Neighbors Magazine, May 2023

May 2023 | Volume 48 | Number 4

Marlee Moore | Editor

Laura Unger | Graphic Designer

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION

Paul Pinyan Executive Director

Jeff Helms | Director of Communications

FEDERATION OFFICERS

Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton

Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville

Jon Hegeman Vice President | Central, Anniston

George Jeffcoat Vice President | Southeast, Gordon

Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden

Steve Dunn Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS

Dorman Grace | Jasper

Jeff Peek | Athens

John Bert East Leesburg

Steve Lake | Vinemont

Joe Anders Northport

Phillip Hunter | Birmingham

Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka

Tommy Martin | Moundville

Bill Cook Montgomery

Trip Horne | Louisville

Mark Kaiser | Daphne

Thomas Adams Newville

Ann Whatley | Opelika

Jonathan Edgar Wetumpka

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

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800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

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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.

Farm-City Celebrations Culminate In Birmingham

First-Place Posters

First-Place Essays

First-Place Video

By Maggie Edwards

P

resent and future generations of agriculturalists were honored for outstanding outreach efforts and creativity during the annual Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 13 in Birmingham.

Over 400 attendees gathered as students, county committees and families were recognized for hard work and dedication to agriculture.

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms said Farm-City is among the most impactful programs the Alabama Farmers Federation supports and has the potential to touch all segments of society.

“Students learn the importance of agriculture and forestry through contests, and they carry those lessons with them into adulthood,” Helms said. “Government and business leaders are reintroduced to farming in their counties

through tours, banquets and other events. Meanwhile, our farm families are encouraged through shared service, fellowship and recognition. This awards program is an annual celebration of all these activities.”

The 2022 theme was Sustaining For The Future, a play on the “Down To Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama” campaign that encouraged conservation awareness throughout 2022.

Creative Students Honored

During the awards program, kindergarten through 12th-grade students were honored for participating in poster, essay and video contests.

Winners and runners-up received medals and cash awards from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC), which also provided matching cash awards for schools of first- and second-place entries.

The winners’ works were showcased

during the awards luncheon, and the Top 12 posters will be featured in the 2024 Alabama Farm-City Calendar.

Poster Contest, Kindergarten-Third Grade

n First place and $200: Kaitlyn Williams, Reeltown Elementary School, Tallapoosa County

n Second place and $100: Eliza Joy Hunter, Bethel Christian Academy, Houston County

n Third place and $75: Lilli Norris, Bagley Elementary School, Jefferson County

n Fourth place and $60: Ryen Espana, First Assembly Christian School, Clay County

n Fifth place and $40: Anslee Russell, Lynn Elementary School, Winston County

n Sixth place and $25: Charlee Bea Stone, American Christian Academy, Tuscaloosa County

Zach Doty Seventh-Ninth Grade

Lydia Maple 10th-12th Grade

Mattox Blankenship Fourth-Sixth Grade

Christian Burks

Kaitlyn Williams Kindergarten-Third Grade

Scan to watch the winning video!

Poster Contest, Fourth-Sixth Grade

n First place and $200: Mattox Blankenship, Ariton School, Dale County

n Second place and $100: Easton Marable, Radney Elementary School, Tallapoosa County

n Third place and $75: Pruitt Woods, Moulton Elementary School, Lawrence County

n Fourth place and $60: Alex Coy Owens, Prattville Intermediate School, Autauga County

n Fifth place and $40: Addison Heath, Sulligent Elementary School, Lamar County

n Sixth place and $25: Hannah Grace Aldridge, Fayette Home School, Fayette County

Essay Contest, Seventh-Ninth Grade

n First place and $300: Zach Doty, Corner High School, Jefferson County

n Second place and $200: Madelyn Kaley, Ragland High School, St. Clair County

Essay Contest, 10th-12th Grade

n First place and $300: Lydia Maple, Lakeview Christian, Lee County

n Second place and $200: McKensie Sanford, Corner High School, Jefferson County

Video Contest

n First place and $300: Christian Burks, The Well Christian Academy, Marshall County

n Second place and $200: Emily Smith, Houston County Career Academy, Houston County

Outstanding Counties, Leaders Honored

In addition to student winners, local leaders and Farm-City committees were recognized for their efforts to bridge the gap between farmers and their urban neighbors through creative projects, events and outreach.

Alabama Farm Credit provided cash prizes for winning committees. Division winners received $300 while runners-up earned $200. Additionally, category winners received $100 per category.

Division I represents counties with a larger population, while Division II represents smaller-population counties.

Division I Winners

n Cullman County: Best Farm-City Committee; Best Civic Club Activities; Target Award

n Autauga County: Runner-Up Best Farm-City Committee; Best Farm-City Tour; Best Media Coverage & Proclamation

n Coffee County: Scrapbook Award

n Houston County: Best Farm-City Dinner

n St. Clair County: Best Special Activities; Innovative Idea Award

Division II Winners

n Geneva County: Best Farm-City Committee; Best Farm-City Tour; Best Scrapbook

n Cherokee County: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee; Best Civic Club Activities; Best Farm-City Dinner

n Barbour County: Innovative Idea Award; Target Award

n Fayette County: Best Special Activities

Additionally, Deborah Huggins Davis of Pike County was named the 2022 Farm-City Volunteer of the Year, while the 2022 Farm-City Service Award was presented to Alabama Forestry Commission’s Brady Dunn of Houston County.

Haynes Family Earns Farm Of Distinction Title

To conclude the program, Haynes Farms of Cullman County was named Alabama’s 2023 Farm of Distinction. The Haynes family, led by Darrel and Lydia, prioritizes land stewardship on their 4,000 acres of pasture for beef cattle and 1,500 acres of row crops. They will represent Alabama during the Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest this fall.

Darrel and Lydia farm alongside their sons, Ben and Bart, in Fairview.

“There’s nothing I deserve any honor about,” Darrel said. “You know, I’ve just gotten to be a caretaker for a little bit of God’s stuff. He gave me Lydia, and he gave me Ben and Bart, and gosh, they are such fine men, such hard workers.”

The Hayneses are raising the 7th generation on the farm, too, through Ben and wife Whitney’s six children —

Geneva County was named the Best Farm-City Committee for smaller counties. From left are Alabama Farm Credit’s Wendy Tysinger, Geneva County Farm-City Committee Chair Debra Dunn and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms.

