Neighbors Magazine, May 2014 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 39, NUMBER 5

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

MAY 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

In This Issue

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.

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Farm Of Distinction

Farm-City Awards

24 Squash Galore

On The Cover

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Alfa Lowers Farm Rates

16 Planting Perspective

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.

Nick McMichen of Cherokee County

examines his wheat crop near Centre. Photo by Debra Davis

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Alfa Insurance Announces Lower Farmowner Rates

By Debra Davis

lfa Insurance has announced an overall rate decrease on eligible farmowner policies – the first since 1992. Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said the changes are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to refocus Alfa on its core values while growing business and membership. The 1.4 percent decrease took effect April 15 for new business and is effective July 1 for renewals. It includes a new Auto/Farm discount for policyholders who insure their cars with Alfa and better rates for a new class of poultry houses with stronger construction. The changes are good news for farmers like Steve Stroud of Pike County. “Any time I can save money, it’s w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Steve Stroud of Pike County, center, recently met with Alfa Agent David Starling, left, and Alfa Ag Specialist Tullie Culverhouse at his farm near Goshen.

good news,” said Stroud, 40, who has six broiler houses and raises cattle and hay on his farm near Goshen. “Ever since I was old enough to have insurance, I’ve been an Alfa customer. It’s always been a good company to do business with, and saving money makes it even better.” Seventy-seven percent of current farmowner customers will receive a rate decrease, Parnell said. An additional 12 percent, who currently do not have automobiles insured with Alfa, could save with the new Auto/Farm discount, he added. “Alfa was founded almost 70 years ago by farmers who could not get affordable fire insurance for their 4

homes and barns,” Parnell said. “We remain committed to serving the families who produce our food, fiber and forest products. The farmowner rate decrease is a step in the right direction.” In addition to lowering rates for most farmowner policyholders, Parnell said Alfa’s ag specialists are also helping customers save. “These specialists can help make sure our customers are fully covered at the best possible rate,” Parnell said. Stroud recently had his policies reviewed by ag specialist Tullie Culverhouse and discovered several options that saved him money. “I was able to group some of my policies through a blanket policy that works well on my farm,” Stroud said. “It’s also a good idea to routinely review policies to make sure you know what’s covered and what the deductibles are.” For more information about ag specialists, contact Shane Wootten at DWootten@AlfaIns.com or (256) 657-1826. n M AY 2 0 1 4

Miss America Engages Audience At Women’s Leadership Conference By Debra Davis

olitics, organizational skills, cooking and sharing the importance of farming were all part of the annual Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference in Birmingham, April 2-4. Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan Above: Dale County Women’s Leadership Committee of Nebraska enerChairman Frankie Davis talks gized the group of 230 to Miss America 2011 Teresa women from around Scanlan. Top Right: Conference the state with stories participants attended workshops about growing up in on organization, cooking and Agriculture in the Classroom a small town where (AITC). From left are Shirley everyone was famil- Ezzell, Ann Clark and Marge iar with agriculture. Pounders, all of Franklin After being crowned County, in the AITC workshop. Miss America at 17, the youngest in pageant history, Scanlan said she realized how disconnected from agriculture much of the nation had become. “I think most Americans are confused about Candidates endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation met conference attendees following the April 3 breakfast. From left are State Auditor candidate Adam Thompson, agriculture,” she said. “They only know what Public Service Commission Place 2 candidate Chip Beeker, Alabama Farmers Federation they see and hear from the news media or social and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, Secretary of State candidate John Merrill media, and frankly, a lot of that is just wrong. and Public Service Commissioner Place 1 incumbent Jeremy Oden. That’s why I decided to help share the good story of agriculture during my reign as Miss America. Federation needs something done, the county Women’s Farmers have a good story to tell; we just have to get bet- Leadership Committees are the ones to count on. ter at telling it.” “The men in our organization are hardworking, but Scanlan’s talk was a good segue for the conference when it comes to taking action and following through, programs, including the Agriculture in the Classroom y’all are the ones we count on,” Parnell told the women (AITC) workshop by Dewandee Neyman, a retired in attendance. teacher and AITC volunteer, and Monty and Becky Bain Governmental and Agricultural Programs Director of Cotton Inc. Brian Hardin reminded members of the important role An elementary teacher from Etowah County said the they play in good government. Several statewide canworkshop was her favorite part of the conference. didates endorsed by the Federation were introduced at “I’ve learned a lot of things that I can take back to the conference including Secretary of State candidate my classroom,” said Katie Sewell, a fourth-grade teacher John Merrill, State Auditor candidate Adam Thompson, at Southside Elementary School. “This was my first Public Service Commission Place 1 incumbent Jeremy Women’s Conference, and I don’t really know what I Oden and Public Service Commission Place 2 candidate expected, but it’s been fun and interesting. I also liked Chip Beeker. the workshop on being more organized. I can use that at The state Farm-City Awards program, including the school and at home. I’ve enjoyed all of it, and I hope I get selection of Alabama’s Farm of Distinction, was held to come back.” in conjunction with the conference. For more on those Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parprograms, see pages 6-9 of this issue. nell praised the work of county Women’s Leadership For more conference photos, visit the Federation’s Committees around the state. He said when the Farmers Facebook page or Flickr page at bit.ly/1qsPFqL. n M AY 2 0 1 4

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Hunter Trees Of Talladega County Named Farm Of Distinction By Jeff Helms

Talladega County landscape tree nursery was named Alabama’s 2014 Farm of Distinction April 3 at the Alabama FarmCity Awards in Birmingham. Hunter Trees LLC was chosen from four finalists. As this year’s winner, brothers Phillip and Will Hunter received $10,000 in prizes. Phillip will represent the family farm and Alabama in the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 14-16 in Moultrie, Ga. Located near the town of Alpine, Hunter Trees is known throughout the country as a trusted source for high-quality landscape trees. “Quality is very important to us,” Phillip said. “Our business, our nursery, is specified a lot by landscape contractors or landscape architects, so they are getting the kind of trees on their jobs that they know are going to look good and make them look good. It’s all part of making us all successful.” Ten years ago, however, the business was just a dream for the Hunter brothers. A graduate of Mississippi State University, Phillip was working as a landscape contractor in Birmingham, and Will would soon graduate from Auburn University with a degree in ornamental horticulture. Together with their father, Bill, they set out to build one of the South’s leading nurseries. Today, Hunter Trees covers 300 acres of a former sod and row crop farm. It includes 225 acres of production with 125 varieties of

