Neighbors (July 2013)

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VOLUME 38, NUMBER 7 _____________________________________

A Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

JULY 2013

Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Ted Grantland, Somerville Waymon Buttram, Geraldine Don Allison, Arley John E. Walker III, Berry Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dickie Odom, Boligee Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge David Bitto, Elberta S. Steve Dunn, Samson Faye Dial, Lineville Jon Hegeman, Anniston

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In This Issue

Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.AlfaFarmers.org.

Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices.

Printed in the U.S.A.

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Agvocates In Bloom

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Legislative Wrap up

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Harvest For The Hungry

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Cattle Drive

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Harbouring Hay

16 Farm-To-Table

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

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ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: McFarland AdVantage, (334) 652-9080, McFarlandAdvantage@gmail.com.

DISCLAIMERS: Ad­vertise­­­­­­­ments in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement The pages in this magazine have been by the magazine or Alabama Farmers enriched with Layar and contain digital Federation. Editorial information from content that you can view using your sources outside the Alabama Farmers smartphone.

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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On The Cover

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e with

1

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HOW IT WORKS:

Serious Sun Safety

Larry Laney of Russell County 3 4 celebrates July Pork Month by grilling ribs and Boston butt. Page 28.

Photo by Mike Moody Scan

www.AlfaFarmers.org

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation J U LY 2 0 1 3

Pages in this magazine have been enriched with Layar and contain digital content that can be viewed using a smartphone. See instructions below.

Step 1: Download the free Layar app for iPhone or Android.

Step 2: Look for pages with the Layar logo.

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Step 3: Open the Layar app, hold the phone above the page and tap to scan it.

Step 4: Hold your phone above the page to view the interactive content. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Summer Institute Blooms New Class Of Agvocates

By Melissa Martin

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weltering summer heat didn’t deter 95 Alabama educators from walking in farmers’ shoes during the annual Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute (AITC) June 4-6 in Birmingham.

The program equipped participants with hands-on techniques and supplies they can use to teach students about agriculture — including a bin full of books, lesson plans, brochures, posters and DVDs. Although teachers earn continuing education credits for attending the institute, many said the greatest benefit was learning innovative ways to teach traditional information.

“It’s important students learn where their food comes from,” said Robinson Elementary School Teacher LaTonya Sparks-Hinton of Jefferson County.

“Before Ag in the Classroom, I didn’t know how to get the message across. Telling them milk comes from a cow is one thing, but showing them what a Jersey cow looks like, sounds like... and introducing them to an actual farmer would make all the difference.”

The opening session of the three-day conference featured an interactive workshop by Beth Haynes of Bluff Park Elementary School, Alabama’s 2012 AITC Teacher of the Year.

Haynes shared tips on incorporating agriculture into class work and demonstrated student activities Above: Ashley Eden and Amanda Kelley of Opelika Middle School learned how to make butter during a hands-on teacher workshop.

Left: Farm tour attendees listen as Pam Baker explains Old Baker Farm’s century-old heritage. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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like butter-making, PlayDoh®-making and reading food labels.

Following lunch with Alabama Watermelon Queen Jordan Skipper, educators heard additional tips from fellow teachers Kristen Tate and Michelle Revels. The Alabama Farmers Federation Communications Department demonstrated utilization of social media in classrooms and unveiled the new Alabama AITC Facebook page.

At dinner, Monty Bain with the National Cotton Board spoke on the commodity’s presence in items from X-ray film and currency to sausage casings and cooking oil.

A highlight of the conference was Day 2, which included tours of Jones Valley Teaching Farm in downtown Birmingham; Old Baker Farm and Morgan Creek Winery in Harpersville; and Blue Bell Creameries in Sylacauga, where attendees enjoyed a free scoop of ice cream.

Alabama AITC Chairman Kim Ramsey said the tours provided a fun, personal way to embrace agriculture and the people who help feed the world.

