Neighbors Magazine, January 2019

Relationships That Pay Dividends.

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— John and Kate Deloach of Shelby County 2018 Alabama Farmer of the Year

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VOLUME 44,

NUMBER 1

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

January 2019

_____________________________________

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 Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Donald Hodge, New Market Donald Sewell, Southside Tim Whitley, Horton Joe Anders, Northport Phillip Hunter, Chelsea Joe Lambrecht, Wetumpka Meador Jones, Gallion Bill Cook, Montgomery Steve Stroud, Goshen Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Chris Carroll, Ariton Jo Ann B. Laney, Phenix City Garrett Dixon, Salem

4

In This Issue 4

Federation Elects Leaders

9

Poultry Pioneers Honored

10

Hurricane Relief Fund

20

Bring On The Bison

24

AFVGA Annual Conference

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: , 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

32

Slow Cookers Yield Fast Favorites

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com

On The Cover

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.

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.

20

Geneva County’s Weston Spivey is building demand for bison meat and carving out a name for himself as a budding entrepreneur.

32

Photo by Debra Davis

www.AlfaFarmers.org A member of American Farm Bureau Federation J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 3

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

Parnell Re-Elected Alabama Farmers Federation President

By Jeff Helms

C

hilton County farmer Jimmy Parnell was re-elected to a fourth term as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation at the organization’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 3.

Elections were held during the Federation’s business session where almost 500 farmer delegates from all 67 counties chose officers and directors for the organization.

Officers serve two-year terms.

Parnell was first elected in 2012.

He is a fifth-generation beef cattle farmer and partner in a family logging business.

The Stanton native thanked the voting delegates for the opportunity to serve the Federation’s 350,000 members and lead the affiliated Alfa Insurance.

“I’m convinced we serve some of the best people in Alabama,” said Parnell, 54. “Farmers built this country and have the values which make our communities, state and nation strong. It’s an honor to work alongside people who are dedicated to making things better for our members and policyholders.”

Parnell was chairman of the Federation’s State Young Farmers Committee in 1997, served on the Federation’s state board of directors from 1999-2008, and was Chilton County Farmers Federation president from 20062012. He was unopposed in his bid for re-election.

North Area Vice President Rex Vaughn of Huntsville in Madison County and Southeast Area Vice President George Jeffcoat of Gordon in Houston County also were re-elected for two-year terms.

Both are row crop and beef cattle farmers.

Vaughn’s North Area covers Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Voting delegates elected members to the Alabama Farmers Federation board of directors at a business session during the organization’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery. Front row, from left are Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Jo Ann B. Laney, Russell County; Southeast Area Vice President George Jeffcoat, Houston County; Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Chilton County; North Area Vice President Rex Vaughn, Madison County; and State Young Farmers Chairman Garrett Dixon, Lee County. Back row from left are District 1 Director Brian Glenn, Lawrence County; District 4 Director Tim Whitley, Blount County; District 7 Director Joe Lambrecht, Elmore County; and District 10 Director Steve Stroud, Pike County.

Winston counties.

The Southeast Area, represented

by Jeffcoat, includes Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Pike, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Additionally, four district directors were elected to three-year terms. Each director can serve three consecutive terms.

Brian Glenn, a row crop farmer from Lawrence County, was re-elected as District 1 director. The district includes Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Walker counties. This is his third term.

Tim Whitley, a cattle farmer from Blount County, was elected to the District 4 previously held

by Rickey Cornutt of Marshall County. The District 4 director seat rotates among Blount, Cullman, Marshall and Winston counties.

4

Meanwhile, Elmore County produce farmer and gristmill owner Joe Lambrecht was re-elected to the District 7 seat representing Chambers, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. This is his second term.

Pike County poultry farmer and county Federation President Steve Stroud was re-elected to a second term in the District 10 board seat.

That district includes Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw and Pike counties.

Elected to one-year ex-officio terms on the state board were State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Jo Ann B. Laney of Russell County and State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Garrett Dixon of Lee County.

The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state's largest farm organization and is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation. n JANUARY 2019

Gingrich, Ivey Highlight Federation Annual Meeting

By Marlee Moore

F

JANUARY 2019

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich was the keynote speaker during the closing banquet.

curve,” said VanderWal, also the South Dakota Farm Bureau president. “It’s up to all of us to help them understand agriculture and fill that knowledge gap. Invite them to your farm; share your story.”

Earlier in the meeting, lifelong agribusinessman and outgoing Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan received the Service To Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor. McMillan served eight years as commissioner and was recently

New County Presidents

ormer Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich told tales of politics, President Donald Trump and predictions for the next election cycle to over 1,200 farmers in Montgomery Dec. 3.

Gingrich’s keynote address concluded two days of business sessions and awards presentations during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting.

“Tension is building because it is real. There are really radically different visions of America,” Gingrich said of the current political climate. “I wish I could reach into each of your hearts and convince you how important it is to protect this country… and how big of a difference you can make.”

Gov. Kay Ivey also addressed the crowd, thanking them for their trust and support as she begins her first full term as governor.

“Please know that you have a friend in the governor’s chair,” Ivey said. “After all, we are only successful when we’re successful together.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell emphasized the importance of political involvement by members of the state’s largest farm organization, citing the conference theme: “I Farm. I Grow. I Lead. I Vote.”

“That says it all," Parnell said.

"Your leadership is important in our communities, state and nation.”

On the heels of midterm elections, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Vice President Scott VanderWal joined fellow farmers in the Capital City, where he thanked them — and their rural communities — for political enthusiasm and high voter turnout.

He also updated attendees on AFBF’s work benefiting farmers nationwide.

“New and young members of Congress have a steep learning

elected state treasurer.

For their service to farmers and rural families, Jim Donald and Gene Simpson received the Federation’s Cultivator Award.

They founded the National Poultry Technology Center in Auburn.

Communications Awards were presented to Adam Smith of the News Courier in Limestone County and WSFA-TV’s Desmond Wingard and Vince Hodges of Montgomery.

Elections for the Federation state board, Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees were held, and outstanding county boards, committees and individual leaders were honored.

New and outgoing county presidents were also recognized.

A silent auction raised $9,450 for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, which benefits agricultural scholarships and Ag in the Classroom.

Additionally, the Federation honored leaders who passed away in 2018 during a tribute breakfast.

