Celebrate National Peanut Month

By Kaye Lynn Hataway

March is National Peanut Month. It’s a time to celebrate the little legume with big impacts on health and the economy.

Alabama peanut farmers are proud of the peanuts they produce and take pride in growing a nutritious and sustainable food source for the state, nation and the world.

The Alabama peanut industry contributes approximately $211.4 million annually to the state’s economy. Over 850 peanut growers farm around 180,000 acres of this protein-packed food to make Alabama one of the top peanut-producing states in U.S.

Peanut production was once limited to the extreme Southern counties of Alabama. In 2019, peanuts were grown in 38 of the state’s 67 counties. Peanuts are grown from Alabama’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills.

But what makes peanuts so powerfully nutritious? One ounce of peanuts provides 7 grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, fiber and bioactive compounds. One small serving of peanuts helps reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer.

Peanuts are highly sustainable — a zero-waste plant. Every part of the plant is used, from the roots to the hulls. When it comes to water usage, it only takes 4.7 gallons of water to produce a 1-ounce serving of shelled peanuts. Peanuts require the least amount of water and have the smallest carbon footprint of any nut.

What’s the best way to celebrate National Peanut Month? Eating peanuts and peanut butter, of course! Incorporate peanuts into a daily diet to receive all the nutritional benefits that come along with them. Try these recipes provided by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, and enjoy the perfectly powerful peanut! The Alabama Peanut Producers Association represents the interests of Alabama peanut growers through education, promotion and research. Visit ALPeanuts.com for more information about the organization.

Baked Salmon With Peanut Butter Glaze Servings Cooking Time 4 15-20 mins Ingredients

1 pound salmon 1 teaspoon olive oil Freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 1/4 cup 100% orange juice Instructions

Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place salmon on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Bake salmon for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

In small sauce pot over medium-low heat, whisk together peanut butter, chili garlic sauce and orange juice and cook until warm.

To serve, pour peanut butter glaze over salmon. Nutty Nutritional Notes Nutrition facts per serving: 334 calories, 23 grams total fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 50 milligrams cholesterol, 173 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams sugar, 27 grams protein, 0% vitamin A, 8% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 3% iron

Honey Roasted Peanut Pie Developed by Kathleen Royal Phillips of Grits and Gouda, Nov. 17, 2019

Makes Cooking Time 1 pie 45-50 mins

Ingredients

1 refrigerated, rolled up pie crust

dough 3 large eggs 1 cup sugar

Gouda GRITS and Kathleen Phillips

S o u t h e r n S h o r t c u t R e c i p e s

1 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1 1/2 cups honey roasted peanuts

Instructions

Let rolled up pie crusts stand at room temperature according to package directions. Don’t skip this step. Heat oven to 350 F. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs in a large bowl until the white part of the egg is blended with the yolks. Whisk in sugar, corn syrup and vanilla extract.

Put peanut butter in a very small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 20 seconds or just until it melts and pours easily. Whisk into filling mixture. Stir in peanuts.

Gently unroll the pie crust dough and smooth out the curled edges. Fit the pie crust dough in the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Using your thumb and two fingers, pinch the pie crust to flute the edges.

Give filling mixture a quick stir and pour into fluted crust.

Bake on center rack 45 to 50 minutes or just until center is set. Let cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.

MS AL LA

January 17-22 • 2020 ✮ Austin • TX

By Debra Davis

Alabama farmers joined others in thanking President Donald Trump for negotiating improved trade deals with China as well as Canada and Mexico during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 101st annual convention in Austin, Texas, Jan. 19. For the third year in a row, Trump took to the stage at the convention where he was welcomed with a standing ovation and roaring applause from nearly 5,000 members of the nation’s largest farm organization.

“Having President Trump speak directly to our farmers lets us know he really does care about rural America and especially the farmers who feed and clothe not only our nation, but the world,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, who President Donald Trump addressed American Farm Bureau Federation members at the convention in Austin, Texas, Jan. 19.

joined about 100 farmers from the state in attending the convention.

Trump said approval of the phase-one trade agreement with China as well as the U.S. MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) fulfilled a promise he made to farmers early in his administration.

“My administration is fighting for the American farmer, and we’ve been

Alabama Farmers Federation state board member Mark Kaiser of Baldwin County, left, and Federation President Jimmy Parnell look over equipment at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention trade show.

fighting for the farmer every single day,” Trump said. “If we want to stand up for America, we must stand up for American farmers. We are winning for our farmers, and we are winning like never before.” Trump’s successful trade negotiations were only part of the good news he shared with farmers. He also discussed removal of overreaching regulations carried out through orders of the Obama administration.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue reiterated Trump’s support of American farmers.