“Ag in the Classroom gives teach-

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ers an opportunity to meet the people who grow their food and fiber and ask questions about what happens on their farms,” Ramsey said. “The program’s mission is to provide teachers with learning opportunities through hands-on workshops and farm tours. Interacting with people who work in the agricultural industry empowers them to share the importance of Alabama’s No. 1 industry with students. Tours offer more than notes and explanations — they make farming real.”

On the final day, educators received “dairy good” advice from Jana Miller of the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association before dividing into groups for grade-level appropriate activities. Kindergarten through third-grade teachers focused on make-and-take crafts from The Very Hungry Alabama Caterpillar activity book. Fourth- through-sixth-grade teachers joined Alabama Junior Master Gardener Program Coordinator Luci Davis, who provided tips on classroom gardens.

The Summer Institute concluded with a graduation ceremony.

Honeysuckle Middle School Teacher Angeila Scarborough of Houston County said the experience was one she won’t forget.

“Since we arrived, we’ve been treated like royalty and learned so much we can use in our classrooms,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back and build a garden with my special education kids. Ideas taken from here help us teach students of all situations functional skills they can use later in life.” See more photos at AlfaFarmers.org. n Top left: Angeila Scarborough of Honeysuckle Middle School and LaTonya Sparks-Hinton of Robinson Elementary School examine blueberries grown at Morgan Creek Vineyards in Harpersville. Bottom right: Benjamin Davis Elementary School teachers Lisa Cagle and Jenipher Patterson take in the sights after a long day of farm tours. Bottom Left: Educators explore a greenhouse at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in downtown Birmingham.

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Legislative Session Could Improve Rural Alabama

By Mary Johnson

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aws from the 2013 legislative session aim to improve rural Alabama, from education and transportation to farm and crop security.

On the session’s final day, May 20, state senators approved a $50 million bond issue to provide new and established career tech programs with state-of-the-art equipment and tools. Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Director Jennifer Himburg said high school students will receive a better education because of the funding.

“New equipment will allow students enrolled in career tech programs to move straight from high school to careers or technical schools without retraining,” said Himburg, who also serves on the governor’s College and Career Ready Task Force. “Some of these students will become the mechanics and weld-

ers who build and maintain farm equipment while others will become farmhands and farm managers.

Other states have increased graduation rates and student involvement by improving career tech programs.

Doing the same in Alabama will provide a well-trained, skilled workforce for industries, businesses and farmers.”

The Rural Assistance Match Program (RAMP) established during the session will improve rural bridges and roads, providing safer routes for heavy vehicles like school buses and trucks. RAMP provides 22 counties with state and federal funds to meet the local match required to participate in the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP).

Gov. Robert Bentley announced more than 250 projects in the first round of RAMP. For a complete list, visit http://1.usa.gov/15FIEOz. Farmers may benefit from a

revision to the irrigation tax credit passed in the 2012 session. The change allows farmers five years to claim the tax credit after a qualifying irrigation or reservoir construction project is completed. Senate sponsor of the legislation, Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said he hopes farmers take advantage of the opportunity to protect crops from drought.

“If (this credit) will help someone make the very big decision to irrigate all or part of their farm to improve the predictability of their yields, then it’s a good day’s work for the Legislature,” he said.

Along with protecting crops, the Legislature took steps to protect families, farms, animals and equipment in rural areas. A law reorganizing state law enforcement agencies created an agriculture and rural crimes investigators unit.

For more information visit alfafarmers.org/CapitolConnection or youtube.com/AlabamaFarmersFed. n

Don Allison:

District 4 Director Winston County cattleman Don Allison never dreamed he’d own a 900-acre farm.

In fact, the first-generation farmer admits he hadn’t stepped foot on a farm before moving to the small town of Arley years ago. Despite the surprising lifestyle decision, it’s a choice he says he never regrets.

“I’m proud of starting with a few acres, seeing the farm grow and keeping my family close,” said Allison, 67, who is District 4 Director of the Alabama Farmers Federation. He represents Winston, Cullman, Blount and Marshall counties.