During the business session, a $5 dues increase was approved, effective July 2019. n

Van Smith Autauga County

Ashton Cottingham Bibb County

Jeff Maze Blount County

Doug Trantham Calhoun County

Jack Robertson Chambers County

Ben Haynes Cullman County

Chris Thomas Hale County

Thomas Ellis Lowndes County

Jeremy Brown Montgomery County

Donald Ray Walker St. Clair County

Jacob Hodnett Tallapoosa County

Jim Lavender Tuscaloosa County

5

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

Exceptional Young Farmers Honored At Annual Meeting

By Marlee Moore

received $35,000 toward a Ford truck courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John ollowing an intense Deere 825i Gator spondialogue about sored by Alabama Ag protecting production Credit and Alabama Farm technology for farmers, Credit; the lease of a John Sid Phelps of Dadeville Deere tractor provided in Tallapoosa County

by John Deere, AgPro, clinched the 2018 Young SunSouth and TriGreen Farmers Discussion Meet Equipment; and a 30- by title Dec. 3.

40-foot pole barn from Phelps, the Register Barn Co. e-commerce manager for The Upchurches raise Bonnie Plants, beat out poultry and cattle on their competitors Kyle Morris Lineville farm. They have of Hanceville in Cullman an infant son, Charlie.

County and Brady Peek As the Excellence of Athens in Limestone Sid Phelps of Tallapoosa County , center, won the 2018 Discussion Meet in Agriculture winner, County at the Alabama contest and received a four-wheeler presented by First South Farm Credit’s Carpenter was awarded Farmers Federation’s Mike Pigg, left. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell joined them for the presentation. a zero-turn mower from 97th annual meeting in Corteva Agriscience and Montgomery.

Discussion Meet finalists and a computer package from Valcom/ “Our state competition is tough, other Young Farmers contest CCS Wireless. She is Alabama but now it’s time to buckle down winners were named at the Farmers Cooperative’s digital and prepare for the national level,” Federation’s Commodity Producers marketing and public relations Phelps said. “I want to represent Conference in August. During manager. Carpenter lives in Alabama in the best way possible the annual meeting’s closing Madison. and make our state proud.” session, prizes were awarded to Young Farmers contest winners He received a four-wheeler receive an expense-paid trip to courtesy of First South Farm Credit Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) Chris and Jordyn Upchurch compete at the American Farm as this year’s Discussion Meet of Clay County and Excellence Bureau Federation annual convenwinner. The contest simulates in Agriculture winner Samantha tion in January in New Orleans. a committee meeting where Carpenter of Limestone County.

Visit AlfaYoungFarmers.org for participants examine issues facing As OYFF, the Upchurches info on Young Farmers contests. n agriculture.

F

From left are Alabama Farm Credit's Mel Koller; Outstanding Young Farm Family Chris, Jordyn and Charlie Upchurch; Alabama Ag Credit's Doug Thiessen; and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

6

From left are Corteva Agriscience's Cullen Wiggins, Excellence in Ag winner Samantha Carpenter and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

JANUARY 2019

State Women's Leadership, Young Farmers Committees Elected

By Debra Davis

S

tate Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees elected new leaders at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 2-3.

Jo Ann B. Laney of Russell County is the new Women’s Leadership chair, while Garrett Dixon of Lee County was elected Young Farmers chair. Both serve one-year ex-officio terms on the Federation’s board of directors.

Other State Women’s Leadership Committee officers elected were Vice Chair Kathy Gordon of Montgomery County and Secretary Lydia Haynes of Cullman County.

Committee officers serve one-year terms.

Regina Carnes of Marshall County will represent Region 1, which includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties.

Representing Region 2 is Debbie Roberts of Fayette County. The region includes Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.

The Region 4 committee member is Debbie Dunn of Geneva County. She will represent Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Pike, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Regional representatives of the State Women’s Leadership Committee serve three-year terms.

County committees that excelled in 2018 were recognized at the Women’s Leadership Division Awards Luncheon. Washington County received the Most Improved Committee Award. The

JANUARY 2019

State Young Farmers Committee members were elected Dec. 2 during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery. Front row from left are Leah McElmoyl of DeKalb County, District 1; Vice Chairman Chase Hammock of Talladega County, District 3; Chairman Garrett Dixon of Lee County, South Alabama Ag-Large; Secretary Jonathan Sanders of Coffee County, District 7; and Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Christenberry.

Back row from left are Daniel Mullenix of Lee County, District 6; Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County, North Alabama At-Large; Cooper Holmes of Perry County, District 5; Evan Broussard of Hale County, District 4; Brady Peek of Limestone County, District 1; Spencer Williamson of Escambia County, District 8; and Chris Upchurch of Clay County, 2018 Outstanding Young Farm Family and ex-officio committee member.

The State Women’s Leadership Committee was elected during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 2-3. Front row from left are Chair Jo Ann B. Laney of Russell County, Region 4; Vice Chair Kathy Gordon of Montgomery County, Region 3; Secretary Lydia Haynes of Cullman County, Region 1; and Federation Women’s Division Director Kim Earwood. Back row from left are Regina Carnes of Marshall County, Region 1; Debbie Roberts of Fayette County, Region 2; Delle Bean of Calhoun County, Region 2; Debbie Freeland of Mobile County, Region 3; Debbie Dunn of Geneva County, Region 4; and Ann Whatley of Lee County, At-Large.

Division 1 Outstanding Committee Award went to Tallapoosa County.

Lawrence County won the Division 2 Outstanding Committee Award, and Baldwin County won the award 7

for Division 3.

County Women’s Leadership Committees turned in 1,630 pounds of aluminum pop tabs at the annual meeting. Throughout w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

the year, members collected 2,324 pounds of pop tabs as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House.

Chilton County collected the most with 255 pounds.

State Young Farmers Committee leadership includes Vice Chair Chase Hammock of Talladega County and Secretary Jonathan Sanders of Coffee County.

Additionally, five committee members were elected to two-year terms during the annual meeting.

Leah McElmoyl of DeKalb County was elected from District 2, which includes Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair counties.

District 4 Young Farmers elected Evan Broussard of Hale County. The district includes Bibb, Greene, Fayette, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Pickens, Tuscaloosa and Walker counties.

The District 6 representative is Daniel Mullenix of Lee County. He will represent Autauga, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Montgomery and Russell counties.

Spencer Williamson of Escambia County was re-elected as the District 8 representative. The district includes Baldwin, Butler, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties.

