Neighbors Magazine June 2022

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June 2022 | Volume 47 | Number 6 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 Mark Byrd | Danville John Bert East | Leesburg Steve Lake | Vinemont Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Trip Horne | Louisville Mark Kaiser | Seminole Thomas Adams | Newville Lydia Haynes | Cullman Mitchell Henry | Moulton 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 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Ad­vertise­­­­­­­ments in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

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In This Issue 5 | Produce Abounds In Sweet Grown Alabama

32 | Seasonal Side Dishes

6 | Farmers Lead Charge To Limit Litter 8 | Beneficial Bales Save Soil 25 | Foundry Farm Fuels Hope 29 | Savor The Flavor Of

Summer Year-round

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On The Cover

Hundreds of youth gathered in Montgomery this spring to exhibit market and breeding animals in the Jr. Beef Expo and Jr. Swine Expo, the grand finale of Alabama’s livestock show season.

Photos By Whitney Whitaker

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQM

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

alfafarmers.org

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Sweet Summer Signals Season For Fresh Produce

By Marlee Moore he Allman family nestles thousands T of leafy transplants into the soil each spring, laying the groundwork for

colorful produce to pepper Straight Mountain come summer.

“God blessed this mountain, and it produces beautiful fruits and vegetables,” said Blount County’s Destiny Allman Gladden.

Customers who visit her family’s Allman Farms and Orchards store choose from a plethora of produce — just-picked squash, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, corn and other vegetables, in addition to peaches, plums, nectarines and apples plucked from their burgeoning orchard.

But the family’s primary crop is the tasty tomato, which bursts onto the scene in July before production wanes in October. The Allmans grow, sort, pack and wholesale large varieties and bite-size grape tomatoes for grocery stores. Customers craving the flavor of fresh, perfectly ripe tomatoes can stock up at the farm store, too.

The farm is a member of Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, which offers a searchable database for produce, locally raised meat and other farm products at SweetGrownAlabama.org. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Blake Thaxton said supporting Sweet Grown Alabama alfafarmers.org

Destiny Allman Gladden and her family raise a plethora of produce in Blount County, including tasty tomatoes they sell to grocery stores and directly to consumers in their farm store.

just makes sense — for farmers and consumers.

“Summer is synonymous with fresh produce,” said Thaxton, the Federation’s commodity director for specialty crops.

“On average, produce sold from a farm store or farmers market is less than three days old and is usually just hours removed from the field. Produce from local farmers is as fresh as it gets and delivers dollars directly back into your local economy. Plus, it just tastes better.”

Recent supply chain issues are causing minor headaches for the Allmans and other farmers when ordering supplies like packing boxes and fertilizer. But those same buzzwords showcase the importance of supporting family farms like the Allmans’. Destiny and her husband, Colby, farm with

her parents, Daniel and Amy, and her brother and sister-in-law, Chance and Mary Clair.

Customers who step on the farm get the inside scoop on agriculture as they visit with the Allmans. Talking farm facts with consumers is time well spent, Destiny said.

“The questions folks have are easy to answer,” she said. “We want people to understand how hard farming is and have a better respect for where their food comes from, whether they’re buying straight from our farm or at the grocery store.”

To access local fruits, vegetables and other Alabama-grown products, visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.

Allman Farms and Orchards covers soil with rows of plastic each spring to provide optimal growing conditions for vegetable transplants.

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Farmers Lead On Litter Control

Litter is a pricey problem for farmers like Joy and Harry Noble of Macon County. To help bring awareness to and combat the issue, the couple serves on the Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) board, led by Spencer Ryan, left.

By Jeff Helms indblown plastic bags, W sauce-laden Styrofoam and discarded drink bottles mar the

landscape along Alabama roads. Litter — made worse by COVID-fueled carryout orders — is more than an eyesore for Alabama farmers. It’s a pricey problem.

“When folks dump stuff on your land, you’ve got to clean it up,” said Macon County farmer Harry Noble, who serves on the board of Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) with his wife, Joy. “When a Bush Hog runs over litter, it makes a thousand pieces instead of just a few. There could be a tire or something in there, and it will tear up equipment. Plastic can wrap around shafts, burn bearings and damage seals.”

Litter’s impact on farmers, forest landowners and rural families led to PALS’ creation in 1987 by then-State Forester Bill Moody. Archives discovered during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s centennial celebration last year, however, showed the organization’s fight against illegal dumping began decades earlier.

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“Back when we started, illegal dumping was a huge problem, whether it was on a private landowner’s property or at a state park,” said PALS Executive Vice President Spencer Ryan. “We worked with the Alabama Farmers Federation, the governor’s office and the Legislature to pass bills so law enforcement can use prima facie evidence for prosecution. It really helped us clean up the illegal dump situation in Alabama.”

Prima facie, meaning “on first impression,” allows names, addresses and other identifying information found in litter to be used as evidence.

While enforcing litter laws is important, Joy said community involvement and education have made the most difference.

“A lot of farmers and forest landowners get involved with organizations like PALS to try to raise awareness,” she said. “We start in elementary schools so young children really learn how wrong it is to litter.”

The Federation and Alabama Farmers Cooperative co-sponsor PALS’ Clean Campus program, which engages students in anti-littering and recycling

activities. Ryan said over half of Clean Campus schools are rural. In addition, almost 900 miles of roads are part of the Adopt-A-Mile program. In April, PALS sponsored the Don’t Drop It On Alabama Spring Cleanup and will hold its 35th Coastal Cleanup in September.

“When we started, I think we had four counties involved in our first cleanup,” Ryan recalled. “Because of the Farmers Federation and other sponsors, we now have a statewide program. It’s overwhelming to think about how far we’ve come.”