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Hunter Trees LLC in Talladega County is the 2014 Alabama Farm of Distinction. Seated from left are Leslee and Will Hunter and Phillip and Robin Hunter. Standing from left are program sponsors Lynne Morton of TriGreen, Chris Cline and Kevin Robinson of Snead Ag, Jimmy Parnell of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Jim Allen of Alabama Farmers Cooperative and Lester Killebrew of SunSouth.

trees. On any given day, there are about 65,000 trees growing at the nursery, including some that are so big only two will fit on a semitrailer. Phillip says maintaining a clean nursery and good conservation practices are important to the farm’s success. “God gave us this land to work with, and we try to be good stewards of it,” he said. “We’ve done the majority of the work ourselves, and we take pride in that.” Like most farmers, Phillip and wife Robin say the things they like most about agriculture are being around family and nature. 6

“I love to see things grow,” he said. “We love to be able to start with a small tree and see it grow to a big tree. It’s a great place to work with my family.” Phillip is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Committee and is on the Alabama Agriculture and Industries Board. As this year’s Farm of Distinction winner, the Hunters received a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC); $2,500 from Swisher International and an engraved farm sign from Alfa Insurance. AFC also provided $250 gift certificates to the other finalists, which were Kyser Family Farms in Hale County, F&W Farms in Madison County and Aplin Farms in Geneva County. n M AY 2 0 1 4

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Alabama Farm-City Committee Recognizes Creative Students

reative students from Clay, Pickens, Randolph and Russell counties took top honors in the Alabama Farm-City poster, essay and multimedia contests at an awards luncheon April 3 in Birmingham. Clay County 11th-grader Zach Hurst took top honors in the 10ththrough 12th-grade division of the essay contest, while Pickens County ninth-grader Anna Junkin placed first among sevenththrough ninthgraders. Second place honors went to 11th-grader Georgia Blanchard of Coosa County, 10th- through 12th-grade; and ninth-grader Hallie Guinn of Baldwin County, sevenththrough ninth-grade. In the multimedia contest, Adrian Rodriguez-Febres, a Russell County senior, won the top prize for the second year in a row. Pickens County ninth-grader Ashleigh McCool placed second. Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) awarded $300 to first-place winners in the essay and multimedia contests and $200 for second. The students’ schools received matching awards. The state’s best posters were illustrated by Russell County thirdgrader Xavier Mosley, who placed first in the kindergarten through third-grade division, and Randolph County fourth-grader Jake Crowson, who topped the fourththrough sixth-grade division. Second place trophies and cash awards went to Cullman County second-grader Preston Gay, kindergarten through third-grade; and Winston County fourth-grader Aidan Thompson, fourththrough sixth-grade. Ten students received an honorable mention. Their posters will appear alongside the firstand second-place winners in the 2015 Alabama Farm-City calendar. About 25,000 copies of the calendar are sold each year. Honorable mentions were Keaton Grace Gunter, Marengo County; Vanessa Utama, Montgomery County; Sadie w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

From left, back row, are Alabama Farmers Cooperative Director of Public Relations Jim Allen; Adrian Rodriguez-Febres of Russell County, multimedia contest winner; Zach Hurst of Clay County, 10th-12th grade essay contest winner; Anna Junkin of Pickens County, seventh-ninth grade essay contest winner; and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. Front row from left are Xavier Mosley of Russell County, kindergarten-third grade poster contest winner; and Jake Crowson of Winston County, fourth-sixth grade poster contest winner.

Latham, Jackson County; Annie Wingate, Barbour County; Matthew Shelton, Randolph County; Riley Newton, Marengo County; Daniel Carr, Pickens County; Brian Osburn, Hale County; Madie Garrett, Marshall County and Christian Bagwell, Cullman County. In the poster contest, AFC awarded $200 for first-place, $100 for second place and $50 for an honorable mention. Schools of the firstand second-place winner received matching awards. Student winners at the FarmCity luncheon qualified for state competition by winning their county contests. The awards luncheon was held in conjunction with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Women’s Leadership Conference. Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms said the poster, essay and multimedia contests are great ways to teach students about the importance of agriculture. 8

“The theme for this year’s contests was ‘Alabama Agriculture: Growing for You and Me,’” Helms said. “With fewer children growing up on farms, it’s vital that we educate students about how their food and fiber is produced and the role agriculture plays in our economy and environment. These students are the future of their communities, state and nation. They will be voters, elected officials, businesspeople and leaders in their homes and churches. It’s important they develop an appreciation for the work of farmers and the interdependence of rural and urban residents.” First observed in 1955, FarmCity Week is celebrated the week before Thanksgiving, but volunteers work year-round to foster understanding among farmers and their city neighbors. Photos from the luncheon are on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Flickr page at Flickr.com/ photos/84380492@N03/. n M AY 2 0 1 4