“We all know that farming is tough, but our president is tough, too,” Perdue said. “You stood with President Trump, and he stood with you. You had his back, and he had yours.”

Baldwin County farmer Mark Kaiser, who serves as a district director on the Federation’s state board, said hearing the president was an honor and was inspiring. This was Kaiser’s first AFBF convention, and he said the meeting allowed farmers to see what’s happening in agriculture across the nation and globally.

“I was very impressed with all of it, especially the comments from the president,” said Kaiser, who grows peanuts, cattle, hay and cotton. “It finally

Alabama Farmers Federation state board members Donald Sewell of Etowah County, left, and Brian Glenn of Lawrence County review policy changes at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s convention.

seems like someone is listening to us. I’m excited.”

During the meeting, Alabama won Awards of Excellence in all four AFBF program areas, including Advocacy, Engagement and Outreach, Leadership and Business Development, and Membership Value.

Alabama’s Young Farmers were well represented by state contest winners in the national AFBF contests at the convention. Lee County’s Ellie Watson was a Sweet 16 finalist in the Discussion Meet. Hale County’s Luke Smelley competed in the Achievement Award, and Kim and Daniel Mullenix of Lee County were in the Excellence In Agriculture contest.

Sue, a blue heeler mixed-bred dog owned by Kim and Phil Slay of Chambers County, was runner-up in the Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest highlighted at the meeting. Sue also won the People’s Choice Pup Award in a social media contest with online voting as part of the overall competition. Sue won bragging rights, a $50 gift card and Purina products, along with $1,000 for being a finalist.

Held Jan. 17-21, the convention included a trade show, workshops, farm tours, policy development meetings and elections.

Delegates re-elected American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal for their third terms.

Parnell also was reelected to the AFBF board of directors.

VanderWal served as chair of the meeting on behalf of Duvall, whose wife, Bonnie, passed away shortly before the convention.

REFLECTIONS OF ITALY October 7 - 16, 2020 | 10 Days • 13 Meals

MACKINAC ISLAND Featuring The Grand Hotel & the Tulip Time Festival May 3 - 10, 2020 | 8 Days • 12 Meals

By Marlee Moore

Following a three-day whirlwind of educational sessions, elections and research updates, 500 farmers headed home to apply information gleaned during the Commodity Organization Meeting in Montgomery Feb. 3-5. Members and leaders of 14 commodity committees were elected throughout the Alabama Farmers Federation’s meeting, and those who served the maximum three terms on state committees were honored. The Federation’s Brian Hardin thanked producers for their willingness to represent fellow farmers.

“Serving on a state committee gives farmers an opportunity to engage in the grassroots process and understand issues in specific commodity areas,” said Hardin, the Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department director whose staff coordinates the meeting. “These farmers represent interests of producers across Alabama, urging practical research, overseeing

From left are State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee member James Walker of Lauderdale County, the Federation’s Brian Hardin and Coffee County’s Ginger Gaines discussing highlights of the meeting.

checkoff dollars when applicable and introducing policy initiatives.”

Attendees included Ginger Gaines of Coffee County, whose family raises beef cattle and has a custom hay baling business west of Enterprise. She’s a regular at Commodity Organization Meeting, which she said helps spark ideas for improvement on the farm.

“It keeps us in the know about what’s going on in the industry and how we can keep our operations moving in the right direction,” Gaines said.

She said speakers have also taught her how to effectively communicate commodity issues to consumers. Speakers and panelists included representatives from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, government agencies and private industry.

“It’s been helpful to know how we can defend ourselves on current topics of conversation related to the beef industry,” Gaines said. “We want to talk with consumers in a way that’s easy to understand, is truthful and shows what kind of product we produce.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell addressed attendees during lunch each day, giving an update on the Alabama Farm Center, thanking them for service and encouraging participation in FarmPAC, the Federation’s political action committee.

Commodity divisions highlighted were Bee & Honey; Beef; Cotton; Dairy; Equine; Forestry; Hay & Forage; Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod; Meat Goat & Sheep; Pork; Poultry; Soybean; Wheat & Feed Grain; and Wildlife. The Alabama Catfish Producers and Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association held meetings last fall, while the Alabama Peanut Producers Association annual meeting was Feb. 6 in Dothan.

For a complete list of newly elected commodity committee members, visit AlfaFarmers.org.