Cullman County was named the Best Farm-City Committee for larger counties. From left are Alabama Farm Credit’s Wendy Tysinger, Cullman County FarmCity Committee Chair Trevor Shoemaker and Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms.

Haynes Farms is Alabama’s 2023 Farm of Distinction. Seated are Lydia and Darrel Haynes. Back row from left are First South Farm Credit’s Joseph Fureigh; SunSouth’s Neal Stanford; TriGreen’s Lynne Morton and Kelsey Faivre; Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Tiffany Lester; and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Scan to learn more about the Haynes family!

Jack, Lola, Charlie, Caroline, Pruett and Rueben.

“We wean and background the calves we raise,” Ben said. “Our product is an 800- to 900-pound feeder calf, and we sell those in load lots that are bound for feed yards north and west of here. As far as the row crop operation, about a third of our ground will be in corn, a third full-season soybeans and a third will be planted in wheat we will

of ground we will come back and plant a summer crop on is also land we’re grazing feed cattle on in the winter.”

Lydia, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee, said she appreciates the honor to represent Alabama farm families regionally. A retired physical therapist, she said she’s grateful to spend each day on the farm.

“How many women in this world

side — and can look back at the end of the day and say, ‘Goodness, what a job well done?’” she said. “There’s so much satisfaction in that.”

As the Farm of Distinction, the Haynes family nets an engraved farm sign from the Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and John Deere; a $1,000 gift certificate from AFC; and $1,000 from First South Farm Credit.

Hear from our members

“The team at Alabama Farm Credit knows how to communicate well and have a focus on educating their members It is important to have people that I can trust to tell me, this is what would be best for you and here’s why ”

-Erin Duke AFC YFAB Director

Conference Highlights Members’ Commitment To Communities

By Marlee Moore

Abevy of speakers commended Alabama Farmers Federation members for a common characteristic during the organization’s Women’s Leadership Conference April 12-14 — their commitment to serving communities.

During the welcome dinner in Birmingham, child advocate Liz Huntley encouraged, empowered and inspired the 200-plus attendees while sharing thought-provoking stories from her difficult childhood.

“You are given many, many, many talents,” she said. “And those talents, they don’t belong to you. God gives you those talents to use for others.”

Huntley thanked attendees for using talents wisely on their farms, with their families and for their communities. She underscored the importance of everyday heroes who impact society.

“On this side of life, this is my justice. With everything I have experienced and gone through, God has uniquely positioned me to impact young people,” said Chilton County’s Huntley, who co-founded in 2016 the Hope Institute, which helps build a character-driven culture in schools. “If you build people of character, you start to build the citizens we want for our communities and nation.”

Huntley’s fellow Chilton countian

Jimmy Parnell welcomed members to Birmingham during the opening dinner. Parnell, who leads the Federation and Alfa Insurance as president, highlighted the key role Women’s Leadership Committees play in public policy.

“I appreciate what y’all do every day for the state,” he said. “This group makes a big difference. I appreciate your involvement in politics and on your farms as you make Alabama a better state.”

Emphasizing female leadership in politics continued the next morning during a legislative update. Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin thanked members for helping educate 37 new legislators about agriculture. He encouraged them to channel Huntley’s powerful ability to connect with an audience.

“As it becomes more and more unique that people have a connection to the farm, things like visiting a farm are a treat for legislators,” he said. “We are proud to represent you in Montgomery every day, but it has an even greater impact when you can show legislators why farming is important to you, the challenges you face and the good you do in your community.”

During a national affairs update, the Federation’s Mitt Walker mentioned hot topics such as labor, Waters of the U.S., foreign ownership of land, budgets and the upcoming farm bill. Walker,

the organization’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department director, thanked the women for forming relationships federally.

“Y’all see the dividends it pays off with people like Sens. Tuberville and Britt,” he said. “Y’all formed

real relationships with them on the campaign trail. Continue to keep those relationships open.”

Other conference highlights included regional caucuses where ladies swapped advocacy and outreach ideas; a chance to mingle with vendors; an estate planning workshop with Leah Mitchell of DeKalb County; a lesson in lingering around the table with social media celebrity Brenda Gantt of Andalusia; and the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 13.

Humor reigned as social media celebrity Brenda Gantt entertained a packed room of members during the Women’s Leadership Conference.

From left: Jefferson County’s Polly McClure visited with opening banquet speaker Liz Huntley, a child advocate whose poignant stories empowered members; Leah Mitchell of DeKalb County encouraged attendees to begin the estate planning process; Cindy Landers of Tuscaloosa County caught up with social media celebrity Brenda Gantt, who inspired members to linger around the table and fellowship.

Answering The Call: Research Seeks Solution To Turkey Population Decline

to get caught up in the sustainability and economic perspective, but turkey hunting also brings cultural value to the table.”

Gulsby is working with a team of students, professors, public agencies and private industry to pinpoint problem areas and resolve turkey decline. The science-based research is funded by Turkeys For Tomorrow and the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Additional partners include the Alabama Farmers Federation, which funded autonomous recording devices (also called gobble recorders, song meters or listening devices) for field trials.

tracts of timber on a rotation to create varied vegetation levels.

“No matter the size of your property, you need habitat diversity,” Smith said. “Trapping for predators has made the biggest difference on our property. We’ve seen a huge jump in turkey numbers since we’ve started doing that.”

Smith’s ideology grew from trial and error — and scouring research publications.

And Gulsby hopes current research will help more turkey populations across Alabama boom.

Answering The Call

By Marlee Moore

A cooperative wild turkey research project is answering Alabama landowners’ call to reverse the state’s downward-trending turkey population.

In 2006, hunters harvested a state record 65,000 turkeys. That number was slashed in half just over a decade later.

“That was a high harvest, in the Top 3 of any state; since then, the population has trended down,” said Auburn University’s Dr. Will Gulsby. “That’s happening range-wide for Eastern wild turkeys.”

Big Picture

In addition to its $3.88 billion annual economic impact in Alabama, hunting — particularly for turkeys — is ingrained in Alabama history, Gulsby said. Pockets of wild birds thrived in Alabama during previous Southeastern turkey population declines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“It’s a preferred pastime for people,” said Gulsby, a wildlife ecology and management professor. “It’s easy for us

Potential Problems

Gulsby said a confluence of issues could be causing turkey troubles, including new diseases, predator shifts, a decline in predator trapping, feral swine increases and evolving technology.