Cullman County Takes Top Honors At Farm-City Awards

Farm-to-Fork dinBest Special Activities. ner at Cullman’s Runner-up in Divi“Farm Y’all Festision I was the Houston val” helped the north County Farm-City Alabama county earn Committee, which also Best Farm-City Comreceived the Target mittee in the state at Award for best adaptathe Alabama Farm-City tion of the theme and Awards April 3 in Biran award for Best Media mingham. Coverage and ProclamaThe awards luntion. Other Division I cheon, held in conjuncwinners were Etowah tion with the Alabama County, Best Farm-City Farmers Federation’s Tour; Lee County, Best Women’s Leadership Scrapbook; Jackson Conference, recognized County, Best Farm-City the work of students Dinner; and Lawrence and volunteers across County, Best Civic Club the state in bridging the Activities. gap between rural and The top award for urban residents. Farmsmaller counties went City Week is observed to the Cherokee County the week before ThanksFarm-City Committee, giving each year, but which also was honAlabama Farm-City ored for Best Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms Tour and Best Special said county volunteers Activities in Division promote the interconII. Runner-up in the nectivity of farm and division went to Rantown year-round. dolph County, which “The theme for was judged to have the Farm-City Week last fall Best Scrapbook and Best was ‘Alabama AgriculMedia Coverage and ture: Growing for You Proclamation for the and Me,’” said Helms. division. Other Division “These words capture II winners were Clay the mission that’s drivCounty, Best Innovative en Farm-City activities Idea; Fayette County, since 1955. Although Best Farm-City Dinner; only about 1 percent of Pike County, Best Civic the population works on Top: Cullman County received the award for Overall Best Farm-City Committee. Club Activities; and a farm, agriculture is an From left are committee member Doris Patterson and Alabama Farm-City Franklin County, Target economic engine that Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. Above: Carolyn McConnell of the Lee County Award. produces jobs, opportu- Farm-City Committee accepts the Volunteer of the Year award from Alabama Joe Yeager, Ph.D., of nity and security as well Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell on behalf of Joe Yeager, Ph.D., the Lee County, the 2013 former head of the Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Department in as food and fiber.” Farm-City Volunteer of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. An economic impact the Year, was recognized study released by Auburn University last year showed at the luncheon. The former head of the Agricultural Alabama agriculture contributes $70.4 billion to the Economics and Rural Sociology Department in Auburn economy annually and accounts for more than 580,000 University’s College of Agriculture has served on the jobs — or about 20 percent of the workforce. county Farm-City committee for 39 years. He previIn addition to being named Best Overall Farm-City ously served 26 years on the state committee. Committee, Cullman County also took top honors Photos of all the winners are on the Federation’s in Division I (counties with populations of 35,600 or Flickr page at Flickr.com/photos/84380492@N03/. n more) and division prizes for Best Innovative Idea and

M AY 2 0 1 4

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ABC Helps Bridge Shortage of Alabama Agriscience Teachers By Debra Davis

arket demand for high school agriscience education teachers in Alabama is high, and a shortcut for qualified graduates with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture is helping fill the need. The Alternate Baccalaureate Certification (ABC) program allows college graduates with an agriculture degree to transition into teaching. Donya Holland, an agriscience teacher at Ashford High School, is among a handful of teachers who took advantage of ABC. With degrees in agricultural economics and animal and dairy sciences from Auburn University, Holland said she never dreamed of being a teacher. A substitute-teaching job at Rehobeth Elementary School in 2005 led her to a new career as an agriscience teacher. “After college, I worked for ConAgra and Perdue as a broiler rep,” Holland said. “When I started a family, I wanted to have more time with my kids and decided I needed to make a change. While I was substitute teaching, my resume fell into the right hands, and I was able to start teaching agriscience. It has been more rewarding than I ever dreamed it would be.” Jacob Davis, state supervisor for agriscience education with the Alabama State Department of Education, said school systems use the ABC approach to hire a qualified candidate who then has three years to successfully complete necessary exams and online courses. Holland completed that work and was certified within the three-year requirement. She teaches agriscience, fish and wildlife management, greenhouse management, and sports and turf grass management. She also is the FFA advisor at Ashford High School. She said she found her niche. “I love what I’m doing,” Holland said with a grin. “It’s a challenge, but when I see I’ve made a difference w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Agriscience students and their teacher work in the class garden at Ashford High School. From left are Alyssa Hamm, teacher Donya Holland, Sheyanne Money, Michael House and Justin Outlaw.

in a kid’s life, it is so worth it.” There are 310 teachers in agriscience education in Alabama, and there are at least five openings right now, Davis said. “I’ve seen the largest amount of turnover for teachers this year,” Davis said. “A lot of teachers have reached retirement age, and I expect more of that in the next couple years. Plus, agriscience teachers can get jobs in other segments of the industry, and we’ve seen some of them leave for other ag-related careers. There are a lot of opportunities outside of teaching that can attract them away from the classroom.” A shrinking pool of students seeking agriscience education degrees compounded the teacher shortage. Auburn University is the state’s only university that still offers an agriscience education major. Alabama A&M closed its program last year. Davis said the trend appears to be turning around. “We have seen an increase in agriscience majors enrolled at Auburn; in fact, it’s about doubled in the last five years,” Davis said. 12

“But that will take a while to show results. In the meantime, retirements continue to create more openings.” Davis said Alabama’s shortage is part of a national trend resulting from less emphasis being placed on career tech programs, including agriscience. “We’re seeing that trend reverse now,” he said. “There is a renewed emphasis in the skilled trades. A college education isn’t for everyone, and statistics prove that. Even for those students who take career tech and decide to go to college, they still learn things that will help them throughout their lives.” Davis said it took several years of downsizing the program to create the dilemma, so it will take a while to build it back up.. “Fortunately, we’ve had a lot of support from organizations like Alfa and the Farmers Federation, plus a lot of support from the governor and the Legislature,” Davis said. “Turning it around is a slow process.” For more about the ABC program, contact Davis at ddavis@alsde. edu or (334) 242-9114. n M AY 2 0 1 4

Watson Joins Farmers Federation Public Relations Department

.J. Watson, a resident of Wetumpka, has joined the Alabama Farmers Federation Department of Public Relations and Communications as an agricultural communications specialist. He began work in the department April 7. Watson, 24, is a 2013 graduate of Troy University. He comes to the Federation from Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., a newspaper company with publications near the Lake Martin area. “A.J. has experience in all phases of the publications business from writing and photography to advertising,” said Federation Public Relations and Communications Director Jeff Helms. “These skills, coupled with his knowledge of the organization from family connections, will allow him to hit the ground running.” Watson studied Spanish and print journalism at Troy, where he also served as a resident assistant,

news editor of The Tropolitan and senator for his dorm in the Student Government Association. Watson will write news and feaWatson ture stories for the Federation’s print publications and website and will work on various public relations projects with other staff members. Watson said he is excited to work for an organization with such a distinguished history of serving farmers and all Alabamians. “My family owns a small tree farm – both short-leaf and long-leaf pine – near Gantt, so I’m very familiar with the Federation culture, and I know it has a sterling reputation in whatever it’s involved in,” he said. “I can’t wait to get in the mix of things and do whatever I can to help the farmers we represent and the employees who work here.”