Though experienced in dairy farming, Allison’s interest in beef cattle piqued in 1995 with the purchase of 100 heifers. Today, he has 600 mama cows and owns a successful equipment business.

Allison and his wife, Dianne, have been married 45 years and are members of Arley United Methodist Church. They have two daughters, Angie Abercrombie (Shawn) and MaLea Ergle (Chris), and three grandchildren. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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By Jeff Helms

C

orn harvested at Dee River Ranch in Pickens County usually is sold for poultry and livestock feed. But thanks to the Invest an Acre program, a portion of Annie Dee’s crop is helping buy meat, bread and canned goods for hungry families in the local community. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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“Invest an Acre is a Howard G. Buffett Foundation program designed to have farmers donate the proceeds from one acre directly to Feeding America,” explained Dee, who is president of the family farm. “That money is returned to the community — plus it’s matched

by Monsanto. That’s a 200 percent return on the investment to help feed the hungry and reduce food insecurity right here at home.”

Buffett, who is a farmer, philanthropist and son of investor Warren Buffet emailed Dee last year asking her to participate in the program.

“Annie made a special effort to enroll in our Invest an Acre initiative even though we had not yet brought the program to her local area,” Buffett said. “Annie worked with us to develop a mechanism so Dee River Ranch could participate and took on the role of encouraging other area farmers to support the effort.”

Dee’s work with Invest an Acre is paying dividends at The Lord’s Pantry in Aliceville. The food ministry, housed in the United Methodist Church, provides more than 250 families a month with enough food for two to three meals.

“We could not serve the numbers of people we have without (Invest an Acre),” said Pastor Roger Short.

At right, Pickens County farmer Annie Dee helps Aliceville United Methodist Church Pastor Roger Short pack food for the hungry at the Lord’s Pantry. Dee donated the proceeds of one acre of grain, facing page, to Invest an Acre and is encouraging other Alabama farmers to do likewise. With matching funds from Monsanto, Dee’s acre generated about $3,600 for the local food pantry.

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Volunteers from the congregation and community started The Lord’s Pantry last September, expecting about 100 families to register for food assistance. Prior to the first scheduled distribution, more than 200 had signed up.

Short prayed for guidance during an orientation trip to the west Alabama Food Bank where The Lord’s Pantry gets food.

“I was thinking, ‘Lord, we’ve already got 200 folks. How are we going to be able to do this?’” Short recalled. “My cell phone rang, and Annie Dee started telling me about Invest an Acre. She asked if The Lord’s Pantry was accepting donations and if I would be on television.”

Soon, Dee and Short were telling the story of Invest an Acre and The Lord’s Pantry on RFD-TV. Dee is hoping the publicity will motivate other farmers to participate.

“My hope is to get every farmer in Alabama to donate the proceeds from one acre to Invest an Acre and Feeding America and see it come back into their own community to wipe out food insecurity and hunger in our state,” Dee said. “I think that’s where you have to start. It’s important to feed all the people in the world, but we have to start at

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home and make sure we don’t have hungry people, especially children.”

With irrigation, Dee estimates she can make 300 bushels of corn per acre. At almost $6 per bushel, an acre will generate $3,600 for hunger relief — thanks to the Monsanto match.

“Farmers are generous people, and I think they want to make sure everybody has enough to eat,” Dee said. “That’s why we produce food on our farms. Invest an Acre is a great way to help people in need.”

According to Invest an Acre, almost 920,000 Alabamians are food insecure. That’s about 19.2 percent of the population.

Short sees The Lord’s Pantry and hunger relief programs as ways to begin addressing other needs, whether physical, spiritual or financial.

“If we can put a few more groceries on the tables of folks who have a demonstrated need, it is a real, concrete and practical way of saying ‘We believe God loves you,’” Short said. “‘You are important.

You matter. We care about you because God cares about you.’” n _________________________________ For more information about Invest an Acre, visit InvestAnAcre.org. To find a nearby food bank, visit www.alfoodbanks.org.