Serving North Alabama At-Large will be Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County. The region includes Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston counties.

Ten outstanding Young Farmers county committees were honored with Awards of Excellence. Those were Calhoun, Colbert, DeKalb, Etowah, Houston, Lee, Limestone, Montgomery, St. Clair and Tuscaloosa counties. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Federation Honors Leaders

Outstanding county leaders were recognized for service to agriculture, their communities and the Alabama Farmers Federation during its 97th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 3. Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan recognized senior leaders. Front row from left are Blount County’s Jimmy Miller; Colbert County’s L.O. Bishop; Franklin County’s Charles Ezzell; and Lee County’s Jamie Lazenby. Back row from left are Limestone County’s Jerry Newby; Mobile County’s Bert Driskell; Montgomery County’s Dicky Flowers; Morgan County’s Hal Lee; and Randolph County’s Dean Wysner.

Alabama Farmers Federation members instrumental in establishing or spearheading programs at the county level received Individual Leader Awards during the Federation’s 97th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 3. Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan recognized leaders. From left are Pinyan; Allie Corcoran of Barbour County for local and community services; Richard Lindsey of Cherokee County for political education and action; Gean Harris of Cleburne County for commodity division work; Jimmy Fetner of Randolph County for local and community services; and John Farrow of Tallapoosa County for political education and action.

8

JANUARY 2019

Poultry Research Pair Honored With Cultivator Award

By Jeff Helms

F

or two decades, Dr. Gene Simpson and Jim Donald have worked together researching practical technologies to improve the efficiency of poultry production. Their commitment to applied science saved farmers millions of dollars and earned them the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cultivator Award at the organization’s 97th annual meeting Dec. 3 in Montgomery.

The Cultivator Award recognizes individuals who nurture relationships to benefit farmers and rural families.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised the duo’s work, which gave rise to the internationally renowned National Poultry Technology Center at Auburn University.

“Jim Donald and Gene Simpson understand the land grant university mission of serving farmers through research, teaching and outreach,” Parnell said. “By providing real-world solutions, they’ve helped farmers increase production, cut costs and conserve natural resources. Their work reaches beyond the laboratory and is making a difference in the lives and budgets of the farmers we serve.”

Their partnership began in 1998 when Simpson, an ag economist who pioneered use of computers at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, joined forces with Donald, who had already been helping farmers for a decade as a professor in biosystems engineering.

Together, they began exploring poultry house ventilation, heating, lighting and water usage.

Determined to share real-world solutions with farmers, Donald launched PoultryHouse.com and the Poultry Engineering, Economics and Management Newsletter in 1999.

Over the years, Donald and JANUARY 2019

Founders of the National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) at Auburn University were honored with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Cultivator Award at the organization’s 97th annual meeting Dec. 3 in Montgomery. Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented awards to NPTC Associate Director Gene Simpson, left, and NPTC Director Jim Donald, right. The Cultivator Award recognizes men and women who nurture relationships to benefit farmers and rural families.

Simpson used these tools — along with thousands of personal appearances — to educate farmers about technologies to increase efficiency and save money.

Improved construction and insulation methods pioneered by the researchers reduced fuel costs by 50 percent for poultry farmers, while LED lighting innovations saved $1,000 per broiler house.

Their latest project — using poultry house roofs to capture rainwater — has the potential to lower water use by 80 percent and reduce erosion.

Overall, systems developed by Simpson and Donald have saved the poultry industry $30 to $50 million a year.

Since 2004, the Alabama Farmers Federation has worked alongside these men to secure annual funding for the National Poultry Technology Center, which opened in 2007. Its goal is to improve bottom-line profitability of the U.S. poultry industry through applied research and education that contributes to increased efficiencies in housing, equipment, energy and environmental control. Donald serves as NPTC director, and 9

Simpson is associate director.

“It goes back to a team effort,” Donald said. “No individual could have done what the National Poultry Technology Center team has in the past 10 years, and I want to thank them.”

Simpson also expressed appreciation for the poultry growers who tested their innovations.

“I am especially thankful for farmers; it’s great waking up in the morning and knowing that I can go to work to help a grower out there,” he said.

Donald and Simpson led efforts to publish the book "Poultry House Construction Guidelines."

With more than 10,000 copies in circulation, the volume has become a bible for farmers, integrators, lenders, insurers and manufacturers.

“By remaining dedicated to conducting meaningful research and sharing practical solutions, Simpson and Donald have cultivated relationships with farmers, elected officials, scientists and agribusinesses that will pay dividends for years to come,” Parnell said. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Farm Bill Passage Provides Certainty For Farmers

By Jeff Helms

F

inal passage of a five-year farm bill by Congress Dec. 12 was welcome news for Alabama farmers eager to prepare for the 2019 crop year.

The House of Representatives approved the bipartisan legislation by a 369-47 vote, following Senate passage by an 87-13 vote. President Donald J. Trump has indicated he will sign the measure into law.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the farm bill makes significant improvements in federal farm programs.

“While no farm bill is perfect, this legislation addresses many concerns expressed by our members,” Parnell said. “It gives farmers greater flexibility in choosing programs to fit their individual businesses and allows prices and yields to be adjusted based on global markets and production history. We appreciate Congress and the Trump administration getting a farm bill approved so farmers can have certainty going into next year.”

Dubbed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

budget-neutral farm bill governs spending for a variety of federal programs including conservation, nutrition, crop insurance, agricultural research, forestry and foreign trade development.

2018 Farm Bill Provisions

Reference prices in the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program may increase up to 115 percent based on market prices and are incorporated in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program calculation. PLC yields may be voluntarily updated in 2020.

Farmers will have the option to choose between ARC and PLC on a crop by crop and farm by farm basis in 2019 and annually beginning in 2021. l Marketing loan rates increase by varying amounts. The rate for soybeans rises 24 percent to $6.20 a bushel. For corn, the loan rate increases to $2.20 per bushel, up from $1.95.

The wheat loan rate changes from $2.94 per bushel to $3.38.

Payment limits on marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments are eliminated in the 2018 bill. l Payment limitations remain l

10

unchanged, and the family definition is amended to allow nieces, nephews and cousins in family farm operations to participate in programs. l Conservation programs are retained. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage cap increases to 27 million acres, but rental rates and incentive payments are reduced to limit government competition with farmers who lease land. l $75 million is approved for feral swine control. l Crop insurance is preserved, as are existing disaster programs.