Habitat shifts are concerning, too. Row crop fields flush with weedy, brushy edges have historically offered prime nesting habitat for hens, Gulsby said. But the advent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) helped many landowners turn open fields into pine plantations.

Those plantations can absolutely serve as turkey habitat — depending on how they’re managed, Gulsby said.

Just ask private land consultant Hunter Smith.

The Auburn wildlife science graduate has crafted his management style over the last decade on family land in Bullock and Pike counties, where turkey populations have doubled and even tripled.

Through detailed, thoughtful management, he routinely burns small

State poult-per-hen ratios show the decline isn’t just a land-management or hunter problem. It’s a reproduction issue, too.

Stable or increasing populations normally track two poults for each hen. Alabama’s rate is 1.5 to 1.7 per hen, Gulsby said.

One aspect of Gulsby’s research analyzes hunter-harvested turkey carcasses for reproductive and disease

Auburn University wildlife professor Dr. Will Gulsby is conducting research to pinpoint reasons for turkey population decline across the Southeast.

As part of the research, autonomous recording devices, also called song meters, are attached to the base of trees. Microphones are then placed 30 feet above to collect sound — ideally gobbles — from a larger area.

Part of Gulsby’s multipronged research tracks hens before and after hatching season to gauge the best habitat for successful populations.

issues. Another component includes nearly 100 song meters across private and public land in three swaths of the state — north, central and south.

The trail camera-like devices are placed near the base of a tree, and an attached microphone mounted 30 feet above records sound from an hour before sunrise to five hours after.

Software and student workers comb through data captured March 1-June 30 to identify gobbles.

“This allows us to get a broad-scale picture of trends in abundance across the state so we can identify where populations are performing well and those performing poorly,” Gulsby said. “If we do find that areas that look a certain way have more turkeys, how do we replicate that?”

Birds Of A Feather

The team is also scouting habitat by placing GPS transmitters on hens

in Hale County to track nesting and brooding locations. They’ll take vegetation measurements after hatching to determine trends in the surrounding plant community.

In Bullock County, the Federation’s gift is at work through eight song meters. The devices measure gobbling activity in areas where feral swine are being trapped and locations without active trapping through a collaborative project with Auburn wildlife professor Dr. Steve Ditchkoff and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“We’re excited to see results roll out this fall,” said Federation Wildlife Division Director William Green. “We’re committed to helping farmers, landowners and hunters fine-tune the best land and wildlife management techniques and believe this project could help achieve that.”

Turkey Talk

Learn more about Gulsby’s preliminary findings through his podcast, Wild Turkey Science, available across listening platforms.

Auburn University research assistants help tag and track turkeys in trials across the state.

Skills For Success Program Streamlines Workforce Training

but they’re getting some techniques and a lot of experience,” Williams added.

An hour west of Enterprise, fatherson duo Heath and Brady Kilcrease benefited from Skills for Success, too, through CDL training.

The Covington County poultry farmers could legally drive big trucks for their own farm in a 180-mile radius of their operation but wanted to cover their bases with a state-issued license.

“You can never have enough skills in life,” said Heath, 46. “The more you learn, the more options you have.”

Before hearing about Skills for Success, their only option was to spend six weeks at an in-person class, a near-impossible commitment with four egg houses.

By Marlee Moore

Astreamlined workforce development program is helping potential truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, meat cutters and food-andbeverage workers quickly earn certifications or licenses — for free.

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Skills for Success program launched in early 2022 and pinpoints specific skills workers need to fill available jobs, said Enterprise State Community College’s (ESCC) Leigh Shiver.

“Every program we do is backed by industry,” said Shiver, the director of workforce development. “It’s vetted by the people who will be hiring. If they’re nontraditional or traditional students, what training can we provide them to get that livable wage? And not just through a job — but in a career.”

Skills for Success courses are offered at community colleges across the state free of cost, thanks to an appropriation from the Alabama Legislature.

For most courses, students complete a few weeks of online training before several days of in-person work. Their official state exam follows.

ESCC is zeroing in on heavy equipment training and held its second skid steer course in April with instructor Tim Williams. The long-time heavy equipment operator offered

encouragement to his class of eight through the two-day, 16-hour hands-on training.

“Ease on up, there you go,” he said to a student and first-time operator attempting to pack a dirt ramp.

Four piles of dirt and four skid steers in an open field offered students space to learn from Williams and each other. While half of Williams’ students were new to operating equipment, the other half were flush with experience but lacked official certifications.

“I’m here to verify they know how to steer to the left, steer to the right, back up, pull up, pick up a load and dump it,” he said. “Here, they really get two days’ worth of actual driving. We call it ‘seat time.’ Nothing teaches you better than seat time.

“I can’t teach them all the techniques,

Instead, the free CDL training at Lurleen B. Wallace (LBW) Community College in Andalusia streamlined training and offered insights to ensure truck and road safety.

After completing online coursework at his pace, Heath spent a week in Andalusia on an obstacle course similar to the official Department of Transportation (DOT) test, which paid off when he took the CDL exam afterward.

“Once I did it with the instructor at LBW, it made the test part at the DOT easier,” said Heath, whose son signed up for the course after his father finished. “Overall, it was a really great experience. It saves you a lot of time going through LBW.”

To learn more about Skills for Success or to find an upcoming training, visit innovation.accs.edu.

The Skills for Success program, funded by the Alabama Legislature, provides free workforce training for students across all ages. In April, Enterprise State Community College hosted its second skid steer training.

Lurleen B. Wallace Community College hosted a Skills for Success CDL training earlier this year. After completing an online course, students spent a week getting hands-on experience with big trucks, including navigating an obstacle course in preparation for their state exam.

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Alabama Fertilizer Company Earns Grant To Increase Production

By Marlee Moore

Alabama-based Pursell Agri-Tech’s innovative controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) has received a highly sought U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development grant to increase American-made fertilizer production.

Pursell, headquartered in Sylacauga, was granted a $4.9 million match from

the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program to help increase its production volume by 40,000 tons annually.

“We already had the infrastructure in place and had enhanced our efficiency in the last couple of years,” said Pursell Chief Financial Officer Joe Brady. “As we use these funds, we’re going to build product availability for farmers.”