Watson said his newspaper background would provide an easy transition into the department. “The Public Relations and Communications Department at the Federation is amazing from top to bottom, as evidenced by its Excellence Award at the AFBF Annual Convention last December,” Watson said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work for an organization that represents the state’s largest industry and some of the best people anywhere — farmers.” n

Dan Robertson District 8 Director Perry County farmer Dan Robertson, 65, likes things he can control, but doesn’t worry about those he can’t. When diagnosed with cancer four years ago, he put his future in the doctors’ hands. “I never worried about it being life threatening,” he said. “I figured they would fix it, and they did.” Farming is a different story. Robertson’s favorite thing about his 800 acres of row crops, 200 beef cows and up to 150 acres of catfish ponds is the personal responsibility. “It’s just me,” he said. “I either make it or I don’t, and if I don’t, it’s nobody’s fault but mine.” Robertson represents Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens and Sumter counties on the Alabama Farmers Federation Board of Directors. He and his wife of 26 years, Paula, have three grown daughters and two granddaughters. M AY 2 0 1 4

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Budgets, Cotton Checkoff Highlight Legislative Session By Mary Johnson

ncreased funding for the Career Tech Initiative and state climatologist office, along with a cotton checkoff constitutional amendment, were among highlights of the 2014 regular legislative session for the Alabama Farmers Federation. The Education Trust Fund budget provides a $1 million increase over FY2014 funding for the Career Tech Initiative, a program that provides job skills training to high school students. It also adds $600,000 for the state climatologist office while funding rural health programs and Auburn University’s poultry technology center. “This budget is proof our legislators understand the importance of investing in agricultural education and research,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department

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Director Brian Hardin. Funding for Federation priorities was preserved in the General Fund budget, including $90,674 for the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program; $380,000 to offset Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) registration fees; and $1 million for the State Water Assessment Program. Meanwhile, Alabama legislators gave voters a chance to make the cotton checkoff program automatic by approving a constitutional amendment during the July 15 runoff election. “Alabama cotton farmers will have a more stable future if this amendment is adopted,” said Federation Cotton Division Director Carla Hornady. “The state’s cotton farmers provide an annual economic impact of more than $290 million. Voters should support this amendment and tell others to vote ‘yes’ to keep cotton growing strong.”

A bill to remove the limit of F4 farm tags a person can have for heavy trucks passed the House of Representatives early in the session but died in the Senate the final night. The Legislature passed a bill to permanently establish the governor’s Drought Assessment Planning Team, but a measure to make the Queen Honeybee the state’s official agricultural insect failed to receive a final vote in the Senate. Bills aimed at eliminating the state sales tax on farm equipment and strengthening catfish labeling requirements for restaurants did not come up for a vote in either chamber. Hardin said education and research done on those bills this year could pay dividends in the 2015 session. For more on the session, visit AlfaFarmers.org/capitolconnection/ or see the end-of-session video at youtube.com/AlabamaFarmersFed. n

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Interns Join Farmers Federation Staff

M AY 2 0 1 4

Poole will graduate with a concentration in Agriculture, Leadership and Political Science. He played football for Auburn from 2009 through Poole the 2013 season. He was a volunteer at Storybook Farms and was involved in Auburn University’s Young Farmers, Block & Bridle Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “It’s really an honor and a privilege to be here,” Poole said. “I love politics, and I love farming — I grew up around both. Being able to work with Mr. Hardin and his team will help me understand how government policies affect farming.” Poole owns and operates a small beef cattle herd in Buchanan, Ga. After the internship, he plans to return to the farm and eventually run for public office. n

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wo interns with careers focused on public policy began working with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Department of Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) March 31. Reed Phillips, a native of Alexander City, is a 2013 graduate of the University of Alabama. Blake Poole of Buchanan, Ga., will graduate from Auburn University in May. Federation GAP Department Director Brian Hardin said he’s excited to have young people on staff who are interested in government. “With this being an election year, Reed and Blake will have an opportunity to see a real grassroots organization in action,” Hardin said. “Their energy and enthusiasm will be an asset to our organization, our members and Federation-endorsed candidates.” Phillips majored in political science, was a member of the University of Alabama crew team and served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He worked with the Phillips U.S. Senate since graduation and was an intern with the Secretary of the Senate in the Office of Web Technology. Phillips also served as a Senate page, was proctor of the Senate pages and, most recently, worked as a staff assistant to the Senate Ethics Committee. He applied for the Federation internship as a way to develop a better understanding of how membership organizations can impact legislation and regulations. “I wanted more experience in how organizations work with senators and congressmen to represent members,” Phillips said. “I want to work on issues that make a difference. At the state level, public policy work has greater potential of impacting people, and this is a chance to see that work in action.”