Efforts to reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding and restrict eligibility were not included in the final package, but authority was granted for greater accountability in the program.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said passage of the farm bill is especially important because the economic recovery in farm country has not kept pace with the rest of America.

“This 2018 farm bill is a complete package — one that will serve all Americans,” Duvall said. “Farm and ranch families in particular will find a good degree of risk management support they need to help them weather the prolonged downturn in the agricultural economy that many of us are facing. Next year, we are going to face continued challenges across farm and ranch country, and this new farm bill gives us the tools we will need to weather this ongoing storm.”

Alabama Sens. Richard Shelby and Doug Jones voted “yes” on the farm bill, as did U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne, Martha Roby, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Mo Brooks, Gary Palmer and Terri Sewell.

Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with 350,000 member families. n JANUARY 2019

G R A I N S 0f T R U T H Alabama Wheat and Feed Grain Farmers grow food, fuel and freedom.

The state’s livestock, poultry and catfish rely on a healthy diet of corn and other grains for energy and nutrition. Grain farmers are proud partners in helping Alabama’s $4 billion animal agriculture industry provide safe, delicious beef, pork, poultry and fish for America’s dinner tables.

WHEAT & FEED GRAIN PRODUCERS

New EPA Rule Clears Up Waters Of The U.S.

F

ederal officials issued new waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) guidelines Dec. 11 to help protect farmers and landowners from intrusive government regulations.

In their proposal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers clarified federal authority under the Clean Water Act. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell applauded the proposed definition, which excludes ditches from regulation unless contributing flow to a perennial or intermittent stream.

“The proposed rule is good news for Alabama farmers and restores common sense to Clean Water Act enforcement,” Parnell said.

“For years, farmers, businesses and homeowners have lived under the threat of government intrusion and costly penalties due to overaggressive actions of the

JANUARY 2019

Obama-era EPA. We appreciate the Trump administration, current EPA administration, Alabama’s congressional delegation and our state attorneys general for standing by farmers and landowners as we’ve fought back against the WOTUS rule.”

Under the Clean Water rule proposal, federally regulated areas include traditional navigable waters, tributaries to those waters, some ditches, certain lakes and ponds, impoundments of jurisdictional waters, and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. The proposal also details non-waters of the U.S., such as areas that only contain water during or in response to rainfall; many ditches, including most roadside or farm ditches; prior converted cropland; stormwater control features; and waste treatment systems.

American Farm Bureau

13

Federation President Zippy Duvall thanked the EPA and Corps for investing time in a rule that will allow farmers to comply with laws while protecting water resources.

“Clean water is our way of life.

Preserving our land and protecting our water means healthy places to live, work and play,” Duvall said.

“We believe this new Clean Water Rule is rooted in common sense.

It will protect our nation’s water resources and allow farmers to farm.”

The announcement is the second part in a two-step process to review and revise the definition of WOTUS consistent with President Donald Trump’s February 2017 executive order. A 60-day comment period is in effect.

EPA and the Corps will hold an informational webcast Jan. 10 and a listening session on the proposed rule Jan. 23 in Kansas City, KS. n

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

Apply For Hurricane Michael Relief By Jan. 31

F

armers impacted by Hurricane Michael may apply for grants from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) through Jan. 31.

Foundation Chairman Jimmy Parnell said the nonprofit will disperse almost $200,000 donated by individuals, county Federations and agribusinesses following the disastrous storm.

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown to Alabama farmers in the wake of Hurricane Michael,” Parnell said. “The Foundation established the Alabama Farmers Hurricane Relief Fund in response to people

asking how they could help. We will now use an application process to make sure every dollar goes directly to a farmer in need.”

Parnell said funds will be targeted toward farmer losses not covered by a farmowner policy, crop insurance or disaster relief programs.

The online application gives farmers an opportunity to describe losses to crops, buildings, timber and fencing.

A committee will evaluate the applications and distribute funds based on the extent of non-covered losses.

Major donors to the Hurricane Relief Fund include Bayer Crop Science, Alabama Farm Credit,

Alabama Ag Credit, CNY Community Foundation Inc., and about a dozen county Farmers Federations.

Farmers are encouraged to apply online at AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org.

For more information, contact Brian Hardin at bhardin@alfafarmers.org or (334) 613-4217.

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation is 501c3 nonprofit created to support and advance agriculture in Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens; and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture. It is supported, in part, by sales of the Farming Feeds Alabama car tags. n

Johns Promoted To Federation Chief Financial Officer

T

he Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed Phillip Johns to its management team Dec. 4, when he was promoted to chief financial officer (CFO) of the state’s largest farm organization.

“I am humbled and honored to step into the CFO role for the Federation,” said Johns, 31. “I look forward to building relationships, continuing the legacy that has been built into our department and innovating for the future to better serve our members and Federation staff.”

Johns joined the Federation in 2015 as accounting manager and is a graduate of the Alfa Leadership Academy, the company’s in-house leadership training program. He previously worked five years with Jackson Thornton, where he served on the team auditing the Federation and progressed from associate to senior associate to supervisor.

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

leadership for one Federation Executive of the most talented Director Paul Pinyan and hardworking said Johns embraces accounting innovation and has a departments in vision to transition Alabama.” many accounting A native of functions from paper Monroeville, Johns to digital while graduated from Monroe encouraging employee Academy before engagement and earning bachelor’s and increased collaboration Johns master’s degrees from with Alfa Insurance. the University of Alabama. He is a Johns brings an entrepreneurial Certified Public Accountant (CPA) spirit to the CFO position and is eager to grow membership, increase and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Johns also founded Prevail usage of Farm Bureau Bank services Union, a coffee shop in downtown and strengthen the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, Montgomery, and serves on boards Pinyan added. for Goodwill River Region and “Phillip’s enthusiasm, Provisioned Ministries. professionalism and ability to work He and wife Brooke live with members, coworkers, Alfa in Montgomery’s Hampstead colleagues and business leaders community and have one son, will serve the Federation well,” Beckett. They are active members of Church of the Highlands. n he said. “As CFO, he will provide 14

JANUARY 2019

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From left are Drew Middle School students Olivia Jones, Mallory Tigue, Payden Hopson and Gracelyn Tidwell, winners of the Purple Plow Contest sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Students Score Big In Cattle Ranch Challenge

By Debra Davis

A

team of Alabama middle school students is one of four national winners in an American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture contest that engages students in creating solutions for real-world agricultural issues.