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.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS OF ALFA MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY ALFA MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY & ALFA MUTUAL GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The annual meetings of the policyholder members of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company, Alfa Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Alfa Mutual General Insurance Company will be held at the Executive Offices of the Company, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama, 36116, on March 30, 2020, at 8:30 a.m., to consider and act upon the following:

1. To elect Directors in accordance with the Bylaws. 2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

The record date fixed for determining members entitled to vote at said meeting is the close of business on February 10, 2020. If a member has authorized the Company’s Board of Directors to vote as his/her proxy at said meeting and wishes to revoke such proxy, such member may do so by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by registered mail to the address set forth above, at least 10 days prior to said meeting.

---Angela L. Bradwell, Secretary

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LITTLE SISTER I was the second person to hold her. Daddy said to me, “Whatever you do, don’t drop her.”

She looked like a white bullfrog. She smelled like vanilla and grass clippings. I promised I’d take care of her forever. That was harder than it sounded. This girl grew into a kid who did reckless things.

She used to leap off round hay bales, fl apping her arms, yelling, “CATCH ME!”

She liked to see how long she could hold her breath underwater. She climbed trees that were too high. She ate too much bacon.

Her fi rst word was, “NO!” Her second word was, “NONONO!” She used these words when I tried to force an oyster past her lips. She pitched a fi t. I’d never known anyone who didn’t like oysters. They were the food of our forefathers. She was 4 when Daddy died. The morning of his death, I sobbed on our back porch. She crawled onto my lap. “Don’t cry,” she said. I did anyway. We took care of each other. I did her laundry and taught her how to fry bacon. When our dog had puppies, I showed her how to hold them — there’s an art to handling newborn pups. Once, I rented a library book on French-braiding. She let me practice until her hair resembled overcooked spaghetti.

She tried out for the school play. I attended her audition. She was nervous, and the smug drama teacher told her she had no talent.

I’m a quiet man, but I wasn’t that day. I called the teacher a greasy communist who didn’t love the Lord. Throughout high school, she worked diff erent jobs. Once, she worked in an ice cream shop. Each day, I’d clock out of my job and visit her. When the store was slow, she gave me free ice cream — with Heath Bar crumbles. I gained 8 pounds. I saw her last night. It was a party. People wore nice clothes. She wore a dress straight from a magazine. Not many women compete with her.

She is long, strong and big-eyed. I stood watching her. She saw me. We hugged. She gives good hugs. Always has.

She’s a woman. So help me, a woman. She has a husband, a daughter, a good job. I don’t know how she survived our sad childhood without getting hurt.

But seeing her in cocktail attire, I felt something I don’t often feel. It’s the same feeling I’ll bet Daddy felt when he handed her to me.

Some might call it pride. Maybe it is. Whatever you call it, it throbs in my throat and makes my smile hurt. You’d be proud of me, Daddy. I didn’t drop her. ■

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.

By Maggie Lawrence P arents may feel that new federal regulations offer better protection to children and teens from tobacco use. In late 2019, federal regulation changes made it illegal for retailers to sell any tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes, to people under 21. But a human development and family studies specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said while the new age limit is an important change, parents should not consider it a cure-all for vaping.

“While people who sell to minors face fines and potential jail time, parents should understand that young people may still find ways to access these products,” Adrienne Duke said. “Parents should continue to talk with their children about the importance of not starting vaping or any type of tobacco use.”

Duke warned parents to be alert for look-alike products.

“Many vaping devices mimic the look of ordinary objects such as USB flash drives, watches, pens, remote controls, car fobs and hoodie drawstrings,” she said. The U.S. surgeon general has identified youth vaping as the No. 1 health issue in the nation.

In 2019, reports indicated one in four teens had access to or

actively vaped. More than 50 vaping-related deaths were confirmed in 27 states, while illnesses were

reported in every state. Duke, who is also an associate professor at Auburn University, said the flavors available to smoke in vaping devices are attractive to young people. She added that while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has

recalled most flavors, there is confusion about the ban. “There is not a ban on all flavors available for electronic nicotine delivery devices,” she said. “The The FDA recently limited manufacturers to producing only tobacco and menthol flavors for cartridge-based electronic cigarettes. Vape juices for these devices had previously been available in a wide variety of fruit and dessert flavors that may be more attractive to younger users.

Food and Drug Administration has also not banned the sale of these products. Instead, the agency is enforcing its existing authority to regulate and authorize the manufacture, distribution and sale of flavored e-cigarettes by having them go through an application process.”