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of corn) dropping out from under me.” According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Alabama farmers are expected to plant 290,000 acres of corn, down 30,000 acres from 2013. Most of that acreage is expected to shift to soybeans, which are projected to hit 500,000 acres, up 65,000. Corn commodity prices are hovering around $5 a bushel. If Brumley can contract his corn harvest at that price and average 100 bushels per acre, he can make a profit. Last year, however, Brumley sold most of his corn for around $4 a bushel. “If we hadn’t made a really good crop last year, we would have been hurting,” he said. Nationally, farmers plan to plant 91.7 million acres of corn, down 4 percent, and 81.5 million acres of soybeans, up 6 percent. Marshall County farmer Rickey Cornutt is sticking with a rotation that splits 1,200 acres between corn and soybeans. Lower price projections, however, influenced his decision to plant less wheat. “We had to make that decision in the fall. Prices have improved some, but another reason we don’t plant a lot of wheat is that it comes in at the same time we’re cutting hay,” Cornutt said. Alabama farmers planted about 230,000 acres of wheat last fall, down 70,000 acres. Nationwide,

Alabama Farmers To Plant More Soybeans, Less Corn By Jeff Helms and Debra Davis

labama farmers are predicted to follow a national trend this spring by planting more soybeans and peanuts and fewer acres of corn and cotton. Nick McMichen, 43, farms 2,500 acres near Centre in Cherokee County. He describes himself as primarily a cotton farmer, but admitted good prices are tempting him to plant more soybeans. “This year, we’re planning on 1,200 acres of cotton, 1,200 acres of soybeans and about 100 acres of corn,” said McMichen, who is a Cherokee County Farmers Federation board member and serves on the Federation’s State Wheat and Feed Grains Committee. “Soybean prices look good, and those prices may steer us to up our bean acreage. Of course, a lot of things are still fluid right now; not just price, but the weather. Colbert County farmer Ron Brumley said his crop rotation calls for planting 200 acres of corn and about 300 acres of soybeans, but those plans could change if corn prices don’t increase. “The corn price has improved, but if it backs down, I don’t know what I’ll do,” he said. “I’d rather plant $12 soybeans than take a chance on (the price Alabama farmers enjoyed a record corn crop in 2013 and are predicted to plant 290,000 acres this year — down 30,000 acres from last year. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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USDA predicts farmers will plant more soybeans this year compared to 2013. Nick McMichen of Cherokee County has a good wheat crop that he likely will follow with soybeans.

Nationally, peanut acreage is expected to rebound sharply, up 29 percent from 2013. Low prices, however, continue to put downward pressure on cotton acreage. Alabama farmers shaved 15,000 acres from cotton last year and are planning to shift another 25,000 away from the crop this year, bringing the 2013 projection to 340,000 acres. This will be the second year in a row Brumley’s cotton picker has sat idle. “I love cotton, but I can’t make any money at it,” he said. The United States cotton crop is forecast to top 11.1 million acres, up 7 percent from 2013, but still below the 2012 total of 12.3 million acres. Although NASS issued its report March 31, Shelby County farmer Terry Wyatt said weather and prices could still impact planting decisions. “There might be more soybeans planted,” he said. “Corn has gone up some recently, so by the time everyone gets planted, it could change. But if it stays wet and farmers can’t get their corn planted, you may see them go back to soybeans.” Even with challenges of harsh weather and fluctuating prices, McMichen said the last five years were the best in his 25 years of farming. “These have been golden years for agriculture,” McMichen said. “We have sold some $8-a-bushel corn and made 200 bushels to the acre in some cases. Because of good prices, we’ve been able to build more on-farm grain storage and purchase newer, better equipment. I think the future is bright for farmers, but of course most farmers are eternal optimists.” n

farmers planted about 3 percent less wheat. The 800 acres of wheat McMichen planted are thriving and jumped several inches in height once the cold weather broke. In stark contrast and several hundred miles farther south, Monroe County farmer Scott Saucer said he destroyed his wheat crops because bitterly cold weather reduced its production potential. Saucer is focusing his efforts on 600 acres of cotton and 400 acres of peanuts. Although this doesn’t represent a large shift in acreage, Saucer said he would plant more peanuts if he had the equipment and labor to get them harvested. Across the state, farmers are counting on about 165,000 acres of peanuts, up 25,000 acres from last year. That’s still considerably lower than the 2012 total of 220,000 acres.

Nick McMichen and his son, Matt, inspect their wheat crop. M AY 2 0 1 4

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Innovation Earns Kyser Catfish Farmer Of The Year Title By Mary Johnson

ale County farmer Bill Kyser has raised catfish for 47 years, since his father built the first commercial catfish ponds in Alabama. Nearly five decades of experience and dedication to improving his farm earned Kyser the distinction of being named Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2014 Catfish Farmer of the Year. Peers in the Alabama Farmers Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Catfish Committee selected Kyser for the honor. He was recognized at the Catfish Farmers of America (CFA) Annual Convention in New Orleans, La., earlier this year. Bill Kyser and his family have 850 acres of water in 50 catfish ponds in Hale County. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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“I’ve always loved the water, from the Black Warrior River and the Gulf of Mexico to the catfish ponds around the house,” Kyser said. “I knew catfish farming was a good farming enterprise I could do to make a living here in Hale County. I enjoy it because there’s something new and different to do every day.” Kyser Family Farms has 850 acres of water in 50 ponds that grow 5 million pounds of catfish annually. As times change, Kyser relies on hard work, creativity and innovation to ensure his farm adapts. The most recent development is the addition of an offal processing plant, which converts catfish remnants from processing plants into high-protein meal and oil for animal feed. “Hale County is the catfish capital of Alabama, and we want to do everything we can to keep it that way,” said Kyser, who farms with his sons Townsend and Ashley. “Anything we can do to employ the people in Hale County is not only good for me, it’s good for this area. My grandchildren are being raised here, and I want them to be raised in a good environment.” Alongside the Mississippi and Arkansas Catfish Farmers of the Year, Kyser traveled to Boston to serve farm-raised catfish to more than 2,000 attendees at the International Seafood Show March 16-18. The trio is featured in CFA ads and are spokesmen for U.S. catfish farmers. “The Kysers are wonderful examples of hard-working Alabama folks who embrace new technologies to improve their farm,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Catfish Division Director Rick Oates. “Bill has obviously passed his passion for farming on to his children and grandchildren. He will be a great representative for the catfish industry this year.” Kyser said he always tells people buying farm-raised catfish helps feed the children. “And when I’m asked, ‘Which M AY 2 0 1 4

Kyser Family Farms harvests 5 million pounds of catfish annually in Hale County.

children?’ I say, ‘My momma’s children!’” he said. “There’s a lot of people in this country who want to support local farms and are concerned about where their food comes from. We want them to get a good warm feeling in their hearts, as well as their stomachs, when they’re eating our catfish. It’s a healthy, wholesome product, and consumers are supporting U.S.

