Mediterranean region, they don’t like wet ground, so select a spot that drains well.

There are more than 75 species of natural crocus, but the ones generally sold fall into a couple of categories: the small flowered, clumping “snow crocus,” typically sold for landscapes, and the slightly larger Dutch hybrid types good for blooming indoors.

Snow crocus, so called because they bloom very early, tend to naturalize and multiply even in a lawn, as long as the foliage of the plants is not mowed prematurely. These typically bloom in January and February in Alabama. Fall is when the majority of bulbs are sold in bags or bulk for planting in the garden.

Now is the time to enjoy the crocus sold in bloom at local garden centers. They should be placed in a cool, bright spot in the home. Avoid places where hot

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

RING IN THE NEW YEAR’S SAVINGS. WWW.ALAFARM.COM JANUARY 2014

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destroyed their land. Once soldiers left the area, Southerners gathered the remaining crops and celebrated the hope of good things to come with a meal.

Some say greens represent dollars and peas represent coins, while cornbread symbolizes gold and pork signifies progress in the coming year. However, superstition varies among those who prepare the meal and those who eat it.

Blount County’s Stephanie Miller cooks greens, peas, rice, ham and cornbread for her farm family. It’s a tradition she grew up with and one she still enjoys.

“Growing up, Grandmother Gilmer always fixed the New Year’s meal for us. Now that I have a family, I fix it and invite my parents and in-laws to eat,” said Miller, whose husband, Lance, is a member of the Federation’s State Young Farmers Committee. “I’ve always heard [you’re supposed to cook] greens for green back, rice for riches, peas for peace, cornbread for luck and ham just because it tastes good. If I’m feeling extra Southern, I may throw in a hog jowl or some fatback.

Cooking is a way I can carry on our family’s history.”

In south Alabama, Jean Fontaine of Baldwin County serves black-eyed peas at her New Year’s table, but she found a way to put a scrumptious spin on the classic dish a few years ago.

“Back in 2002, a good friend of mine gave me a cookbook from her church,” she recalled. “I’d eaten black-eyed pea soup before, but I could never track down a recipe to make it. Wouldn’t you know, that recipe was in this cookbook!”

Fontaine said at first, she made the soup per the recipe’s instructions. But, like most Southern cooks, she’s made it her own over the years. The recipe is good any time it’s cold out and is a perfect fit for the first day of a new year, she said.

“After the holidays, sometimes you want something to make that doesn’t take much time but is still just as delicious, and this soup fits the bill,” she said. “It’s also good for people who have leftover peas from their New Year’s menus. To really bring out the flavors, I add some fresh vegetables that I canned over the summer.”

While she enjoys the traditional Southern feast of fried chicken, string beans, fresh turnips, peas and cornbread, Fontaine said she doesn’t cook for luck.

“I’m so blessed to have grown up watching Mom cook hearty meals this time of year, and I remember her each time I cook,” she said. “To me, the first meal of a new year is about sharing warm memories and love with family. That time together is all I need to start my year off right.”

Recipes in this issue feature New Year’s staples and a few twists on classic dishes.

By Melissa Martin

O

n New Year’s Day, people around the world prepare for a fresh start. For Southerners, starting 2014 off right begins with a full stomach… but not just any meal will do.

According to Southern legend, a proper New Year’s meal includes healthy servings of greens, black-eyed peas, pork and cornbread — all of which are believed to bring luck in the coming year. Some folklorists believe the tradition dates back to the Civil War, when Southern troops had only greens and peas to survive on after Union soldiers

O r d e r Yo u r C o o k b o o k To d a y ! w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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JANUARY 2014

NEW YEAR’S DAY BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP Jean Fontaine, Baldwin County 10 slices bacon (reserve bacon drippings) 12-inch link of Conecuh sausage, finely chopped and fully cooked 1 chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 2 cans chicken broth 2 cups water 1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian chopped tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon thyme 1 cup thinly sliced carrots 1 (2.75-ounce) White Lily country gravy mix 1 cup milk 2 (16-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained 3 tablespoons chopped parsley

In large pot, cook bacon until crisp; remove and drain on paper towels. Crumble and set aside.

Leave 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in pot. Add onion, celery and garlic to pot. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Add broth, water, tomatoes, thyme and carrots. Heat to boiling, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes until carrots are tender. Return to rapid boil. In a glass measuring cup, dissolve gravy mix in milk. Stir into soup until thickened. Add bacon, sausage, peas and parsley. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.

Serve with cheesy cornbread.

Makes 8 servings.

CORNBREAD SALAD Nancy Farrow, Tallapoosa County 4 tomatoes, finely chopped 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped 1 tablespoon sugar ½ pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled 1 small onion, finely chopped 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish ¼ cup pickle juice 6 cups cornbread, crumbled 1 cup mayonnaise

In a large bowl, combine first seven ingredients and mix well.

Add cornbread. Stir in mayonnaise, mixing well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

BLACK-EYED PEA SALAD Patty Marsh, Limestone County 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 heaping tablespoon mayonnaise 1 heaping tablespoon sugar 16 ounces canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled ½ cup onion, chopped ½ cup bell pepper, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped Cayenne pepper, to taste

In a large bowl, mix vinegar, mayonnaise and sugar. Stir in black-eyed peas, bacon and chopped ingredients.

Sprinkle with cayenne as desired.

Chill before serving.

HOPPIN’ JOHN Stephanie Miller, Blount County 8 ounces smoked sausage 1/2 green pepper, diced 1 small onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 can black eyed peas 2 cups water 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 2 cups uncooked rice

Cook rice according to directions. Sauté sausage in skillet until brown. Add pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté two minutes. Add black-eyed peas (and liquid), water, thyme and Cajun seasoning. Bring to boil. Let simmer 15-20 minutes.

Serve over rice.

SWEET CORNBREAD Stephanie Miller, Blount County

COLLARDS Jimmy Jimmerson Cleburne County 2 bunches fresh collard greens 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups sugar 2 ham hocks 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper Salt and pepper, to taste

Strip leaves from tough stems.

Wash greens several times in water to remove grit. Roll leaves into a cigar shape, and cut into 1-inch sections. Put all ingredients into a large stockpot, and cover with water. Cook at a low boil for 2-3 hours or until tender. Adjust seasoning, and add water as needed.

BLACK-EYED PEA & CORN SALSA Cheryl Britton Montgomery County 16 ounces canned black-eyed peas, drained 22 ounces canned white shoepeg corn, drained 2 tomatoes, diced 4 ounces canned green chiles 2 large green bell peppers, chopped 12 small green onions, chopped 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 2 cups Italian dressing

Combine all ingredients except dressing in a bowl, blending well.

Pour dressing all over, and toss well to coat. Refrigerate overnight. Serve with corn chips. n

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 2/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 egg 1 cup milk 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray a 10-inch iron skillet with non-stick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until combined. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

GOOD LUCK GREENS AND

Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes. Recommend a favorite cook who is a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation by emailing AlabamaCountryKitchen@gmail.com.

JANUARY 2014

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Chicks soybeans soyb eans

©2012 United Soybean Board [44373]

So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – consuming 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure.

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Alfa 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.