The Nobles have seen how a few committed volunteers can transform a community. Over 30 years ago, Joy printed flyers inviting neighbors to meet one Saturday to clean up a strip of Highway 80. About two dozen people showed up. Soon, Harry was using farm equipment to help volunteers fill up to 10 roll-off dumpsters during Macon County’s recurring third Saturday cleanups.

“One thing I’ve noticed is the cleaner the place, the cleaner it stays,” Joy said.

“The more trash you find in an area, the more trash is going to be there. When people tell me, ‘I can’t clean up where I live because they’re just going to bring it back,’ I tell them my experience has been once you clean it up, people don’t litter as badly.”

The Nobles said farmers and rural residents can help fight litter by getting involved in a local PALS chapter and being careful about their own trash — especially bags and boxes, which can fly out of truck beds when unsecured.

“Take pride in the land,” Harry said.

“It’s a reflection on the kind of farming operation you run.”

Joy said landowners and concerned citizens shouldn’t accept litter as inevitable.

“Don’t get discouraged,” she said. “Keep working to keep it clean.

Eventually, people are going to pay attention; they’re going to be concerned about the Earth. You can see farmers are good stewards. Where we live is beautiful.”

Visit alpals.org to learn more. alfafarmers.org

Hay Fever:

Couple Finds Greener Grass Of Urban Sprawl

By Marlee Moore s urban encroachment eats up A Jefferson County farmland, Evan Nelson is growing mulch hay to limit erosion on construction sites.

“When we spread hay out on a job site, it slows down the dirt from getting washed away,” said Nelson, 33, a firefighterturned-farmer who’s expanding an enterprise founded decades ago by business partner Wally Kornegay’s family.

To help prevent erosion, exposed soil is sprinkled with grass seed and fertilizer.

Square bales of hay are fed into a 125-mph blower and strewn onto the soil — providing a buffer to lessen the impact of rain hitting the ground.

The hay also protects the grass seed, allowing

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it to flourish.

The environmental benefits of Nelson’s crop, however, begin long before it’s cut. Because perennial grass helps conserve soil, filter water and manage nutrient runoff, the Nelsons are allowed to farm in fertile, restricted-use floodways in western Jefferson County.

“Hay is not just for horses,” said Nelson’s wife, Christy.

“That’s such a small portion of what we do.”

Hay season starts in spring for most farmers as grass greens up and swaths of dry weather help reduce moisture while increasing hay quality. Since mulch hay isn’t fed to livestock, nutritional quality is less of a priority for the Nelsons.

“We cut hay every day, because if it’s not on the ground, we can’t bale and deliver it,” said Nelson, who farms near McCalla. “We can bale hay and have it on a job site that same day.”

Nelson cuts, teds (fluffs) and bales hay in a three-day sequence during the heat of summer. Drier ground allows Nelson to cut hay year-round.

An accumulator stacks bales, which are then snagged by a grapple, placed on a trailer and sent out for delivery.

Nelson’s phone buzzes frequently, lengthening his to-do list with delivery logistics, meetings and long trips to the hay field.

Deliveries are often part of long-term contracts and range from south of Montgomery to Fayette County to the Georgia line. But local hay hauling is a hefty part of the business, too.

“Being near development

Evan and Christy Nelson are expanding a decades-old mulch hay business in Jefferson County. The young farmers grow, bale, deliver and spread hay that helps reduce erosion on construction sites and power line rights of way.

alfafarmers.org

Top: Evan Nelson uses a grapple to transfer bales of hay from the field to a trailer for delivery. Above: Nelson uses a blower to spread mulch hay on construction sites across Alabama, ultimately helping reduce erosion.

gives us an advantage,” said Christy, who shares her family’s adventures on the @nelsoncattleco Instagram account.

“Opportunities have opened up for us in this area, and they all surround our house.”

The Nelsons and their sons, Cash, Crue and Briggs, have found a community of like-minded, farm-focused friends with the Jefferson County Farmers Federation (JCFF). They got involved in 2017 through Kornegay, a JCFF board member, and eventually met Alabama Farmers Federation Area 5 Director David Heflin.

Heflin said an unusual source helps fuel the Nelsons’ niche market.

“Restrictions sometimes make

life harder for farmers,” Heflin said.

“But restrictions related to erosion prevention provide a lot of Evan and Christy’s business. That’s also allowed them to farm near a metro area (in restricted-development creek bottoms).”

In addition to selling hay for erosion control, the Nelsons sell square and round bales for feed. It’s part of their diversification strategy to spread risk, and it works well with their cattle herd and other conservation and construction work.

“I had no idea there was a world like this,” Nelson said. “It’s different, but it’s lucrative, and God’s opened up doors to make this business grow.”

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Clay County Student Lassos Winning Idea Auburn University student Will Jordan lassoed $16,000 and second place in a university contest earlier this spring for inventing an autonomous training robot for team ropers.

By Jeff Helms

A

rmed with a lasso and an ingenious idea, Will Jordan galloped into Auburn University’s (AU) Tiger Cage this spring and rode away with $16,000 to help make his invention a reality.

The Clay County native didn’t face jungle tigers or gridiron giants. Rather, he squared off against business titans like those made famous on the reality TV show “Shark Tank.” Jordan’s idea: an autonomous training robot for team ropers.

In team roping, a pair of mounted cowboys race the clock to catch a runaway steer. The header lassos the calf’s horns, then his partner, or heeler, snags its back legs.

“Being at rodeos all the time, I see a lot of team ropers — especially headers — miss,” said Jordan, whose other enterprises include making toy lassos for national customers like Dolly Parton’s Stampede; promoting cowboy events with his brother, Russell; and entertaining crowds with rope tricks as a rodeo clown.