farmers.” Catfish farming generates $158.2 million in economic impact for Alabama and employs 5,829 people in the state, according to a recent study from Auburn University. Visit CatfishFarmersofAmerica. com for more information on the CFA. n

YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The application deadline for the annual Alabama Farmers Federation Youth Leadership Conference is May 13. The conference is open to Alabama high school students and is June 30July 2 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. It includes fun workshops and seminars to develop future Alabama leaders. Space is limited to 100 delegates. Visit AlfaYoungFarmers.org for an application and more information. 19

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Beefing Up The Game Students Compete For Top Showmanship Honors By Debra Davis

lue vests and big smiles filled Ed Teague Arena March 15 as more than 150 young people competed in the Alabama Junior Beef Exposition Showmanship Contest. Each participant received a blue fleece vest from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. Students groomed and showed heifers and steers of various sizes, breeds and colors, competing for more than $10,000 in prize money sponsored by Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. Livestock judge Deb Core of Pleasantville, Iowa, complimented the young Alabama showmen as w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Christy Daniel, a fifth-grader at Catoma Elementary School from Hayneville, grooms her calf before competing in the showmanship contest.

they led their calves around the ring. “This is my first trip to Alabama, and I don’t know what I expected, but competition is alive and well here,” she said. “You have done an outstanding job preparing your calves, and it shows.” The showmanship classes were part of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, which included the State Steer and Heifer Show. Champion exhibitors at the Alabama Junior Beef Expo were Connor Moore of Chambers County, junior division; Clay Tew of Dale County, intermediate division; and Reid 20

McGuire of Lee County, senior division. They each received $600 in prize money. Reserve champions in each division received $400. For 10-year-old Christy Daniel of Hayneville, the show was exciting and a little nerve-wracking. It was her first state competition. “I’ve enjoyed it,” said the fifthgrader from Catoma Elementary School. “I’ve learned a lot and had fun.” Federation President Jimmy Parnell said sponsoring programs like the calf show is at the heart of the organization’s mission. “Seeing all these young people M AY 2 0 1 4

with their families and knowing they are interested enough to be here is encouraging,” Parnell said. “There are a lot of good things young people can be involved in, but we need to provide all the encouragement we can to those who are interested in agriculture. “These students are the future of our state and our organization,” he added. “Twenty years from now, they will be the leaders of our state and the leaders of our farming community.” For more photos from the event, visit the Federation’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/AlabamaFarmers. Find more photos on the Federation’s Flickr page http://bit. ly/1m7P3qF. n

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell and Federation State Beef Committee Chairman Mike Henry congratulate champion exhibitors at the Alabama Junior Beef Expo. From left are Henry; Connor Moore of Chambers County, junior division; Clay Tew of Dale County, intermediate division; Reid McGuire of Lee County, senior division; Judge Deb Core of Pleasantville, Iowa; and Parnell.

Paul Looney

District 2 Director Converting the family dairy farm to row crops in 1990 was a big decision for Limestone County farmer Paul Looney. “Row crop farming is a breeze compared to a dairy,” said Looney, 62, who farms with his son, Ben, near Athens. “A dairy is hard work, and there wasn’t any money in it.” The Looneys grow cotton, wheat, soybeans and corn, along with their newest crop – canola. “This is our fourth year growing canola, and it has worked well double-cropped behind soybeans,” Looney said. Soybeans grown behind canola had higher yields, he added. Looney is a district director for the Alabama Farmers Federation. He represents Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties and is Limestone County president. He and his wife, Donnis, enjoy traveling. Their favorite trips include Alaska and Yellowstone National Park. M AY 2 0 1 4

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USDA Program Helps Farmers Accept Credit, SNAP Payments By Mary Johnson

elling produce and other farm products at roadside stands or farmers markets usually requires cash. But the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MarketLink™ program would allow shoppers to swipe plastic for farmfresh foods. Through MarketLink, eligible farmers would be given equipment to accept credit, debit and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) electronic benefit transfers. “The purpose of the program is to increase SNAP redemption and participation at farmers markets,” said Alabama Farmers Market Authority Director Don Wambles. “My department is responsible for providing a full spectrum of technical assistance. We will be there for our farmers through this entire process.” By signing a three-year contract, farmers would receive a free iPhone 5, card reader and wireless printer, plus a twoyear wireless data plan and free merchant processing for a year. Elmore County farmer Justin Barrett was accepted to the program after filing an application at a sign-up day event at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in March. More than 65 farmers attended the meeting. “I think this is a good thing all the way around,” Barrett said. He is

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partnering with Montgomery County farmer Garrett Henry to market locallygrown, farm-raised beef through a new company, River Region Beef LLC. “This will make the process easier, smoother and cheaper for farmers.” Chilton County farmer Jimmie Harrison also attended the meeting to learn how he could use the service at his farm. “We already take the Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons, but we’re interested in accepting credit, debit and SNAP,” Harrison said. “People don’t Dale County farmer Earl Snell, left, talks to State Farmers Market Authority Director Don Wambles about the use cash anymore. I think MarketLink program. this would be beneficial for our business.” has really improved our business,” According Snell said. “But we’d like to get a to a report from mobile unit to take to market. This Washington program is a 100-percent winner.” State UniverState government officials sity, Harrison is echoed those sentiments, saying right. ResearchMarketLink is a win-win for farmers found that at ers and consumers. However, the farmers markets main goal is increasing healthy accepting elecoptions available to SNAP recipitronic forms of ents. payment, only 6 “This is very important because percent of sales we want to promote nutritious were in cash. food for all our recipients,” said The report also Brandon Hardin, Alabama’s SNAP stated the averdirector. “The partnership between age electronic USDA, Farmers Market Authority sale was $34.57. and SNAP is a great opportunity to Currently, increase access, especially in rural farmers who communities, to healthy fruits and already accept vegetables.” electronic For more about the applicaSNAP benefits are not eligible for tion process, visit MarketLink. the MarketLink program. However, org. The MarketLink program is a officials said they are working to partnership with the USDA Food find a way to include those farmers, and Nutrition Service; the National like Earl Snell of Dale County who Association of Farmers Market sells produce off-the-farm and at Nutrition Programs; the NOVO farmers markets. DIA Group, Mobile Market+™; and “Accepting SNAP at our farm WorldPay™. n 23