Four seventh-graders in Hannah McBurnett’s agriscience class at Drew Middle School won the Purple Plow Contest. The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) challenge ran from Aug. 15 to Nov.1 and provided curriculum to students and teachers.

Olivia Jones, Mallory Tigue, Payden Hopson and Gracelyn Tidwell built a 3-D model of a cattle ranch to address production, environmental, economical and societal needs. As national winners, they received a 3-D printer and a $100 gift card for classroom use.

“My students love the opportunity to physically

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

create things and animals,” said McBurnett, who learned of the contest through an American Farm Bureau Federation Twitter post. “I knew this competition would allow my students to shine by having them create projects based on their interests.”

McBurnett said programs like Purple Plow help prepare students for future jobs through technology and collaboration. Students created digital model drawings and followed the engineering design process to create and improve their farm.

“These real-world concepts can only be taught as students experience them through realworld, project-based learning,” McBurnett said. “I want my students, even though they are in the seventh grade, to learn skills they’ll need to be successful in the workforce.”

All of McBurnett’s 122 students participated in the contest — about 30 groups with four or five students each. The project helped students learn collaboration, communication and cooperation, McBurnett said. They created drawings and 3-D farm models, produced a grazing and health plan, and made presentations about their work.

Students created special features for their farms such as compost areas, silos, solar-powered lights and windmills. McBurnett chose the top five groups from her class to enter the national contest.

“As an educator, it was helpful to have ideas and lessons to teach about beef cattle in a fun, interactive way,” she said. “I love agriculture and learned so much about it during my educational career at Auburn University. Using innovative ways to teach students about agriculture made it easier for me to share information. If making model farms from recycled materials makes beef production more memorable and interesting for them, then I feel like the project was a success.”

Visit PurplePlow.org for more information on Purple Plow Challenges and other free resources.

Follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ThePurplePlow. n Drew Middle School students from Lincoln built a 3-D model cattle farm that addressed production, environmental, economical and societal needs to win the national Purple Plow contest.

16

JANUARY 2019

Public Notice

By Alabama Pork Producers And National Pork Board The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2020 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place February 5, 2019 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) 612-5181; email ghall@alfafarmers.org.

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Destinations Announces Promotion Of Caroline Chapman

C

aroline Chapman of Destinations, the Alfa companies’ in-house travel and event management company, has been promoted to senior meeting planner. The announcement was made by Destinations Department Director Shane Watkins.

“Destinations has enjoyed success on major programs the last three years due in large part to Caroline’s professionalism, attention to detail and work ethic,” Watkins said. “We are all very excited to see Caroline assume increased responsibilities in her new role.”

Chapman graduated from the University of Alabama (UA) in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and completed her master’s degree there in consumer quality management in 2015.

enjoyed traveling and Chapman, 26, organizing events, but joined Destinations after an introductory after completing an class at UA, her career internship with the path became clear. department that same “I knew then that year.

I wanted to be a part “I was privileged of making people to have an internship happy and creating a with the Federation, positive experience and it was a great for individuals and fit for me,” said the Chapman groups, whether Brewton native. “I am it was traveling, dining or fortunate to work with some of entertainment,” she said. “Our the most talented, caring people in goal in Destinations is to help the business. I also enjoy working with Alfa Insurance and Federation make every event as seamless, pleasant and rewarding as employees and serving Federation possible.” members.”

Chapman lives in Montgomery.

As a senior meeting planner, When not working, she likes Chapman will provide strategic spending time with her family direction for Federation and Alfa and friends and her goldendoodle, Insurance events and will assist Teddy. She also enjoys concerts and new employees.

UA sporting events. n Chapman said she has always

20Commodity Organization 19 Conference Embassy Suites

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go to “Events” at alfafarmers.org w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

18

JANUARY 2019

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Teen Entrepreneur

Carves Out

For Craving

By Marlee Moore

Bison

Weston Spivey

S

even miles from Florida and light-years from the Wild West, buffalo roam in Geneva County thanks to 19-year-old entrepreneur Weston Spivey, who’s herding customers toward lean, local bison meat.

“Buffalo is heart-healthy and sweet without a gamey taste,” said Spivey, whose herd is technically bison, though he uses the term interchangeably with buffalo.

Spivey was 14 and at a conference in Las Vegas when he realized the demand for bison in eateries outside Alabama. His

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

grandfather, Don McAllister, raised buffalo for his family, but Spivey dreamed bigger.

Nearly four years later, Green Acres Farms wholesales bison meat to over 75 restaurants and meat markets in Alabama. It processes around 70 animals a year, splitting the herd between Slocomb and out-of-state partner farms.

Spivey’s grass-fed bison is a popular choice for customers, though he said he prefers grain-fed meat, which is finished for 200 days with feed from a local mill and has a higher fat content.

20

Partnering with local restaurant owners, serving samples and slowly bringing bison to area menus cultivated demand for Spivey’s hamburger and steaks — resulting in a four-week waitlist for bison ribeye steaks.

In Hartford, Ketchem’s Restaurant, Catering and Venue patties out bison burgers for hungry customers on Friday nights. It’s a special that owner Cherie Orr said she’s excited to launch.

“The bison burger gives our customers a different, local option,” Orr said. “It’s a lean burger JANUARY 2019

Weston Spivey is carving out a niche market for bison on his family’s Geneva County Green Acres Farm. The teen entrepreneur wholesales bison to meat markets and restaurants, such as Ketchem’s in Hartford, which serves bison burger specials on the weekend. Spivey said preparing bison shouldn’t intimidate home cooks either, as its preparation is similar to beef.

that doesn’t taste gamey and is something diners look forward to sampling.”

Spivey said bison is about five times more expensive than beef due to higher inputs and the cost of importing animals from places such as North Dakota. They also have a wild streak.

“Cows are like kittens compared to buffalo,” said Spivey, whose family also has 40 beef cows.

“Buffalo are rowdy, relentless and unpredictable.”

When he’s not streamlining his business model, exploring new JANUARY 2019

markets for bison, working out or deep-sea fishing, the self-disciplined teen stays busy as Geneva County’s District 1 commissioner.

“It was an honor to run and be one of the youngest elected officials in the state,” said Spivey, a student at Wallace State Community College. “I want to take the position and put it to good use in our county.”