“They’re not getting realistic practice with what’s on the market,” he added. “I began to think, ‘How can we fix that?’”

Jordan’s Best Roping Dummy — described by some as a Roomba steer — combines the lifelike hind leg motion of simulators with authentic head action

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of live cattle.

“If we can replace the need for live cattle in practice and build a better simulator, it solves a problem,” said the senior studying agricultural communications. “It’s about providing realistic practice without breaking the bank on cattle.”

Jordan, a former state FFA reporter, won $12,000 for placing second among 20 entrepreneurs in the annual Tiger Cage Business Idea Competition, sponsored by AU’s Harbert College of Business. He earned an additional $4,000 for prototype development from the Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management in AU’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.

“I believe agricultural communications and my time as an FFA state officer gave me an edge,” Jordan said. “Being able to tell a story and putting those judges in the saddle helped them see why the Best Roping Dummy is important.

“Picture yourself on the back of that horse. You’re 3 seconds away from the prize money. You nod for the steer; you throw your rope; and just like that, you miss out,” Jordan recalled telling the judges. “These people lead milliondollar businesses, and their eyes perked up. They were like, ‘Holy smokes, this is a big thing.’”

Clay County Young Farmers Chair

Jordyn Upchurch said the community is proud of Jordan’s Tiger Cage win and eager to see what he accomplishes next.

“It’s exciting to see a student from Clay County being recognized for his ingenuity and desire to develop tools that benefit the agricultural sector,” she said.

In addition to developing the Best Roping Dummy, Jordan has written a children’s book he plans to publish by early 2023. “Wally the Wrangler Visits a Ranch” is first in an anticipated series aimed at giving students a more accurate picture of the beef cattle industry.

“I really enjoy helping people; I enjoy teaching, and I enjoy communicating,” Jordan said.

The young inventor uses “work” and “fun” interchangeably when describing his varied pursuits. He credits his entrepreneurial success to faith, hard work, curiosity and the ability to pivot.

“You really need to be able to take some, ‘Nos,’” Jordan said. “It also takes a sense of childlike wonder. I enjoy learning new things.

“Making a roping dummy is cool, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Writing a book is cool; it’s going to be a lot of fun. But at the end the day, caring about people and loving Jesus is what it’s all about.” alfafarmers.org

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growing more. using less.

for farmers, it’s just that simple.

Fast Facts:

Over the last 70 years, farms nearly tripled production while resource use remained stable.

Modern cattle farms produce the same amount of beef with one-third fewer cattle than in 1977.

It takes 1.82 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of chicken. Fifty years ago, that required 2.4 pounds of feed.

Learn more at DowntoEarthAL.com @DowntoEarthAL 12

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Livestock Expos Expand, Showcase Exhibitors’ Work Ethic

The inaugural Jr. Swine Expo was held in conjunction with the Jr. Beef Expo in Montgomery in March. Youth exhibited breeding and market animals during the show.

By Marlee Moore xcitement coursed through the E Garrett Coliseum grounds March 17-19 as hundreds of youth exhibited

livestock in the annual Jr. Beef Expo (JBE) and inaugural Jr. Swine Expo (JSE).

Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance presented the events in Montgomery, held in conjunction with the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) as Alabama’s livestock show season grand finale.

“If you walk up to the ring, you hear us talking about cattle and hogs,” said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell. “What we’re really doing is raising young people and teaching them how to care for things. That applies to most areas of people’s lives.

We are investing time and money and effort in these young people, and I think we’ll see benefits down the road.”

Growing up, Sammie Stone of Jefferson County showed cattle at JBE. This year, her children, Tucker Ross and Charlee Stone, exhibited award-winning 14

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hogs at JSE and were recognized with other top showmen during Saturday night’s SLE Rodeo.

“To have our kids included in the SLE Rodeo is incredible,” Stone said.

“We got into hogs as a starter animal to show livestock. The kids were little, and the animals were smaller. I planned on rolling into the cattle side, but the kids just love hogs. We’ve traveled all over the country and made friends. They’ve taken to it, so we’re still here.”

Stone’s children joined over 50 fellow 4-H and FFA showmen who exhibited 100-plus hogs at JSE. Additionally, around 180 exhibitors showed over 300 head of cattle during JBE. Parnell said the Federation hopes to add more livestock species to the weekend event.

During JBE and JSE, youth competed in showmanship contests, where they were judged on their ability to lead, control and present animals

while bringing out the hog or calf’s best characteristics. In market and breeding shows, the students’ animals were judged on strength, structure and soundness.

Ross exhibited the grand champion Market Hog, while Alyx Johnson of Randolph County showed the grand champion Breeding Gilt. Walker Johnson of Cullman County and LouLou Thompson of Pike County showed the winning Market Steer and Breeding Heifer, respectively.

The shows conclude months of work for youth and their families. After selecting animals and preparing pens, daily feeding, washing, walking and watering follows. The time and effort pays off, Stone said.

“I have found that kids who do farm work have to get up when the weather is bad, when they don’t feel good. They still have to work,” she said. “I think in today’s workforce, that’s what employers need. I’d like to thank Alfa and all other sponsors for investing in our kids. Farm kids are our future.”

Luke Meadows of Houston County exhibited a Charolais steer during the Jr. Beef Expo Market Show March 18. alfafarmers.org

2022 Showmanship Winners Showmanship was sponsored by Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.

junior showmanship top five Junior showmanship Champion LouLou Thompson of Pike County was champion in the Junior Showmanship Contest.

Thompson is pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell.