By minimizing losses of valuable nutrients, Pursell’s uniformly coated CRF

greatly extends the nutrient benefit of each ton of fertilizer, said Brady, saving farmers money and trips across the field.

Cutting Edge

Pursell has a 100-yearold history and cut its teeth on cutting-edge fertilizer for lawns and golf courses before breaking into CRF for row crop production. In addition to its Sylacauga plant founded five years ago, Pursell opened a Savannah, Georgia, location in January. An Ontario, Canada, plant will open in May. Additional expansions are planned to pinpoint geographic needs and reduce freight costs.

Part of Pursell’s innovation is rooted in its simple, state-of-the-art modular facilities. Pursell’s CRF is made in five-minute batches, which accelerates production. It increases nutrient and product customization, too, since mixers can be easily cleaned between batches to allow for different fertilizers, colors or release rates. Plus, the facilities’ more compact size reduces capital, allowing further expansions near farmers.

The three plants’ total production is around 250,000 tons, said Pursell Chief Operating Officer Allen Sanders, who helped develop the company’s next-generation product.

From left, Pursell CFO Joe Brady, Alabama Farmers Federation commodity director Carla Hornady and Pursell interim CEO Jody Saiia toured the company’s Sylacauga plant April 11, discussing the importance of American-made fertilizer.

Pursell Agri-Tech receives raw fertilizer at its Sylacauga, Alabama; Savannah, Georgia; and Ontario, Canada, mills. The fertilizer is then processed with the company’s patented, revolutionary controlled-release coating.

Raw fertilizer moves from storage bays to the mixing room, where it’s screened by size to ensure consistency.

It’s then fed into a high-speed, low-heat mixing drum. The patented mixing process applies a precise coating specific to a customer’s needs. The coating transforms raw fertilizers into colorful CRF that resembles tiny pieces of Nerds candy.

“Since we’re running in smaller batches, we’re able to have a more consistent, uniform coating,” Sanders said. “We’re basically selling the fact that each granule is going to release nutrients over time and in sync with your agronomist’s recommendations.”

That technology, and Pursell’s family

product’s integrity.

“We can actually give the farmer the product he needs for the life cycle of his crop,” Sanders said. “If we spread our fertilizer today and it rains 2 or 3 inches, it won’t wash away. You may lose a little nitrogen, but you don’t have to spread again.”

The coated fertilizer also accounts for a farm’s geographical differences, like the change in humidity from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley. And since its release is based on temperature and moisture, nutrient release slows at night, which reduces leaching and volatilization, said interim CEO Jody Saiia.

“Our product is a delivery system,” Saiia said. “The farmer can do what he thinks is best for his crop. We’re allowing him to do that in one pass with one blend of fertilizers. The technology is elegantly simplistic.” CFO Brady said

educating Southeastern farmers on the product’s groundbreaking performance is a priority. Field trials are underway on Alabama farms, at universities and through Extension.

“We’re feeding the plant consistently so it’s more disease resistant and healthier overall,” he said. “And that gives you greater yields.”

America First

Over 350 businesses from 47 states and two territories applied for the USDA grant program. Pursell was among eight awardees U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Tom Vilsack announced at Commodity Classic in Orlando March 10.

The announcement came at a pivotal time for U.S. agriculture, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker, as conflicts in eastern Europe and restrictions from China hamper historic sources of fertilizer.

“It’s important our farmers have easy, fair, consistent access to the products they need to grow a crop,” said Walker, the Federation’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department director. “It’s exciting, too, to see an Alabama company like Pursell Agri-Tech step up to the plate and meet that demand.”

Learn more at fertilizer.com.

culture, elevates the company and its product, said Director of Operations Joe Rodriguez.

“The technique we use to coat fertilizer saves customers money and time, and for us, it’s more efficient,” said Rodriguez, who’s worked with Pursell for over 20 years. “We can make 22 tons of row crop controlled-release fertilizer an hour and go from one substrate to another quickly because we’re small batch. We’re incredibly automated, and our technology and product’s functionality set us apart.”

How It Works

Pursell’s CRF can slowly release fertilizer from 30 days to nearly a year, depending on the product. Its pliable coating shrink-wraps to various raw material shapes, which preserves the

Pursell Agri-Tech can produce 250,000 tons of controlled-release fertilizer annually at its three active mills. Future expansions are in the works.

Individually coated controlled-release fertilizer slowly delivers nutrients to plants over a set amount of time — anywhere from 30 days to nearly a year, depending on the product.

Alabama Jr. Livestock Show Teaches Value Of Hard Work

involved in things I was involved in.”

Like Becca Kate, Mason Smith of Marshall County has grown up in the show ring.

“People who play sports do it because it is what they love to do, but this is what I love to do,” said 13-yearold Mason. “It gives me the opportunity to excel at what I am good at.”

Mason credits his passion for showing to his father, Kirk.

“Both of my kids got their start showing lambs,” Kirk said. “They have done well in showing livestock, and they enjoy every aspect of it.”

Kirk said showing livestock opens the door to great opportunities for young people.

“The greatest benefit is work ethic,” Kirk said. “They learn about agriculture — and the fact that these are meat animals; that is what they are here for.”

By Maggie Edwards

Cattle and swine took center stage in Montgomery as Alabama youth exhibited animals and showed off a year’s worth of hard work during the Jr. Livestock Expo (JLE) in March.

The inaugural Jr. Dairy Expo was March 11, while the Jr. Beef Expo and Jr. Swine Expo took place March 16-18. The shows, held annually during the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE), were coordinated by the Alabama Farmers Federation and included over 200 exhibitors and nearly 500 animal entries.

For Becca Kate Thompson of Calhoun County, who began her show career as a toddler, showing livestock is a way of life.

“Showing pigs is so fun,” said 8-yearold Becca Kate, who competed in the swine show. “I brush my pigs every day and go down to the barn to walk them.”

She said her favorite thing about shows is spending time with pigs and the friends she makes in the ring.

“I get a little bit nervous and really excited when I walk into the ring,” Becca

Kate said. “I want to show pigs forever.”

JLE included showmanship competitions, where exhibitors’ animalhandling skills were tested. Breeding and market shows also gauged animals’ structure, soundness and strength. Top animals and exhibitors participated in SLE’s Parade of Champions during Saturday night’s packed-out rodeo.