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Monsanto And USDA Award $1.5 Million For Henderson Hall Addition

$1.5 million joint grant from USDA and Monsanto Co. will help build plant biotechnology research laboratories at Tuskegee University’s newly constructed Henderson Hall. Henderson Hall is part of the university’s College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS). The labs are expected to be completed in the summer of 2016. Monsanto awarded $750,000 toward the project, and USDA provided $750,000. The laboratory will be used to train students in agronomy, horticulture, breeding, genetics, entomology, plant pathology, agribusiness and related areas with specific emphasis on world-class biotechnology, said Walter Hill, Ph.D., Tuskegee’s provost and CAENS dean. “The entire first floor of Henderson Hall will be labs for our students to conduct experiments

Plant biotechnology research labs will be built in Henderson Hall at Tuskeegee University.

to demonstrate the concepts and practices they’ve learned,” Hill said. “Biotechnology and molecular plant science is a main component of our modern-day tool kit to learn about plants. It allows us to develop plants that are more resistant to pests and droughts; at the same time, we can develop plants that give us higher yields to help pro-

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duce more food and improve the quality of life on earth.” The new facilities are the first of several research laboratories proposed for Henderson Hall. Other laboratories are planned for integrated pest management, animal systems, food safety, nutrition, integrative biosciences, bio-energy, agricultural and environmental sciences engineering, and chemical analysis and synthesis. Hill said Tuskegee University will continue to be a trusted and objective source of information on complex scientific and social issues, including bio-safety and regulatory testing, trade and labeling issues, socioeconomics and ethics aspects of new technologies, relevance to food security and global development. “We take pride in the work plant scientists and breeders around the world are doing every day to help farmers get more out of every acre while using the world’s natural resources more efficiently,” said Robb Fraley, Monsanto’s chief technology officer. “We’re also proud to support projects like Tuskegee University’s Plant Biotechnology Research Laboratories that have the potential to transform a local community. These labs will provide unlimited educational opportunities in plant science for our world’s next generation of researchers and biologists.” n M AY 2 0 1 4

By Lois Chaplin

here’s a pink flowering shrub that should be as well known as azalea and camellia, but it’s not. It’s Weigela, one of the first ornamental plants introduced from Asia to Western Europe in the mid-1800s that eventually made its way “across the pond” to Southern gardens. Weigela (Weigela Florida) sends out a spray of branches loaded with blooms every May no matter what the weather was seasons before. It can survive drought, heat or subnormal cold. Plants this tough often capture the attention of the breeders and growers who develop multiple forms. Today, there are many modern Weigela hybrids worthy of the garden, and because of both their beauty and toughness, the group has gained the attention it deserves. The new Weigela hybrids vary in height, bloom color and leaf color. One thing to love about Weigela is how it blooms after azaleas and before hydrangeas, offering another great flush of flowers to look for-

ward to as spring marches toward summer. It’s also a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. Gardeners interested in Weigela may find some form of the plant at a local garden center. It is easy to propagate, so growers like it. Today’s palette includes forms of the original pink along with a number of hybrids. Here’s a short look at a few, but there are others. Weigela Florida, the original heirloom shrub, has pink flowers and grows 6-8 feet tall and equally wide. Alexandra (Wine and Roses) grows 4-5 feet tall with deep, rosepink flowers and burgundy leaves. Minuet is a dwarf, growing to about 3 feet, with ruby red flowers and leaves tinged with purple. It’s great for ares requiring small plants. Polka is also a compact, 3-4 foot plant with two-toned pink flowers that have a yellow throat. Red Cardinal grows 6-8 feet tall and has red blooms. Red Prince grows 5-6 feet tall with red flowers and may bloom again in late summer, although not as heavily.

Variegata is 6 feet tall, has deep pink flowers and green leaves with a creamy white edge. Plant Weigela in full sun. Some afternoon shade is OK, too. It’s not picky about soil other than it needs good drainage, no low or soggy spots. Give it room to show off its arching form. To keep the plant fresh and full of blooms as it ages, remove about a third of the largest, oldest stems at their base every three or four years. Do this (or any pruning) right after the plants bloom. Like azaleas, late pruning removes next year’s flower buds. Give new plants a good start with regular watering during the first couple of years until it is well established. With few pest problems and a long history of success, Weigela promises years of success. n _________________________________ Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

SPRING INTO SAVINGS. WWW.ALAFARM.COM w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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Alabama Cooperative Extension Celebrates Centennial By A.J. Watson

organization helped change lives. “We have focused on things that have really benefitted the community as a whole,” Powell said. “Not only agriculture, but also economically for homeowners. We taught people how to can (preserve) and how to freeze, and those are still some of the things Extension teaches people.” Powell said those tools are important, but Extension has one ultimate purpose. “It’s a family affair,” she said. “Even as an Extension agent, your family is involved, and you are working with people who are parts of families. It may be through economics, 4-H, nutrition, but whatever it is, it’s trying to make the family better.” n

n organization that shaped much of the state, including its largest farm organization, the Alabama Farmers Federation, will celebrate its centennial this month. On May 8, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) turns 100, and in addition to building on its past is looking forward to what lies ahead. “What I’m really excited about and proud of is, since 1914 the mission of Extension has not wavered,” said Gary Lemme, Ph.D., Extension director for Alabama. “Our mission has been to provide research-based education relevant to the needs of today, to improve the economy and quality of life for all Alabamians.” Although Extension formally started with the Smith-Lever Act, its roots trace back to the 1890s when Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver of the Tuskegee Institute saw a need for educational outreach. They designed a mobile classroom that served as a model for the soon-to-be Cooperative Extension. To foster relationships with farmers across the state, ACES helped establish the Alabama Farm Bureau Federation in 1921. “The history of the Alabama Farmers Federation is so closely intertwined with the Cooperative Extension System, it’s hard to imagine one without the other,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Extension System agents helped farmers by demonstrating the latest in farming techniques developed through research at land-grant universities. That revolutionized farming by introducing hybrid crop varieties, tillage practices, livestock nutrition and soil health. Ultimately, Extension offices were established in every county and spread nationwide. Extension continues to focus on educational programs in six areas: youth development, agriculture, leadership development, natural resources, family and consumer sciences and community and economic development; but it started from much humbler beginnings. Retired Extension agent Tammy Powell said the M AY 2 0 1 4