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; LouLou Thompson, Pike County, champion; Claire Smith, Chilton County, reserve champion; Greer Jones, Pike County, third; Skylan Dyson, Jefferson County, fourth; and Mason Smith, Blount County, fifth.

intermediate showmanship top five intermediate showmanship Champion Annabelle Wesley of Pike County was champion in the Intermediate Showmanship Contest. Wesley is pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell.

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Annabelle Wesley, Pike County, champion; Ashbee Norman, Montgomery County, reserve champion; Sarah Beth Faust, Blount County, third; Lyndee Meadows, Randolph County, fourth; and Ansley Brown, Montgomery County, fifth.

senior showmanship top five senior showmanship Champion Walker Johnson of Cullman County was champion in the Senior Showmanship Contest. Johnson is pictured with Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, left, and Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell.

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From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Walker Johnson, Cullman County, champion; Victoria Thompson, Lee County, reserve champion; Jewel Thompson, Lee County, third; Dow Boyd, Coffee County, fourth; and Abby Burgess, Blount County, fifth. alfafarmers.org

2022 Market Show

Top Five winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell and judge Jon DeClerck of Texas.

supreme Grand Champion

reserve grand Champion

Walker Johnson of Cullman County exhibited the supreme grand champion steer. It was also the champion Crossbred.

Greer Jones of Pike County exhibited the reserve grand champion steer. It was also the reserve champion Crossbred.

third overall

fourth overall

fifth overall

Walker Johnson of Cullman County exhibited the third overall steer. It was also the champion Percent Chianina.

Claire Allen of Chambers County exhibited the fourth overall steer. It was also the champion Maine-Influenced.

Annabelle Wesley of Pike County exhibited the fifth overall steer. It was also the reserve champion Percent Chianina.

Market Show Division Winners

Jewel Thompson of Lee County exhibited the champion All Other Breeds British.

Etta Hudson of Cullman County exhibited the champion Charolais.

Jewel Thompson of Lee County exhibited the champion Market Heifer.

Riley Murphree of Blount County exhibited the champion Percent Simmental.

Clay Lynn of Marshall County exhibited the champion Performance Documented Steer.

Victoria Thompson of Lee County exhibited the champion Performance Documented Heifer.

alfafarmers.org

Special Thanks To Our Platinum Sponsors

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2022 Heifer Show

Top Five winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell and judge Jon DeClerck of Texas.

third overall Lexi Bolding of Chilton County exhibited the third overall heifer. It was also the champion Simmental.

supreme Grand Champion LouLou Thompson of Pike County exhibited the supreme grand champion heifer. It was also the champion Hereford.

fourth overall Mackenzie Hornbuckle of Morgan County exhibited the fourth overall heifer. It was also the reserve champion Hereford.

fifth overall

reserve grand Champion Annabelle Wesley of Pike County exhibited the reserve grand champion heifer. It was also the champion Chianina.

Avery Ruf of Limestone County exhibited the fifth overall heifer. It was also the champion Mainetainer.

Heifer Show Division Winners

Hope Challancin of Pike County exhibited the champion All Other Breeds American.

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Colt Thomas of Franklin County exhibited the champion All Other Breeds British.

Matthew Speros of Pike County exhibited the champion Bred & Owned All Other Breeds British.

Ty Harrison of Cullman County exhibited the champion All Other Breeds Continental. alfafarmers.org

Russell Jordan of Clay County exhibited the champion Bred & Owned All Other Breeds Continental.

Olivia Maddox of DeKalb County exhibited the champion Charolais.

Rex Harrison of Cullman County exhibited the champion Bred & Owned Charolais.

Alec Ashley of Cherokee County exhibited the champion Bred & Owned Mainetainer.

Lydia Grace Brown of Montgomery County exhibited the champion Red Angus.

Jewel Thompson of Lee County exhibited the champion Shorthorn.

Tyler Crim of Tuscaloosa County exhibited the champion Bred & Owned Chianina.

Alabama CattleWomen’s Association Scholarships Louise Wilson ACADEMIC Scholarship Jewel Thompson, right, of Lee County received the $1,000 Alabama CattleWomen’s Association Louise Wilson Academic Scholarship.

Thompson is pictured with Shelby Windham.

Louise Wilson SHOWMANSHIP Scholarship Jacey Adkins of Baldwin County received the $500 Alabama CattleWomen’s Association (ACWA) Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship. Adkins is pictured with ACWA President Laraine Morrison and Shelby Windham.

Ultrasound Contest Alyvia Watson of Mobile County won first place in the Ultrasound Contest. She is pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Alabama 4-H

Club Foundation, Inc.

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2022 Bred & Owned Top Five

Top Five winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell and judge Jon DeClerck of Texas.

third overall Mary Hannah Gullatt of Lee County exhibited the third overall Alabama Bred & Owned heifer. It was also the champion Bred & Owned Hereford.

Grand Champion Avery Ruf of Limestone County exhibited the grand champion Alabama Bred & Owned heifer. It was also the champion Angus and champion Bred & Owned Angus.

fourth overall Dow Boyd of Coffee County exhibited the fourth overall Alabama Bred & Owned heifer. It was also the champion Percent Simmental and champion Bred & Owned Percent Simmental.

JEFFERSON COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATION

fifth overall reserve grand Champion Caden Childers of Morgan County exhibited the reserve grand champion Alabama Bred & Owned heifer. It was also the champion Commercial and champion Bred & Owned Commercial.

Braxton Jordan of Pike County exhibited the fifth overall Alabama Bred & Owned heifer. It was also the champion Shorthorn Plus and champion Bred & Owned Shorthorn Plus.