New this year, legislators learned the ropes of showing livestock during a demonstration before shows kicked off Thursday.

Becca Kate’s father, Jeff, said showing livestock teaches life lessons and creates an appreciation for agriculture.

“This program gets our kids out of the house,” he said. “It helps kids unplug and get back to the roots of raising their own food. Becca Kate just seems to really connect with the pigs, and she wants to continue to get better.”

Jeff started showing livestock in 8th grade and instilled that same passion in his children.

“Becca Kate started showing pigs when she was in diapers,” Jeff said. “It is a dream come true to see my kids be

Showing teaches responsibility, too. Mason cares for his animals every day before and after school, along with sister Mackenzie — washing the cattle, cleaning pens and practicing for shows.

“Showing has taught me the value of hard work,” Mason said. “I have worked harder with this calf than I ever have before, and it goes to show that working harder helps you in the long run.”

Mason Smith and fellow exhibitors spent months — even years — preparing animals for the ring before the Jr. Livestock Expo in March. Alabama Farmers Federation coordinates the annual state show in Montgomery.

Becca Kate Thompson has shown pigs since she was a toddler. The Calhoun County showman spends hours each day preparing for the ring.

beef | 2023 Showmanship

2023 Market Show

From

Showmanship was sponsored by Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.

third

fourth

fifth

Exhibited

Junior showmanship Top Five

From left are Lou Lou Thompson of Pike County, champion; Harper Starnes of DeKalb County, reserve champion; Jessi Maples of Lee County, third; Camden Upchurch of Clay County, fourth; and Claire Smith of Chilton County, fifth.

intermediate showmanship Top five

left are Sara Beth Faust of Blount County, champion; Skylan Dyson of Jefferson County, reserve champion; Amelia Thrower of Marshall County, third; Laura Landers Franklin of Marshall County, fourth; and Lillian Smith of Chilton County, fifth.

Top Five winners are pictured with Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

overall

by Lexi Bolding of Chilton County. Also the champion Maintainer.

overall

Exhibited by Jessi Maples of Lee County. Also the thirdplace Crossbred.

supreme Grand Champion Exhibited by Bryn Lake of Winston County. Also the champion Crossbred.

reserve grand Champion Exhibited by Cate Allen of Chambers County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

overall Exhibited by Gus Ashley of Montgomery County. Also the fourth-place Crossbred.

Top Five winners are pictured with judge Chad Holtkamp of West Point, Iowa, and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Market Show Division Winners

Feeder

Thank You, Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo Platinum Sponsors!

senior showmanship Top five

From left are Annabelle Wesley of Pike County, champion; Ella Grace Downs of Elmore County, reserve champion; Gus Ashley of Montgomery County, third; Dow Boyd of Coffee County, fourth; and Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County, fifth.

Performance Documented Heifer: Exhibited by Victoria Thompson of Lee County

All Other Breeds British: Exhibited by Carson Fallin of Blount County

Performance Documented Steer: Exhibited by Megan Crittenden of Elmore County

All Other Breeds Continental: Exhibited by Caden Childers of Morgan County

Shorthorn Plus: Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers of Morgan County

Simmental Influence: Exhibited by Mason Smith of Marshall County

Charolais: Exhibited by Dow Boyd of Coffee County

Steer: Exhibited by Colt Thomas of Franklin County

Market Heifer: Exhibited by Makenzie Hornbuckle of Morgan County

2023 Breeding Heifer Show

third overall

Exhibited by Lou Lou Thompson of Pike County. Also the champion Shorthorn Plus.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Makenzie Hornbuckle of Morgan County. Also the reserve champion Hereford.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Ella Grace Downs of Elmore County. Also the champion Angus.

Breeding Heifer Show Division Winners

All Other Breeds Continental: Exhibited by Curt Williams of Marshall County

Brahman: Exhibited by Lane McClelland of Montgomery County

Alabama Bred & Owned Charolais: Exhibited by Eliza Downey of Autauga County

Charolais: Exhibited by Olivia Maddox of DeKalb County

Alabama Bred & Owned Chianina: Exhibited by Tyler Crim of Tuscaloosa County

Maintainer: Exhibited by Evan Roden of Cullman County

supreme Grand Champion Exhibited by Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County. Also the champion Hereford.

reserve grand Champion Exhibited by Caden Childers of Morgan County. Also the champion Simmental.

Top Five winners are pictured with judge Chad Holtkamp of West Point, Iowa, and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Chianina: Exhibited by Annabelle Wesley of Pike County

Commercial: Exhibited by Kyleigh Lance of Cullman County

2023 Bred & Owned Top Five

third overall

Exhibited

fourth

fifth overall

Percent Simmental: Exhibited by Dow Boyd of Coffee County

Shorthorn: Exhibited by Victoria Thompson of Lee County

Alabama Bred & Owned Red Angus: Exhibited by Lydia Grace Brown of Montgomery County

Alabama Bred & Owned Simmental: Exhibited by Abby Burgess of Blount County

Exhibited by Rileigh Mears of Blount County. Also the champion All Other Breeds British and champion Alabama Bred & Owned All Other Breeds British.

by Jessi Maples of Lee County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn Plus.

supreme Grand Champion Exhibited by Sara Beth Faust of Blount County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Angus.

reserve grand Champion Exhibited by Harper Starnes of DeKalb County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Hereford.

overall

Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers of Morgan County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Maintainer.

Top Five winners are pictured with judge Chad Holtkamp of West Point, Iowa, and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Red Angus: Exhibited by Ashbee Norman of Montgomery County

Simmental Influence: Exhibited by MJ Flowers of Pike County

Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn: Exhibited by Ace Ashley of Cherokee County

Ultrasound Contest

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Alabama

Alabama CattleWomen’s Association (ACWA) Scholarships

Randy Owen Exhibitor Scholarship

Louise Wilson SHOWMANSHIP Scholarship

Recipient Emma Wiggins of Mobile County is pictured with ACWA committee members.

Louise Wilson ACADEMIC Scholarship

Recipient Abbeigh Jo Gibson of Washington County is pictured with ACWA’s Shelby Easterling.