Spivey invests in his community by using a nearby processor when the buffalo are harvested at 1,2002,000 pounds. The meat is aged after harvest for maximum flavor 21

and texture.

Cooking bison isn’t just for adventurous eaters, said Spivey, who suggests home cooks sample his product by the pound before ordering larger quantities. Preparing bison meat at home is simple and similar to beef, though buffalo cooks quicker than its more domesticated bovine relative.

“Marinate your meat well, cook it right, and you’ll enjoy bison,” Spivey said.

To find a restaurant or market selling Green Acres Farms bison, call Spivey at (334) 435-2837. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Savings around the corner or around the country.

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A l f a Fa r m e r s . o r g / p e r k s w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

22

JANUARY 2019

4

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

J o n at h a n S a n d e r s

JANUARY 2019

There’s one thing Jonathan Sanders can’t live without — peanuts. The 27-year-old row crop farmer grows the legume, in addition to cotton, corn, wheat, oats and cattle, on the family farm in Coffee County’s Roeton community.

Sanders is an Auburn University graduate and State Young Farmers Committee member. He and wife Sara have been married two years.

1 2 3 4

23

What do you like about farming?

Farming lets me work closely with God’s creation.

We have tools, machinery and technology previous generations didn’t have, but there’s still something satisfying about planting a seed and harvesttime.

why do you serve on the State YF Committee?

I try to advocate for agriculture daily, especially for the crops I produce. Being on the State Young Farmers Committee gives me a bigger platform to serve the farmers of our district and advocate for their livelihood.

what’s rewarding about your job?

One minute I’m in front of a computer creating spreadsheets, then I could be upside down in the back of a peanut picker getting equipment running. I don’t like to be bored. There’s never a dull moment with farming.

What’s something few know about you?

While I enjoy all types of hunting and fishing, frog gigging is my favorite type, even though I don’t get to go very often.

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

ALABAMA FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Alabama Fruit And Vegetable Growers Conference Held In Chilton County ®

By Debra Davis

was an educational opportunity for Alabama farmers to learn the most up-to-date industry information, and it gave our farmers a chance to take a break from the farm, reflect on issues from the previous year, and find better ways to provide food for their customers. Most importantly, they had the chance to gather with old friends and make new ones.”

AFVGA supports family farms and local food systems through education and support services. The organization participates in specialty crop policy and

T

he Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) held its annual conference and trade show in Clanton Nov. 15-16 where 250 attendees heard from industry leaders, elected officials, and university and Extension professionals.

“It was exciting to see fruit and vegetable farmers from across Alabama come together for this event,” said AFVGA Executive Director Hunter McBrayer. “It

Several awards were presented at the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Conference Nov. 15-16. From left are AFVGA President Bobby Boozer with scholarship recipient Dylan Teel, Partner of the Year Award winner Jim Allen of Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Service to Horticulture Award Winner Dr. Paul Mask, AFVGA Appreciation Award winner Mac Higginbotham and AFVGA Executive Director Hunter McBrayer. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

24

JANUARY 2019

Dr. Paul Mask received AFVGA’s Service to Horticulture Award for his leadership, vision and direction of ACES and his work with horticulture farmers across Alabama. Mask is the retired associate dean of the AU College of Agriculture and assistant director of Extension.

Mobile County’s Ken Buck was honored with the Exceptional Achievement Award for his work in promoting horticulture and his service to fruit and vegetable organizations on the county and state level.

Former AFVGA Executive Director Mac Higginbotham, who now serves as the Federation’s Area 3 Organization director, was recognized for his leadership of AFVGA and help in merging the organization with the Federation.

AFVGA officers for 2019 were elected at the meeting. They are President Taylor Hatchett of Chilton County; First Vice President Joe Lambrecht of Elmore County; Second Vice President Jimmy Witt of Blount County; and northern directors Wade Whited of Blount County, Larry LouAllen of Lawrence County and Dr. Arlie Powell of Chilton County. n

Mobile County’s Ken Buck, center, was honored with the AFVGA Achievement Award. AFVGA Past President Bobby Boozer, left, and AFVGA Executive Director Hunter McBrayer made the presentation at Buck’s Grand Bay farm Dec. 12.

advocacy on the state, regional and national levels and helps enhance marketing and promotion of Alabama specialty crops.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell spoke during the conference. He said Alabama’s horticulture industry is a bright spot in the state’s farm economy, but obstacles like reliable seasonal workers present challenges for farmers.

“We will continue to work with our elected officials in Washington on your behalf to try to work out a solution and remove those obstacles,” Parnell said.

Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissionerelect Rick Pate also spoke to farmers during the conference and promised his agency will be farmer friendly.

“As a former small-business man, I understand the department’s role should be to help you, not get in your way,” said Pate, who takes office in January. “We have some outstanding employees in the department who work hard every day to make our state better.”

Other luncheon speakers included Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Specialist and Commercial Horticulture Team Leader Dr. Ayanava Majumdar who updated growers on Extension outreach and research; Alfa Agency Director Torey Elmore; and Alabama TREASURE Forest Executive Director William Green.

AFVGA outstanding leaders and volunteers were honored with awards during the luncheon, which also included scholarship presentations. Auburn University (AU) horticulture students Dylan Teel of Clanton and Bryant Byrd of Detroit, Alabama, received $1,000 scholarships. Both are seniors with a focus on fruit and vegetable production.

Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Jim Allen received the AFVGA Partner of the Year award for his support and influence of the organization.

JANUARY 2019

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June 4-7 Beef Tour

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By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South

Sweet Jesus, help me. I’m sick. I ate too much pound cake and ice cream after supper. Now, no matter how still I lay the world won’t stop spinning. I had to unbuckle my belt just to keep from passing out.

This is all my wife Jamie’s fault.

She’s a feeder. And if you know “feeders,” you know their God-given roles in life are to stuff you so full you need help getting your own pants off.

It’s in their blood.

The truth is, feeders are God’s gift to humanity. They were sent to earth to baptize us in trans-fats and peppermill gravy. And they don’t get thanked nearly enough for it.

They work their fingers raw.

They’ll stir a pot of collards in one hand and knead dough in the other.

They’ll glaze ham, chop coleslaw, fry chicken, stir grits and buy you a new pair of stretchy pants all in the same day.