Thank You To Our Gold Sponsors

COUNTY FARMERS FEDERATIONS

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Go to jrbeefexpo.com NEIGHBORS

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Pantone 357 Pantone 160 Pantone 116 Black

for full show results, the exposition program, links to photos and the streamed video of the event. alfafarmers.org

2022 Market Show

Top Five winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell and judge Andrew Anderson of Kansas.

supreme grand champion

reserve grand Champion

Tucker Ross of Jefferson County exhibited the supreme grand champion market hog. It was also the champion Crossbred.

Charlee Stone of Jefferson County exhibited the reserve grand champion market hog. It was also the reserve champion Crossbred.

third overall

fourth overall

fifth overall

Cohen Hill of Etowah County exhibited the third overall market hog. It was also the champion Hampshire.

Sara Kate Stitcher of Randolph County exhibited the fourth overall market hog. It was also the champion Duroc.

Cortlin Ledlow of St. Clair County exhibited the fifth overall market hog. It was also the reserve champion Duroc.

2022 Showmanship

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Go to jrswineexpo.com

beginner showmanship top FIVE

junior showmanshiP top FIVE

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Charlee Stone, Jefferson County, champion; Ruby Hodnett, Tallapoosa County, reserve champion; Ansley Payne, Randolph County, third; Stetson Siegler, Talladega County, fourth; and Cohen Hill, Etowah County, fifth.

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Rose Hodnett, Tallapoosa County, champion; Colton Simpson, DeKalb County, reserve champion; Makenna Martin, Tallapoosa County, third; Macie Simpson, DeKalb County, fourth; and Addison Payne, Randolph County, fifth.

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2022 Breeding Show

Top Five winners are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell and judge Andrew Anderson of Kansas.

supreme Grand Champion

reserve grand Champion

Alyx Johnson of Randolph County exhibited the supreme grand champion breeding gilt. It was also the champion Crossbred.

Tucker Ross of Jefferson County exhibited the reserve grand champion breeding gilt. It was also the champion All Other Breeds.

third overall

fourth overall

fifth overall

Tucker Ross of Jefferson County exhibited the third overall breeding gilt. It was also reserve champion Crossbred.

Colton Simpson of DeKalb County exhibited the fourth overall breeding gilt. It was also the champion Yorkshire.

Sara Kate Stitcher of Randolph County exhibited the fifth overall breeding gilt. It was also the champion Duroc.

for full show results, the exposition program, links to photos and the streamed video of the event.

You, Thank or Spons s!

intermediate showmanship top FIVE

senior showmanship top FIVE

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Emma Ramsey, Calhoun County, champion; Tucker Ross, Jefferson County, reserve champion; Madelyne Tallent, Calhoun County, third; Alyx Johnson, Randolph County, fourth; and Philip Belcher, Lee County, fifth.

From left are Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Liz MacAloney, Dale County, champion; Caroline Belcher, Lee County, reserve champion; Brooke Ginn, Calhoun County, third; Cody Castleberry, St. Clair County, fourth; and Cortlin Ledlow, St. Clair County, fifth.

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Simply Southern Spotlight Foundry Farm

art of Foundry Ministries based in Bessemer, Foundry Farm in P Cullman provides a yearlong, faith-based, residential recovery program for men seeking help with alcohol and drug addiction. Employment readiness is an

important part of each man’s recovery process, and they take turns caring for more than 300 chickens and collecting eggs in Foundry Farm’s henhouse. Eddie Wilson is the farm’s director.

Stations and Times

Saturday, Central Time Market Station Time Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM

RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central ALWAYS ON: SimplySouthernTV.net

What happens to all the eggs from the henhouse?

Eddie Wilson (EW): Residents cook with them, and we send them to two other residential programs within Foundry Ministries. But we also sell them. They’re used at local restaurants in Cullman County, including Urban Cookhouse, All Steak and Holly Pond Café, as well as Josie’s in Decatur and S&J Produce in Madison. We also sell them at The Foundry Thrift Store in Cullman. During summer, we sell at the Festhalle Farmers Market.

Tell us about the employment readiness portion of the program.

EW: Some of our guys are assigned to work our retail thrift stores in Cullman and Fairfield. Others are assigned to things around the farm — the henhouse, the gardens, cooking, cleaning or maintenance. We teach 10 soft skills — things like having a good attitude, being teachable and staying in the area you’re assigned.

How do the residents change from the time they enter until they graduate?

How do eggs provide opportunities to share Foundry Farm’s message?

EW: When we go to the farmers market in downtown Cullman, our booth is usually overseen by a couple of guys who are currently in the program, and for those guys to get to share what God’s doing in their lives — that’s so much more important than the first egg we could ever sell. Anybody that’s ever had any type of addiction whatsoever has a story to tell. Some are not always pleasant. But you know what? They all need to be heard, because everybody needs to know that there’s hope, there’s freedom, and there’s a place you can come to get those things.

Simply Southern TV is sponsored by alfafarmers.org

EW: Initially, they are broken, beaten up and have little hope. But when they come to the Foundry Farm, they know they’re going to be taught the word of God. Every day, we are going to talk about your Lord and savior Jesus Christ because he is the only way to true freedom. Once they start one-on-one counseling, going to Bible studies and attending chapel services, they start to grow. It usually takes about six weeks before they really sit back, relax and start buying in to what we do. By the end of it, we’re getting families involved. And that whole restoration process of bringing children and dads and brothers and moms and everybody back together — that’s truly one of the greatest blessings we get to witness at the Foundry.

Simply Southern’s segment about this story airs on broadcast stations June 18 and 19 and on RFD-TV Wednesday, June 22, at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV.net.

Catfish Checkoff

Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff

Soybean Checkoff

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programs is new and not derived from existing funds.