Each recipient — all senior showmen headed to a university in Alabama — earned a $1,000 scholarship. Pictured with Randy Owen, center, are, from left, Victoria Thompson of Lee County; Taylor Guy of Elmore County; Katherine Evans of Mobile County; Ace Ashley of Cherokee County; Colt Thomas of Franklin County; Lauren Jones of Chilton County; Abby Burgess of Blount County; Karleigh Allison of Blount County; Lindy Powell of Clay County; Olivia Roberts of Cullman County; Ethan Tapscott of Cullman County; Emily Grace Rezek of Lee County; Tyler Crim of Tuscaloosa County; and Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. Not pictured: John English of Escambia County.

Exhibited by Alyvia Watson of Mobile County

4-H Club Foundation, Inc.

SWINE | 2023 Showmanship

From

are Ruby Hodnett of Tallapoosa County, champion; Becca Kate Thompson of Calhoun County, reserve champion; Raiden Lovvorn of Randolph County, third; Cohen Hill of Etowah County, fourth; and Whitley Cofield of Randolph County, fifth.

2023 Market Show

From left are Rose Hodnett of Tallapoosa County, champion; Makenna Martin of Tallapoosa County, reserve champion; Macie Simpson of DeKalb County, third; Brinley Martin of Tallapoosa County, fourth; and Hunter Smith of Calhoun County, fifth.

Exhibited by Tucker Ross of Jefferson County. Also the champion Crossbred.

Exhibited by Ciara Bradberry of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

third overall

Exhibited by Tucker Ross of Jefferson County. Also the third-place Crossbred.

fourth overall Exhibited by Madelyne Tallent of Calhoun County. Also the fourth-place Crossbred.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Elizabeth Belcher of Lee County. Also the fifth-place Crossbred.

supreme grand champion

reserve grand Champion

Winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan and judge Garry Childs of Pelham, Georgia.

beginner showmanship top FIVE

left

junior showmanshiP top FIVE

From left are Tucker Ross of Jefferson County, champion; Madelyne Tallent of Calhoun County, reserve champion; Sara Kate Stitcher of Randolph County, third; Addison Payne of Randolph County, fourth; and Emma Ramsey of Calhoun County, fifth.

2023 Breeding Gilt Show

From left are Cortlin Ledlow of St. Clair County, champion; Cody Castleberry of St. Clair County, reserve champion; Alyx Johnson of Randolph County, third; Brooke Ginn of Calhoun County, fourth; and Caroline Belcher of Lee County, fifth. JEFFERSON

supreme

Exhibited by Emma Ramsey of Calhoun County. Also the champion Crossbred.

Exhibited by Makenna Martin of Tallapoosa County. Also the champion Registered.

third overall

Exhibited by Alyx Johnson of Randolph County. Also the reserve champion Crossbred.

fourth overall Exhibited by Rose Hodnett of Tallapoosa County. Also the reserve champion Registered.

fifth overall

Exhibited by Charlee Stone of Jefferson County. Also the third-place Registered.

Grand Champion

reserve grand Champion

Winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan and judge Garry Childs of Pelham, Georgia.

intermediate showmanship top FIVE

senior showmanship top FIVE

DAIRY | 2023 Showmanship

INTERMEDIATE

Lane

2023 Junior Heifer Show

third overall

fourth

fifth overall

Exhibited by Lane Ussery of Randolph County. Also the reserve champion Holstein.

Exhibited by Leeanna Ussery of Randolph County. Also the champion Brown Swiss.

JUNIOR grand champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.

JUNIOR RESERVE grand Champion

Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Jersey.

overall Exhibited by Gideon Wrenn of St. Clair County. Also the champion Commercial.

Winners are pictured with judge Kirk Butcher of Newnan, Georgia, and Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

JUNIOR showmanship

From left are Shelby Lynn Watts of Randolph County, champion; Mason Patterson of St. Clair County, reserve champion; Leeanna Ussery of Randolph County; third; and Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County, fourth.

showmanshiP

Ussery of Randolph County, champion.

2023 Senior Heifer Show

fifth

Thank You, Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo Gold Sponsors!

Alabama

ST. CLAIR COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATION

JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATION

overall

Exhibited by Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the champion Commercial.

third overall

Exhibited by Shelby Lynn Watts of Randolph County. Also the champion Jersey.

sENIOR Grand Champion Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.

SENIOR reserve grand Champion Exhibited by Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Holstein.

fourth overall

Exhibited by Shelby Lynn Watts of Randolph County. Also the reserve champion Jersey.

Winners are pictured with judge Kirk Butcher of Newnan, Georgia, and Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

4-H Club Foundation, Inc.

Taste Of Alabama: Bringing Farmers And Legislators Together

industries in Alabama, and I feel privileged to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture. One thing I want to highlight is this barbecue sauce made in Alabama,” said Bracy as he held a bottle of Bishop’s Barbecue sauce. “This is what I look forward to the most. We are so grateful to the agricultural industry here in Alabama.”

Alabama Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, said he embraces the shared values of many legislators and the Federation.

By Maggie Edwards

Alabama-grown food, fellowship and one-on-one conversations filled the room during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Taste of Alabama legislative reception April 5 in Montgomery.

Over 100 elected officials and numerous farmer-leaders gathered as legislators engaged with their local constituents, such as Baldwin County farmer Mark Kaiser.

“I had the opportunity to visit with my elected officials,” said Kaiser. “They were all very grateful to be here and are thankful for our support.”

As a Federation state board member, Kaiser represents Mobile County, which is home to Alabama Sen. David Sessions, R-Grand Bay. Sessions is also a farmer.

“We grow cotton and peanuts, raise cattle and have fruit and vegetables on our farm near the Gulf Coast,” said Sessions, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “I enjoy serving my district and the people of the state and appreciate the opportunity to look out for agriculture.”

As a farmer and state senator,

Sessions acknowledged the significance of farmers getting involved with local politics.

“It is important for us as farmers to get our stories to the rest of the state and to the people who don’t understand agriculture,” Sessions said. “We want to keep families on their farms. We don’t want to rely on someone else for our food.”

Legislators annually enjoy visiting the Federation home office to taste the delicious flavors of Alabama-grown products. This year’s menu included Bishop’s Barbecue Pork, Colbert County; praline pecans from Priester’s Pecans, Lowndes County; grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Houston County; ice cream from Blue Ribbon Dairy, Elmore County; shrimp from Greene Prairie Farm, Greene County; smoked turkey gumbo from the Federation State Wildlife Committee; beef brisket from Trinity Farms, Lowndes County; honey from the Federation State Bee & Honey Committee; U.S. farm-raised catfish; and more.