My wife descends from a long line of feeders. Her father was a card-carrying feeder. Whenever you wandered past his kitchen, you got pimento cheese on Bunny Bread, one slice of pound cake, Coca-Cola and some Pepto Bismol.

He was the kind of fella who’d go

to the trouble of preparing a nineplate breakfast, just because it was Tuesday. Who’d spend eight hours on a steak supper — complete with sliced tomatoes. Who kept a can of bacon grease on the counter and used a dollop in everything from turnip greens to Raisin Bran.

Feeders are special folks.

They deserve their own magnificent kitchens in heaven. Because Lord knows, they won’t stop cooking once they get there. In fact, they wouldn’t know what to do with their hands if it weren’t for whisks and electric mixers.

These kind souls believe all your troubles can be treated with chicken and dumplings. And if you waltz through their door wearing a sad face, they’ll start flouring up the counter without saying a word.

Their love looks like an overloaded stovetop, that’s why they smile whenever you help yourself to seconds. Because they’ve yet to meet a soul in this world who’s ever eaten “enough.”

For crying out loud, say “thank you” once in a while. Because that pound cake that just put a smile on your face wasn’t cake at all.

It was your wife.

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. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 6

JANUARY 2019

USDA Declares Eight Alabama Counties Natural Disaster Areas

E

ight storm-ravaged Alabama counties have been designated primary natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farmers and landowners in those counties may be eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

The designation covers Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties hit by Tropical Storm Gordon between Sept. 3-6. Producers in the contiguous Alabama counties of Baldwin, Choctaw, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox, along with George, Greene, Jackson and Wayne counties in Mississippi are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Five southeast Alabama counties were declared primary disaster areas by USDA following Hurricane Michael Oct. 10. The primary counties are Barbour, Geneva, Henry, Houston and

Pike counties. Seven contiguous counties also are eligible for assistance. They are Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Montgomery and Russell counties.

USDA disaster declarations allow FSA to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters.

Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.

Farmers in eligible counties

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 2 8

CHOCTAW

LAUDERDALE

FRANKLIN

BALDWIN

JACKSON

DE KALB

MARSHALL

LAMAR

FAYETTE

CHEROKEE

CULLMAN

ETOWAH

WALKER

CALHOUN

ST CLAIR

CLEBURNE

JEFFERSON

TUSCALOOSA

PICKENS

TALLADEGA

BIBB

GREENE

CHILTON

HALE

CRENSHAW

PERRY

SUMTER

AUTAUGA

RUSSELL

BULLOCK

PIKE

CHOCTAW

DALE

LOWNDES

COOSA

CHAMBERS

ELMORE

LEE

MACON

MONTGOMERY

RUSSELL

WILCOX

BUTLER

CRENSHAW

BARBOUR

PIKE

MONROE

WASHINGTON

HENRY

CONECUH

GENEVA

TALLAPOOSA

BULLOCK

CLARKE

HENRY

COFFEE

DALLAS

MARENGO

BARBOUR

RANDOLPH

CLAY

SHELBY

COVINGTON

MOBILE

MADISON

MORGAN

BLOUNT

MONROE

WASHINGTON

LAWRENCE

WINSTON

MARION

WILCOX

CLARKE

LIMESTONE

COLBERT

MONTGOMERY

MARENGO

have eight months from the date of a secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

FSA has a variety of additional programs to help farmers recover from disasters. FSA programs that don’t require a disaster declaration include Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; and the Tree Assistance Program.

Farmers may contact a local USDA service center for more information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for programs. Additional info is available online at Farmers.gov/recover. n HOUSTON

COFFEE

DALE

COVINGTON

ESCAMBIA

GENEVA

HOUSTON

MOBILE

BALDWIN

JANUARY 2019

Alabama 4-H Foundation Awarding $35,000 In Scholarships

Alabama 4-H participants after 4-H Competitive Events Day.

By Brittney Kimber

T

he Alabama 4-H Foundation will award $1,000 scholarships in 2019 to 35 deserving graduating high school seniors.

Recipients will use the scholarships for post-secondary education.

“The scholarships can be used for any post-secondary education, whether that is attending community college, trade school or a university,” said Nancy Alexander, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System 4-H specialist. “Payment for tuition and fees will be made from the Alabama 4-H Foundation directly to the student’s post-secondary institution to be used in the 2019-20 academic year.”

Completed applications must be received at 4HOnline.com by March 1.

“We are excited about the opportunities these scholarships will provide for our young people,” said Dr. Molly Gregg, Alabama 4-H assistant director.

As part of the application process, students must submit a resume, letter of recommendation

and their 4-H story titled “How Alabama 4-H Has Changed My Life.”

Scholarship notifications will be sent by April 15.

“The Alabama 4-H Foundation is committed to ensuring that scholarship opportunities and 4-H programming continue for Alabama youth for years to come,” said Seth Tuttle, Alabama 4-H Foundation development officer.

Scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians will be invited to 4-H Competitive Events Day July 25 to formally recognize scholarship winners. 4-H will also recognize scholarship recipients during high school scholarship days.

Questions regarding the scholarship application process?

Contact Nancy Alexander at 4henrollment@aces.edu.

About Alabama 4-H

For more than 100 years, Alabama 4-H has been helping young people develop into resourceful citizens and responsible leaders. Alabama 4-H is part of Alabama Extension and uses

JANUARY 2019 29

ip h s r a l o h c S pplication A uidelines G

p Double-space the 4-H story, and don’t exceed 500 words. Use Arial or Times New Roman 12–point font and 1-inch margins. p Limit resumes to one page. p Include a letter of recommendation.

This is required and should be from a non-family member. The letter could be from a 4-H staff member, school administrator, teacher or coach. p Save all documents as PDFs and upload them to 4HOnline.com.

regional Extension agents as well as community volunteers, corporate partners, alumni and parents to deliver youth development programs in all 67 counties.

Today, Alabama 4-H engages with more than 184,000 youth. It seeks to empower them with skills to lead their communities and grow into future leaders.

Visit alabama4hfoundation.org to learn more about the Alabama 4-H Foundation or make a gift, n

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

Photos by Van Chaplin

By Lois Chaplin

A

n amaryllis in the house is the perfect counterbalance for a chilly and dreary January day.

Available now in various stages of growth, these pretty potted Dutch bulbs are easy to bring into full bloom or are often sold already in bloom. Choices include bright red, pink, orange, white or striped blossoms.