Sponsored By Alabama Ag Credit

Walker

Hornady

Green

Enjoy this excerpt from an Alabama AgCast with Alabama Farmers Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Mitt Walker; Cotton, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grain Divisions Director Carla Hornady; and Catfish, Forestry and Wildlife Divisions Director William Green.

Mitt Walker: Every five years, we start gearing up for the farm bill, also known as the playbook for agriculture policy. Y’all have been working on the Title I and Title II programs. Tell us what these programs are and some of the topics discussed.

Carla Hornady: The Title I Working Group is made up of American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) members from Louisiana, Montana, Texas, Alabama, New York, Wisconsin and California. As we dive in to this program, we’re looking at all the possible issues and priorities moving forward.

William Green: I’m working on the Title II program, which is all of our conservation programs, as well as some general carbon discussion.

MW: One thing we know to be mindful of as these discussions take place is funding and available resources. Carla, your working group has talked about what steps to take to ensure there is adequate funding for programs important to our farmers.

CH: One of our priorities is protecting current farm bill spending.

With current climate discussions, we want to make sure funding for these

MW: On the conservation side, William, your working group has talked about working lands programs versus land retirement programs.

WG: For Title II, we have broken out into smaller subcommittee groups and are looking at individual programs. Specifically, I am looking at the Conservation Reserve Program with folks from Montana, Idaho, Illinois and Nebraska. We’re digging in deep to see what works and what can be improved.

Following staff-level discussions, all AFBF Working Groups will convene to finalize the upcoming farm bill priority list for AFBF’s Council of Presidents in July.

Catch the entire interview on the Alabama AgCast. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit AlfaFarmers.org/agcast. New episodes available every Wednesday.

2022 COUNTY ANNUAL MEETING DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS COUNTY Baldwin Butler Coffee Colbert Conecuh Escambia Fayette Franklin Houston Lamar Lawrence Marion Mobile Pickens Pike Sumter Tuscaloosa Wilcox 26

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DATE Thurs., Aug. 11 Tues., July 26 Mon., July 18 Mon., Aug. 29 Mon., Aug. 15 Tues., Aug. 9 Thurs., Aug. 11 Tues., Aug. 16 Thurs., July 28 Mon., Aug. 15 Thurs., Aug. 11 Fri., Aug. 12 Thurs., Aug. 18 Thurs., July 28 Thurs., June 30 Mon., July 11 Tues., Aug. 16 Thurs., July 21 |

June 2022

TIME 6:00 p.m.

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BUILDING Baldwin County Farmers Federation Building Pioneer Electric Cooperative Building Community Room Hospitality House (NW Shoals Community College) Alfa Service Center Camp 31 Restaurant Fayette Civic Center Best Western Hotel Alfa Service Center Vernon City Complex Moulton Recreation Center Tombigbee Electric Cooperative Greater Gulf State Fair Grounds Cheeky’s South Alabama Electric Cooperative Alfa Service Center Alabama Extension Office Gaines Ridge

ADDRESS 21332 Hwy. 59 300 Herbert St. 1055 E. McKinnon St. 800 George Wallace Blvd.

534 West Front St. 222 St. Joseph Ave. 530 Temple Ave. N. 13770 Hwy. 43 1038 Ross Clark Circle NE 44425 Hwy. 17 13550 Court St. 3196 Co. Rd. 55 1035 Cody Rd. N. 129 Industrial Park St. 13192 U.S. Hwy. 231 S. 106 Marshall St. 2513 7th St. 933 Hwy. 10

CITY Robertsdale Greenville New Brockton Muscle Shoals Evergreen Brewton Fayette Russellville Dothan Vernon Moulton Hamilton Mobile Gordo Troy Livingston Tuscaloosa Camden alfafarmers.org

T

FAMILY TIES

he grocery store is packed with tourists. There are hundreds of them. And I am stuck in a cluster of middle-aged men who wear neoncolored swim trunks and flip flops.

My wife sent me on a very important shopping mission to buy: 1. Salsa.

2. Neosporin.

The middle-aged men are laughing.

I can spot a Beach Dad tan a mile away.

It’s all in the nose region.

Middle-aged male tourists, you see, rarely apply sunscreen to their noses.

Thus, a Beach Dad often resembles the captain of Santa’s sled team.

It’s a good thing Beach Dad isn’t ACTUALLY steering Santa’s sleigh because Beach Dad also drives like a clinically insane stuntman.

Sometimes, you can see Beach Dad weaving his minivan through heavy traffic while singing along with a Jimmy Buffett greatest hits album.

Back to the grocery store. There’s a small boy standing in the checkout aisle. He’s pushing a wheelchair with a woman in it. The woman is mid-70s.

She has a cast on her ankle.

There is also a teenage girl with her.

Because they are only buying sodas and popsicles, I insist they cut in line.

The boy wheels the woman ahead of me. The older woman thanks me.

I ask where they’re from.

“Arkansas. These are my grandkids.

We’re down here for two weeks.”

She is recovering from ankle

surgery. Her injury happened a few weeks ago when she was lifting a potted plant on her patio. She tripped over her dog. Her ankle shattered.

“Almost didn’t come,” she goes on.

“I was so disappointed, too, ‘cause I’ve wanted to visit Florida all my life but never got to before my husband died.”

Her grandkids weren’t about to let her miss the Sunshine State. The teenager, Georgia, volunteered to be Granny’s chauffeur. Georgia just got her license.

Granny pats Georgia’s hand. “She could be having fun with her friends, but she’s stuck with boring Granny.”

“You’re not boring,” says Georgia.

“I love you.”

“Me, too, Grandma,” says the boy.

“I love you.”

These two kids deserve awards.

Especially Georgia, who could be doing teenage things. Instead, she’s navigating Beach Dad traffic.