State Rep. Napoleon Bracy Jr., D-Saraland, said the event showcases agriculture’s diversity.

“Agriculture is one of the largest

“We love showing up at Alfa meetings and hearing the concerns of members,” Roberts said. “Having the Federation speaking into legislation that we are working on while representing the people of Alabama is a critical component in how legislation is made. It is a privilege to work with Alfa on many issues.”

In addition to legislators, the Federation welcomed Gov. Kay Ivey and other constitutional officers, who mingled with the crowd of farmers. The impressive crowd highlighted the event’s importance, Kaiser said.

“If you are not participating, you don’t have a voice,” he said. “The more you participate, the stronger your voice is for Alabama agriculture.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell visited with key decision-makers such as Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, during the Taste of Alabama legislative reception April 5.

Elected officials, including Sen. Josh Carnley, R-Enterprise, sampled Alabama-grown and -made food during the Taste of Alabama reception. Carnley also visited one-on-one with farmers like Don Wambles of Pike County.

HOLDING HANDS

It’s early morning, dark. And it’s cold enough in our motel room to hang meat. This is my wife’s doing. She cranked the AC to negative-18 degrees. I can see my breath.

We’ve been on the road for weeks, and my wife has enjoyed sub-Arctic conditions in various hotel rooms. My nose is about to develop frostbite.

Funny. I remember when my father got frostbite. He’d been welding outside one January day. He came home in bad shape, his ears black.

He wore bandages for a week.

“Why do you have to work outside?” I asked.

“Because I love you,” he said.

“You must REALLY love me.”

“I do.”

“How much?”

“Oh, s’pose you take the stars in the sky, multiply them times a billion, then wrap them in sunshine. That’s not even CLOSE to how much.”

Good men die too young.

So I’m writing you because I don’t know what else to do while my wife slumbers in this icy, artificial climate.

This woman.

She and I have gone through several phases of life together.

I hung gutters; she taught preschool. I worked landscaping; she was a nanny. I worked nights, playing guitar at an all-you-can-eat-crab-leg joint; she babysat weekends.

My Great Career Ferris Wheel kept spinning. Then, I got laid off. We

didn’t know what to do.

So we took a lavish vacation.

Well, it wasn’t exactly lavish. We went camping in a sleepy north Florida beach town. We made camp at the water’s edge. We built fires. We looked at stars. During sunset, we would wade into the Gulf with floating koozies.

Once, we waded too far. We drifted where the water was too deep to stand. We got pulled farther from shore by a gentle current. It was all happening so fast and so easy. The sunset was probably beautiful, but we missed it. We were too busy trying not to drown.

“I think we’re in trouble,” she said.

“Yep.”

“What’re we gonna do?”

“Keep swimming.”

“Don’t let go of my hand.”

“Don’t let go of my drink.”

We worked our way back to waistdeep water. We held each other. I was out of breath. She was out of breath. I felt stupid. But we made it. Together.

Sometimes, I wonder if success has nothing to do with careers. Maybe success is simply not dying.

Hark. The Polar Beauty awakes.

“You been up long?”

“Yeah. Just writing.”

“What’re you writing about?”

Oh, about how a man could take all the stars, multiply them times a billion, wrap them in sunshine and still not get close to how much I love you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m turning on the heater. ■

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.

As a valued Farm Bureau member, you are invited to participate in this survey about your current experience with the Farm Bureau Recognition program offered by Ford.

Your feedback in the survey is extremely important and will provide Ford Motor Company with valuable information about the program.

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For Livestock Antibiotics Beginning June 2023 Prescription Required

By Justin Miller

This summer, big changes are coming to the world of livestock health. Beginning June 11, over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will no longer be available, according to a directive from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

After June 11, producers must have a prescription from a licensed veterinarian to get antibiotics for livestock.

Soren Rodning, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System animal sciences and forages specialist, said many livestock antibiotics have always required a prescription.

“Some older antibiotics — such as penicillin and oxytetracycline — have been available over the counter, but the FDA’s new directive will now require a prescription to get these products,” Rodning said. “It is important to note that livestock antibiotics are not being removed from the marketplace. However, they are being brought under veterinary oversight.”

Key Details

According to Rodning, who also

serves as the Alabama Extension veterinarian, this new directive will affect all injectable livestock antibiotics currently available over the counter and also used in human medicine. However, several products are not affected by the directive.

“Products unaffected by this change include ionophores, vaccines, dewormers, most injectable and oral nutritional supplements and several other products,” Rodning said. “All of these products will continue to be available through standard over-thecounter marketing channels.”

While a veterinarian must now prescribe these antibiotics, producers do not have to buy the products from them. They can continue to purchase from online and in-person locations as long as the outlet can process veterinary prescriptions.

Rodning advises producers against stocking up on antibiotics while they are still available over the counter.

“While it might be tempting to stock up on these antibiotics, livestock caretakers are advised against this,” Rodning said. “These products can expire and lose their effectiveness before they are used. The best

strategy is to work with your veterinarian when animals need treatment.”

Establishing A Veterinary-ClientPatient Relationship

Rodning said this new directive legally requires producers to obtain a prescription from a veterinarian with whom they have a valid veterinaryclient-patient relationship.

“If you already have a working relationship with a veterinarian, now is the time to consult with them to develop a plan to adjust the way your farm will access livestock antibiotics,” Rodning said. “If you do not currently have a veterinary-client-patient relationship, now is the time to establish one.”

This type relationship means the veterinarian knows the livestock producer and is familiar with their operation and its practices. They are also involved in the farm’s herd health practices.

More Information

To learn more, visit aces.edu. For more information, contact Rodning at rodnisp@aces.edu or contact your local veterinarian.

Welcome back to my kitchen!

May is the month we celebrate moms, and in our house, that means brunch. Jack and I get up early Mother’s Day morning to cook a meal fit for a queen — because that’s just what Heather is to us. It’s a great way to show how much we love and appreciate her.

But cooking a delicious brunch doesn’t have to be complicated. Pair these easy recipes with a simple fruit salad, and you’ve got Mother’s Day covered!