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Squash

Simple Recipes Make Summer Smiles

By Jillian Clair

time to cook a big breakfast and dinner almost every day. “Someone told me once, ‘To keep your family in line, you must sit at a table together at least once a day,’” she said. “The good Lord has blessed me to be able to help Chris on the farm and to have time around the house to cook.” n

long with sunny days and higher temperatures, the beginning of summer in the South brings some favorite fruits and vegetables — blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, peppers, and of course, summer squash. Vegetable farms and home gardens across the state are laden with yellow squash, ready to be served alongside grilled feasts on warm nights. Dale County farmer Monica Carroll • Fat free • Closely related knows all about cooking squash and a • Sodium free to other summer host of other vegetables — for many years, squashes and • Good source of Monica and her husband Chris raised vegetables on their farm. These days, they protein, dietary pumpkins grow peanuts, corn and wheat in addition fiber, vitamin • Peak season is to broilers and cattle, but the family still late spring, early A, vitamin C, has a large garden and buys produce from summer calcium and iron the farmers market. In the summertime, • Can be sauteed, squash frequents the Carrolls’ plates. The family has always eaten only baked, roasted what is available seasonally, and children or grilled Brittany and Blake have never been picky about vegetables. “One reason I don’t have picky children is because when they helped grow things, they wanted to try Choose squash that are unbruised and firm. Yellow them,” Monica said. “When we would pick our vegsquash will remain fresh for up to five days if stored etables, they would want properly. To store, wrap a plastic bag tightly around to come in and eat it right the squash, squeezing out as much air as possible, and then. They were proud of place in the crisper section of the refrigerator. Storing what they helped grow.” squash this way minimizes its contact with air, which In addition to raising two children, Monica drives a slows its rate of respiration and prevents it from school bus in the mornbecoming soft. Do not wash yellow squash ings and afternoons and until just before cooking. helps Chris on the farm. Somehow, she still finds

All about yellow squash

Selection & Storage

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

w w w. Fa r m i n g Fe e d s A l a b a m a . c o m 28

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STEWED SQUASH Cooking time: 20 minutes Servings: 6–8 6-8 medium tender size yellow squash, thinly sliced 1 small onion, diced Salt and pepper to taste

Place squash and onions in a pot and barely cover with water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

FRIED SQUASH Cooking time: 15 minutes Servings: 4–6 YELLOW SQUASH CASSEROLE Cooking time: 40 minutes Servings: 6–8 6-8 medium yellow squash In a large bowl, beat 1 small onion, diced eggs well and stir in milk, Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper. To this 3 eggs bowl, add cooked squash 1 cup of milk with onions and water. Add 1 cup RITZ crackers cracker crumbs, melted 3 tablespoons margarine, melted margarine and 1 1/2 cups of 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese. Stir until very well cheese blended. Preheat oven to 350 F. Pour into greased 2 Slice squash. Cook with 1/2-quart casserole dish. onions in small amount of Sprinkle remaking cheese water until tender. Add salt over top. Bake for 30 and pepper. Drain, leaving minutes or until lightly a small amount of water in browned. squash; set aside.

SQUASH FRITTERS Cooking time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 6–8 2 pounds yellow squash, sliced 1 small onion, diced 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying

In a saute pan, cook squash and onion until tender. Drain and mash. Add eggs and crackers and season with salt and pepper. Make firm balls and chill for two hours. Fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels.

6 medium sized squash, sliced Salt and pepper to taste Flour Oil or butter for frying

Pat sliced squash dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; then dredge slices with flour. Pan fry in oil or butter for 5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown. Serve warm.

PICKLED SQUASH Cooking time: 2 hours (1 hour active) Makes 5 pints Step 1 10-12 medium squash, sliced 2 cups of onions, sliced 1/2 cup plain salt

Sprinkle salt over squash and onions. Let stand for 1 hour. (Rinse well). Step 2 4 red bell peppers, sliced 2 1/2 cups vinegar 3 cups sugar 2 teaspoons celery seed 2 teaspoons mustard seed

In a large pot, add all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add squash and onions and bring to boil again. Pack squash in jars and cover with hot liquid. Place lids, which have been boiled, over jars and seal.

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. M AY 2 0 1 4

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new FB Member Advantage! “Bonus Cash” program with General Motors is available to Farm Bureau members, effective immediately. While the $500 discount on the purchase or lease of a new GM car or truck is the same, the ability to stack the offer with one other private offer is new. “Alabama Farmers Federation members have already saved more than $2.6 million through this outstanding member benefit with General Motors, and these new changes only make it better,” said Marc Pearson, director of Federation Member Benefits. The new Bonus Cash offer can be stacked with all other offers available to eligible Farm Bureau members, such as Owner Loyalty (discounted employee, dealership employee and supplier pricing is excluded). Additionally, members

are eligible 30 days after becoming a member – a reduction from the previous 60-day requirement. The $500 “Bonus Cash” offer can be used on the purchase or lease of all 2013, 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models without exclusions in states that participate in the GM program. To take advantage of the GM program discounts through FB Member Advantage!, members should log on to fbverify.com/gm where eligibility will be confirmed once a member enters his/her membership number and zip code. A certificate is made available online and must be printed and taken to the dealership of choice for presentation to the sales person. There is no limit to the number of certificates a member may print or use. Certificates expire after 60 days. n

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