Before they roll away, I ask Granny if she needs any help to her vehicle.

“No,” she says. “I got my family.”

Family. If there’s anything better, I don’t care to know what it is.

The cashier looks at my items on the conveyor belt and says, “Is this ALL you came here for today?”

No, ma’am. I came here to see something beautiful. And to be reminded of something I often forget: a person with family has everything.

Everything.

Except salsa and Neosporin. ■

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FREE CATALOG

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. alfafarmers.org

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Christjohn Joins Federation As Commodity Director

he Alabama Farmers Federation T welcomed Colton Christjohn to its Governmental & Agricultural Programs

(GAP) Department April 25. Christjohn will serve as director of the Federation’s Dairy, Pork and Poultry divisions.

Christjohn will advocate for and monitor policy related to his commodity divisions, as well as coordinate educational programs. He will also help provide leadership for the Federation’s youth livestock efforts, including the Jr. Swine Expo.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of a grassroots organization whose foundation is built on serving Alabama farmers and youth across the state,” said Christjohn, 29, whose family raises cattle.

The Calhoun County native has two

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degrees from Auburn University (AU), Alabama’s largest agricultural industry, a bachelor’s in animal science and a which has a $15 billion annual economic Master of Science, earned in 2014 and impact on the state.

2016, respectively.

“Colton has a heart for people and While at AU, he gained serving others, which is practical animal science what we are all about at experience working at the the Alabama Farmers on-campus beef unit and Federation,” Walker meats lab. He joins the said. “When you couple his Federation from Wayne passion for service with his Farms in Enterprise, where lifetime of experience in he was a processing agriculture, I have no doubt superintendent. he will excel in this role.”

Federation GAP Christjohn and his wife, Department Director Mitt Megan, have been married Christjohn Walker said Christjohn’s four years and have a firsthand experience 10-month-old daughter, serving Alabama farmers has prepared Lillian. They live in Enterprise and attend him for success. As Poultry Division Hillcrest Baptist Church. director, Christjohn will help farmers in

alfafarmers.org

Picking, Prepping And Packing Vegetables For The Freezer

By Justin Miller he harvest may be plentiful, but T the storage is likely few. If every flat kitchen surface is filled with garden

goodies, freezing the surplus is a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables all year long.

The Three Ps Of Freezing

Gardeners can take simple steps to ensure quality freshness for eight to 12 months.

“When properly picked, prepped and packed, vegetables can hold their fresh qualities for about a year,” said Janice Hall, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System coordinator for Macon County.

Picking

When picking vegetables to freeze, time is of the essence. A good rule of thumb is to have vegetables prepped and packed in the freezer within two hours of picking.

In general, vegetables are better if picked early in the morning, right when dew is off the vines. When picking vegetables to freeze, tender and just-matured vegetables are best.

Prepping

The first step to prepping vegetables is a thorough wash. This is the perfect time to look for inferior or overly

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mature vegetables; remove those. After washing, it’s time to blanch. Blanching is a method in which vegetables are quickly submerged in boiling water to stop enzyme action. If not blanched, the vegetables would lose flavor, color and texture.

“Properly blanching vegetables is a must,” Hall said. “This stops the enzymes from destroying the fresh flavor of the vegetables, while also removing bacteria.”

After the vegetables have been properly blanched, they must be shocked in ice water to stop the cooking process.

“To stop cooking, submerge the vegetables in cold water at least 60 F or below,” Hall said. “Blanching and cooling should take about the same length of time.”

Packing

Choosing the right container is essential when packing vegetables for the freezer. Hall suggests packing

meal-size portions of vegetables firmly in moisture- and vapor-resistant freezer containers. Use containers that are odor-free, grease-resistant and crack-proof at low freezer temperatures.

“It’s important to check approved recipes for the required headspace,” Hall said. “Headspace is the distance from the opening of the container to the packed food. It allows for expansion of the food as it freezes.”

Label and date containers before storing in the freezer. Freezer tape is another way to identify vegetables and packing dates. Do not overload the freezer, as this will add to freezing times.

For optimal quality, place containers in the coldest part of the freezer and store at 0 F or below.

More Information

In-depth freezing instructions are available in the Alabama Extension publication “Freezing Summer’s Bounty of Vegetables” at aces.edu.

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Red Okra

By Lois Chaplin

Alabama the Alabama heat cranks up, WEvenhen so does okra production. though it’s late in the planting

season for many summer vegetables, okra thrives during hot and humid months. There’s nothing like a pod freshly picked from the garden — small, flawless and crisp but tender. The okra I’m thinking about is perfect enough to eat raw. Small ones are ideal vessels for scooping ranch dip or hummus.

The hardest thing about growing okra may be seed germination. I roll seeds between sheets of sandpaper to scarify the hard surface, then soak them overnight before planting. The seeds love warm soil and will sprout in a few days in moist ground. Once established, plants are more drought tolerant than most vegetables, but root-knot nematodes are a possible hurdle. These worms stunt plants and reduce production. You can help ward

Dwarf Okra

off nematodes by rotating okra with mustard, cabbage, kale, collards and other members of the cabbage family.

Mustard is a natural fumigator if planted as solid cover crop.

Because okra plants are big but strongly vertical, it’s OK to plant okra as close as 18 inches apart in a row.

Okra grows well in sandy or clay soil if it drains well. These plants don’t like standing water and need full sun.

The real challenge is personal. Which okras will I grow? Okra’s geographical dispersion from its native Africa through the centuries has resulted in dozens of varieties to pique the interest of gardeners who enjoy trying something new. A quick online search for heirloom okra sources fat pods, skinny pods, red pods, smooth pods, short plants, tall plants and pink flowers, in addition to the green-podded, yellow-flowered varieties most of us know and love.