A hybrid amaryllis may be the most effortless flower to keep indoors. It grows almost automatically. All it asks for is occasional watering and bright light, which is very important to keeping the stalk sturdy. A south-facing window is ideal.

Depending on what stage of growth it is in when you buy it, you may see a bloom in 2 to 8 weeks.

Watching is part of the fun.

It is easier to start with a growing plant that’s nearly in bloom, but amaryllis are available potted or even as loose bulbs. When selecting a bulb, give it a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm like a good onion. If it’s soft, pass it by.

Examine a potted amaryllis by inspecting the exposed portion of the bulb and checking new growth to be sure that it is a fresh green, not spotted or splotched with disease.

To plant a newly purchased loose bulb, place it in a pot (with

a drainage hole) that is an inch or 2 larger in diameter than the bulb. This allows room for a thin bamboo stake or woody garden twig to tie up the stalk as it grows.

Amaryllis flowers are big and heavy, so a stake can help keep the flowers upright.

Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Too much water will cause the bulb to rot. Then sit back and watch the giant flower buds grow atop their stalks and slowly unfurl. Usually a bulb will produce at least two flower stalks, but may produce more depending on the variety and the vigor of the bulb.

After flowering, the bulb will be exhausted. At this point you can decide whether to compost it or grow it for another cycle. When the last flower fades, cut off the bloom stalk, but not the long, strap-like leaves. Leave the plant in a sunny window and fertilize monthly with a liquid plant food. After the danger of frost is passed, move it outdoors or plant in the ground. Many of the big hybrids will grow for a season or two if transplanted to the garden, especially where winter lows stay above 10 degrees. Those planted in the ground will bloom later in the spring, usually in April or May. Bring any bulb still in a pot back indoors in the fall and let it dry out completely. Store in a cool dark place and allow to rest for about two months. Then bring it back into a sunny room and water it to begin a new cycle of growth and bloom for the holidays.

Ready-to-grow, potted amaryllis are often sold in gift boxes for Christmas, so check after-Christmas clearances and fill your windowsill. n Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Christmas Gifts Galore • WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 3 0

JANUARY 2019

Young Farmers Conference 2019

March 1-3

Renaissance Hotel / Montgomery, Ala. Website link: http://www.cvent.com/d/lbqcsz

/ Contact Caroline Chapman with any questions: cchapman@alfafarmers.org

JANUARY 2019 31

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

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Sliders Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 4 hrs

Servings 12 sliders

Ingredients 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 (15-ounce) bottle sweet barbecue sauce 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 (12-ounce) package sweet Hawaiian dinner rolls

Instructions

A

s the holidays come to a close and life returns to a state of normalcy, if you’re exhausted like me, you start looking for easy, stick-to-your-ribs food to get us through the rest of winter. I love turning to my slow cooker for meals just like this. There’s just nothing like doing a little work in the morning and coming home to the delicious smell of supper ready to eat!

While some folks get a little confused about the difference between a slow cooker and a Crock-Pot, the biggest difference is just the name. Crock-Pot is a brand name for a slow cooker, much like Band-Aid is a brand name for bandages. While some will argue there are some subtle differences, most ceramic crock-based slow cookers and Crock-Pots are fundamentally the same. And the best part is they do all the work for you.

As you’re searching for recipes for your slow cooker, keep in mind that variations in brand and cooking temperatures can sometimes affect the outcome.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you’re planning out your slow cooker deliciousness.

• Slow cooking involves moist, low heat. As such, many recipes

that include a gravy or thick sauce might never thicken properly. To solve that problem, simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold or room temperature water or broth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker, and increase the heat to high. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

• Many slow cooker recipes that call for boneless chicken breasts end up with chicken that is mealy or even dry. That’s because, in most cases, chicken cooked longer than 6 hours, even in the slow cooker, ends up overcooked. I recommend a 4 to 6 hour range for most of my recipes that call for boneless chicken breasts.

• Modern slow cookers cook a bit differently than older models, so oftentimes you might find that older recipes don’t cook the same in newer devices — especially if they have a lot of sugar in the sauce. It’s best to try these types of recipes when you’re going to be around and can check on the progress.

• Don’t peek! Opening the slow cooker before it’s finished cooking allows heat and steam to escape and can require an additional 20 to 30 minutes of cooking time as a result.

• Contrary to popular belief,

w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 3 2

Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the bbq sauce and drained pineapple over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.

Remove the chicken from the sauce.

Add white vinegar to the sauce and stir well. Using two forks, shred the chicken and return it to the sauce. Stir well.

Serve on the rolls. searing meat before it goes in the slow cooker doesn’t really do anything to “keep the juices in.” While it is a great way to add another layer of flavor if you’ve got time to add that step, I find that skipping it produces food that’s just as delicious without the extra work.

• Make sure you’re using an appropriately sized slow cooker.

If a recipe calls for a specific size, it’s probably best to follow that suggestion. Using a slow cooker that’s too large can cause dishes be overcooked, while one that’s too small may mean things don’t get cooked through appropriately. Your slow cooker should be 1/2 or 2/3 full. I find most recipes work best in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. n 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.

JANUARY 2019

Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 6 hrs

Servings 5 to 6

Ingredients 2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and trimmed 2 cups chicken broth 1 (2.8-ounce) package real bacon pieces (about 3/4 cup if making your own) 1/2 yellow onion, sliced 3 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions Lightly spray the crock of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the beans, chicken broth, onion, salt, pepper and about 1/2 the bacon. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or for 6 to 8 hours on low — or until the beans are tender to your liking. Stir the beans a couple times during cooking. Serve topped with the remaining bacon pieces.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Slow Cooking Time 6 hrs

Servings 4

Ingredients 2 pounds beef stew meat 1 (.87 to 1-ounce) packet brown gravy mix 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix 1 cup water 1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles

Instructions In the crock of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the meat, gravy mix, au jus mix and water.

Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours.

Cook noodles according to the package instructions.

Serve noodles topped with the beef.

Stacey’s Recipe Notes For consistency, I prefer the McCormick Brown Gravy Mix and McCormick Au Jus Mix. JANUARY 2019 33

Slow Cooker Chili Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 8 hrs

Servings 6 to 8

Ingredients 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with juice 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis with juice (like Ro*Tel) 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 3 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons cumin 1 (1.0-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth

Instructions Combine ingredients in slow cooker and stir well. Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring only once or twice.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onion. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g