Duke said the FDA

has limited flavors to tobacco and menthol cartridgebased electronic cigarettes only. “The mint, fruit and dessert flavors are currently halted for cartridge-based electronic cigarettes, like JUUL,” she said. “There are no restrictions on flavors for open tank electronic cigarette systems commonly found at vape shops.”

She added that flavors, not just nicotine, may also pose health risks. Some ingredients in e-cigarette vapors have long-term harmful effects on the lungs. Diacetyl, a flavoring chemical used in some products, is associated with bronchiolitis obliterans — commonly called popcorn lung — and EVALI, a newly identified severe respiratory disease.

“Regardless of what flavor teens vape, nicotine changes the way synapses form and can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, mood and learning,” Duke said. “Nicotine addiction at an early age can have very negative effects on school and home life.” Younger vape users often prefer smaller,

more easily hidden

devices that resemble colorful USB flash drives.

By Lois Chaplin

The wilds of Alabama grow awesome plants useful for landscaping. Many cultivated by nurseries excel because the plants are inherently adapted to our climate and other local conditions that influence plant performance: think oak trees, redbud, American holly, Southern magnolia, red cedar, wax myrtle, oakleaf hydrangea, purple coneflower, goldenrod and blue woodland phlox. However, many more also make good landscape plants. Look for natives when shopping for plants, and if you don’t see any, ask for assistance.

Nurseries can often order from their supplier. Besides adaptability, native flora provide food and shelter for insects and birds that bring life and song to our windows.

Native azaleas are one group of native plants that starts showing off in March. These aren’t the same as popular evergreen azaleas, which are from Japan, but are airy, understory shrubs often with sweet fragrance sure to tickle the senses of a distant nose. Native azaleas lose leaves each fall. In spring, the blooms appear on naked stems that seem to float in the air, especially if tucked into the edge of woods. Popular ones include Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens), flame azalea (R. calendulaceum) and sweet azalea (R. arborescens).

Another early spring beauty is the redbud, a small tree that was once more abundant on roadsides but seems to be choked out where Chinese privet and mimosa invade. Redbud reseeds, so it can form a handsome grove in the wild. Alabama

ACCESS bulletins and web pages at aces.edu JOIN Facebook groups “Wildflowers of Alabama” and “Birds of Alabama” READ “Bringing Nature Home” by Doug Tallamy for practical recommendations

That’s a hint as to how to plant it. Instead of planting one, get several and space them to make a grove. I enjoy seeing seasonal flowers such as these because our increasingly evergreen landscapes miss this natural rhythm. Look for plants with flowers to make the landscape more lively and joyful.

American dogwood, one of our beloved native trees, has fallen upon hard times. Between recent droughts and other stresses, it is more susceptible to a disease called dogwood anthracnose, which slowly disfigures or kills the tree. The University of Tennessee is working on selections that can tolerate or resist anthracnose and powdery mildew, another threat. Appalachian Spring is the first commercially available dogwood from the research program.

In the meantime, there are also other great spring-flowering choices. Old-fashioned Grancy graybeard (Chionanthus virginicus), also called fringe tree, is appreciated for its drooping, fringe-like blossoms that are also fragrant. Another small native tree blooming about the same time as dogwood is Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera), named for the clusters of small, white, bell-shaped blossoms hanging from its branches. Like native azalea, dogwood and fringe tree, it prefers moist, well-drained and acidic soil. All of these do well on the edge of the woods where they can get a summer break in afternoon shade.

When plant shopping this spring, look beyond trees and shrubs to perennial flowers that bloom in every season. They supply pollen and nectar to butterflies, bees, beetles and tiny, beneficial wasps (harmless to humans). Perennial wildflowers are a good buy because they live for many years. Many multiply on their own, and gardeners can add others yearly.

Some showy, early blooming perennials include woodland phlox (Phlox divericata), thrift or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) and wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). Add items to your shopping list such as purple coneflower, rudbeckia goldsturm, asters and others so something is in bloom in your landscape from early spring until fall’s first hard freeze. As you pick, choose and plant, remember this: Every garden is a contributor to the patchwork of yards that influence the health of our larger landscape. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

From produce stands and garden centers to restaurants and pumpkin patches, Alabama has a lot to offer shoppers who want to support local farmers. Sweet Grown Alabama helps you reach these consumers by creating awareness of, and increasing demand for, Alabama products. This focused public relations and advertising program touches every aspect of the supply chain and creates a unifi ed brand for Alabama agriculture and forestry.