Its adoption by many cultures means there is a world of ways to prepare okra. In India, one recipe calls for frying in a light batter and dusting with spices. In Turkey, it’s fried whole and added to a stew. A Lebanese recipe calls for flash-frying whole pods and adding them to a tomato sauce. Here at home, cornmeal-coated fried okra is probably the most popular. No matter how you slice it, okra offers a world of possibilities for Alabama gardeners, foodies and folks craving the taste of summer.

For more insights on okra’s storied past, check out “The Whole Okra” by Englishman-turned-Southerner Chris Smith.

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

Sensational Selection, Sizzling Summer Savings! E ALAFARM.COM alfafarmers.org

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Peach Delight

By Donna Anders, Tuscaloosa County

Prep Time Cook Time Servings 30 mins 15 mins 8 to 10

Crust Ingredients 1 cup self-rising flour 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts

Layer 1 Ingredients 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 (8-ounce) container non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

Layer 2 Ingredients elcome back to the Farmhouse W Kitchen! This weather has been so gorgeous that if it weren’t for the

fresh flavors of seasonal produce in the kitchen, I’d be tempted to stay outside all day every day. It just so happens that the sunniest time of year is also the most delicious time when it comes to fruits and vegetables in the South.

This month, I’m bringing you classic flavors in new ways. While you may not have had all these dishes before, I can all but guarantee they will earn a cherished place in your recipe files.

Like most Southerners, I was raised with the belief that it was my solemn duty to grow tomatoes in the summertime. This spring, we were finishing our house, so I’m doubly grateful for my local farmers market, where I can get the good stuff until my own garden is in place once more.

Tomato Cobbler with Pimento Cheese Biscuits is a stellar way to use them. It’s my heart song; it’s just that good. With its drop biscuit topping, I could make a meal out of this recipe. It’s also a great side to any family meal.

Next up is Crispy Roasted Okra. I know, I know. We are used to having it fried, but give this a try and you’ll

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become a believer. Roasting vegetables brings out their flavor, and that slight caramelization with a bit of crispiness hits all the right notes. Some don’t care for okra because they feel it can be slimy. This natural thickening agent makes okra a great addition to gumbo and stews. Roasting the okra almost eliminates this characteristic. For the best flavor and texture, choose young okra pods that are no longer than a finger length. I like to serve mine with a creamy lemon dressing, but your favorite bottled ranch is also a great complement.

Finally, we have a family reunion favorite: Peach Delight. Donna Anders of Tuscaloosa County shared this classic recipe with Neighbors back in May 2009, but it’s so delicious, I knew we needed to share it again! It’s the perfect chilled and layered cream cheese dessert to enjoy under the shade trees while you catch up on adventures and remember days of old.

I hope your summer is off to a great start and you can enjoy the sunny side of life as often as possible. Don’t forget to stop and smell the tomatoes! Y’all enjoy.

3 to 5 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced

Layer 3 Ingredients 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons peach gelatin 1 cup water Extra whipped topping (optional)

Instructions Heat oven to 375 F. For the crust, mix flour, butter and nuts; press into a 9-inch-by-13-inch dish. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and whipped topping; spread over cooled crust.

Layer sliced peaches over cream cheese mixture.

In a saucepan, mix sugar, flour, gelatin and water. Boil until thick and clear, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Cool and pour over peaches; refrigerate. Serve with extra whipped topping, if desired.

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. alfafarmers.org

Tomato Cobbler with Pimento Cheese Biscuits Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Cobbler Ingredients

Crispy Roasted Okra with Creamy Lemon Dressing

3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium sweet onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 pounds medium ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped (6 to 7 tomatoes) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Servings 8

Drop Biscuit Ingredients 2 cups self-rising flour 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup buttermilk 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, well drained 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

For the cobbler, in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, melt Choose butter. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they just start okra that is similar Dressing Ingredients to caramelize — 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. in size so it cooks in the 1/3 cup mayonnaise Add garlic and cook about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add same amount of time. I 2 tablespoons lemon juice tomatoes and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a simmer. typically pick okra that’s no 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Add salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until longer than my ring finger 1/2 teaspoon salt tomatoes are tender. to ensure it is tender.

1 teaspoon sugar In a small bowl, whisk vinegar and cornstarch. Stir into the ~Stacey Pepper to taste tomato mixture and cook until thickened — 2 to 3 minutes. Pour tomato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Okra Ingredients In a medium bowl, stir flour, melted butter, buttermilk, cheese, 1 pound fresh okra (all of similar size) pimentos, salt and garlic powder until combined. Drop biscuit dough by 3 tablespoons olive oil heaping spoonfuls on top of the tomato mixture. Spritz top of the biscuits 1 teaspoon salt lightly with cooking spray. Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 1/2 teaspoon pepper about 45 minutes or until bubbly and the biscuits are golden brown and Instructions cooked through. Allow to rest 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt and sugar. Add pepper to taste, starting with about 1/8 teaspoon. Set in the fridge to allow flavors to meld while you cook the okra.

Heat oven to 450 F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.

Rinse and dry okra well. Split each pod in half lengthwise and put in a gallon-size zip top bag. Add olive oil, salt and pepper and seal the bag. Shake well to coat each piece of okra completely. Scatter okra evenly out onto the prepared pan.

Roast 15 to 25 minutes, shaking the pan a couple times during the cooking process to move the okra around. Cook time will vary based on size of the okra. It should be golden to darker brown and slightly crispy but not burnt. Cool 2 to 3 minutes, then serve warm with dressing drizzled over the okra or as a dip alongside.

Prep Time 15 mins

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Cook Time 20 mins

Servings 5

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