Headlining our brunch is Baked Ham and Pimento Cheese Cups. These are so good and easy. I love how the salty ham gets a bit crispy around the edges; then you’ve got gooey cheese, too. They’re just delicious and are easy

enough for a busy weekday morning but fancy-looking enough for a special occasion such as this. In fact, whenever I make these for company, I’m taken aback by how impressed folks are.

Now, who doesn’t love a good biscuit? Chocolate Chip Biscuits are the perfect way to turn classic buttermilk biscuits into a little something sweet. I simply took my Easy Buttermilk Biscuit recipe, added a little sugar, some chocolate chips and a sweet heavy cream drizzle. These are great for breakfast or a special treat any time of day.

Last but certainly not least is a recipe from fellow Alabama Farmers Federation member Debbie Hinkle of Calhoun County. She is sharing her

Baked Ham and Pimento Cheese

Egg Cups

Prep Time Cook Time Makes 15 mins 20 mins 12 cups

Ingredients

12 slices thinly sliced ham

3/4 cup prepared pimento cheese

12 small eggs

Salt

Pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray cups of a 12-cup muffin tin.

Carefully place a slice of ham into each cup, ensuring it covers the sides. There will be some overlap. Scoop 1 tablespoon of pimento cheese into each cup and gently press it into the bottom.

Crack an egg into each cup over the pimento cheese. Alternately, you can crack the egg into a small bowl, scramble it and then pour it onto the cup. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until the egg is done to your liking shorter for runny yolk, longer for firm yolk. Serve immediately.

delicious recipe for Candied Bacon (originally published in the March 2014 Neighbors). I do hope you’ve tried this decadent treat by now, but if you haven’t, consider this your sign it is time. And you’ll definitely want to try out Debbie’s recipe!

I hope the months ahead bring more memorable moments with those you love and delicious endings to each day. For even more memorable dishes Mom will love, visit SouthernBite.com.

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.

Chocolate Chip Biscuits

Biscuit Ingredients

2 cups White Lily self-rising flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

3/4 cup cultured nonfat or low-fat buttermilk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Biscuit Instructions

Drizzle Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream

Stacey’s Recipe Notes

See the post at SouthernBite.com/easy-buttermilk-biscuits/ for tons of tips and a video on how to make the perfect biscuit.

Heat oven to 450 F, and line a baking pan with a silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper.

In a large bowl, measure flour by spooning it into a dry measuring cup and leveling it off. Add sugar and whisk together.

Next, cut butter into flour. Do this by using a pastry blender to cut butter into pieces the size of a small pea. Another option is to freeze butter, grate it on a box grater, and stir flour and grated butter together. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined. The dough should be like thick mashed potatoes but not too sticky. Add a little more flour if too sticky, or add a little more buttermilk if it won’t hold together.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times if it’s not holding together well. Flatten dough out into a rectangle and fold it over on itself in a tri-fold. This helps create flaky layers. Continue lightly dusting dough and counter with flour to keep things from sticking. Then flatten it out into a rectangle and tri-fold again. Do this three times.

Finally, flatten dough into a rectangle that’s about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Use a floured, sharp 2- to 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut dough out using a quick up and down motion, being sure not to twist the cutter. Transfer biscuits to the prepared baking pan, placing them nearly touching for soft, tender edges or farther apart for crunchier edges.

Rework dough and flatten it to cut out more biscuits. You should get 10 to 12 biscuits. Brush tops with melted butter and bake about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Drizzle Instructions

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add additional heavy cream as necessary to get the mixture thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over warm biscuits.

Candied Bacon

By Debbie Hinkle

Prep Time Cook Time

10 mins 40 mins

Ingredients

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Pepper to taste

1 pound thick-sliced bacon

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, rice vinegar, maple syrup and pepper.

Place bacon slices on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes, turn slices and bake 5 minutes more.

Remove bacon from oven and brush both sides with brown sugar mixture. Return bacon to oven and bake another 5 minutes.

Repeat, basting every 5 minutes, turning bacon each time until bacon is browned and crisp, about 30 minutes.

Serve as-is for a snack or appetizer. Crumble and use as a topping for other dishes, such as waffles, pancakes, baked beans or chili.

Store tightly in sealed plastic bags for up to two days.

Collect Water On Site With Rain Barrels

Create Your Own Rain Barrel Materials

• A food-grade plastic barrel (such as a used pickle or olive barrel)

• A threaded spigot

• A screen or mesh to cover top opening

Instructions

1. Select a location at one corner of your house or shed that is also close to the garden and has good drainage.

2. Thoroughly clean the plastic barrel with soap and water.

By Andrea Ramey

Rain barrels are an eco-friendly way to reduce stormwater impacts and collect an on-site resource — rainwater. By capturing rainwater that would otherwise flow into storm drains or run off, rain barrels provide an abundant and free source of water for plants while reducing the amount of water that needs to be drawn from municipal water systems.

In addition to being cost effective, rain barrels offer environmental benefits. When water runs off impermeable surfaces, such as roofs, driveways and sidewalks, it picks up pollutants and carries them into waterways. By diverting this water into

a rain barrel, homeowners help reduce pollution and protect the health of local ecosystems.

With or without a gutter system, you can easily harvest rainwater from your rooftop. By using modified gutters, collecting it from the corners of your eaves or utilizing a rain chain, you can efficiently direct water into your rain barrel.

You can quickly create your own rain barrel in an afternoon with a few simple materials and some basic tools. Rainwater should not be used for drinking or cooking without proper treatment. Try collecting rainwater to water your garden or flower bed. Learn more about rain barrels and water collection at aces.edu.

3. Near the bottom of the barrel, drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the spigot. Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads, and screw in the spigot. Secure it with a rubber washer and nut on the inside of the barrel. To capture more water, you can “daisy chain” barrels using a Y-connector and pieces of flexible hose.

4. Drill a hole in the side near the top rim of the barrel to serve as an overflow.

5. Tightly cover the top of the barrel with a screen or mesh to prevent debris and insects from entering the barrel. A bungee cord wrapped around the barrel top is an easy way to attach it. For added protection against mosquitoes, consider using mosquito dunks. They contain a biological control for larvae.

6. Place the rain barrel on a raised platform, such as concrete blocks, to make it easier to access and to provide better water pressure. Connect it to a downspout diverter or place under the eave or rain chain.