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By Debra Davis

T

he adaptability of beef cattle and contrasting climates captivated 50 Alabama Farmers Federation members on the organization’s annual Beef Tour June 3-7 in Nevada.

“That these cattle can live in this kind of environment is shocking,” said Wade Hill of Lawrence County.

“The heat, the terrain and the vegetation are just mind-blowing to me.

A cow is a whole lot tougher than I thought.”

Hill, chairman of the Federation’s State Hay and Forage Committee, said it was his first Federation Beef Tour. It made him re-examine his own farm, he said.

“Maybe our grass at home is not as good as I thought,” he said.

“I think maybe our grass has too much water in it, and it goes through (cows) too easily. I saw cattle in Nevada that looked like they had nothing to eat, and they were fat and raising a good calf. I see cows here in Alabama that look like they have

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plenty to eat, and they might look terrible.”

There’s a scientific reason behind the differences, said Federation Beef Division Director Nate Jaeger, who coordinated the tour.

“With our forage in Alabama, we’re producing tons to the acre; but in Nevada, they think about acres to the ton,” he said. “We have a large quantity of forage in Alabama, and they have a lot of quality forage in Nevada.”

Most Alabama forage has 8-12 percent protein, while the typical Nevada forage is upward of 15 percent protein, he said. While the pasture stocking rate per acre in Alabama is one or two cows per acre (including a calf), touring farmers said they were amazed to learn some Nevada farms need as much as 150 acres to support a cow-calf pair.

In addition to visiting several top farms and ranches near Reno, the tour included stops just over the Cal-

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ifornia state line where lush valleys are nestled among barren mountains.

Farmers in both areas rely heavily on irrigation to sustain crops, including hay.

Nevada Farm Bureau President Doug Busselman, who met with the Alabama farmers, said 87 percent of land in his state is governmentowned, and the annual rainfall is about 4 inches.

“So, what’s important to us?” he asked. “Land and water are what we spend most of our time talking about.”

Jimmie Fidler of Baldwin County, who raises cattle, peanuts and pecans, said he enjoyed his first beef tour.

“I learned if you have water in Nevada, you can grow just about any crop,” Fidler said. “Their grass is powerful; it packs a punch. I wonder if you could grow peanuts here?”

For photos of the Beef Tour, visit the Federation’s Facebook page. n

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Hay Today, Gone Tomorrow

By Melissa Martin

“In this area, the ground isn’t sandy. Any time it rains, water sits on the surface up to a few days before soaking in to the earth,” said Powell, who owns Vista Farms & Cattle Co. in the Aliceville community.

“Water also soaks into the bales. To prevent losing at least 20 percent of our hay, we store it under a barn.”

Powell said moisture reduces the hay’s dollar value and nutritional quality — something he can’t afford to risk when feeding 1,200 cows. While recognizing the significant up-front cost of building a barn, Powell said the overall savings pay dividends.

“Last year, we fed our Angus more than 3,000 rolls of hay. Because the price of hay has pretty much doubled in the past five or 10 years, it’s critical to be as efficient as possible with the hay we grow and the hay we have to buy for the winter,” he said. “If you figure 20 percent of what hay costs in relation to what it would cost to build a barn, you could pretty much pay for the construction within five years.”

Alabama Farmers Federation Hay and Forage Division Director Nate Jaeger said hay and cattle farmers interested in building a barn have options.

“For most farmers, it’s a matter of financial circumstance that deters them from building barns to store hay,” Jaeger said.

“To help, the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is offering a low-interest loan program to lessen the financial burden.”

The program offers loans up to $12,500 for a 40-feet by 60-feet barn or $25,000 for a 50-feet x 100-feet barn with a 4-percent interest rate. Collateralized insurance is required, and AADA executive Director John Gamble said hay barn plans must meet specifications, including a field inspection prior to loan approval. All hay barns must be new construction, he added.

“Farmers should also be aware that construction costs exceeding the approved loan amount are the responsibility of the program participant, not AADA,” Gamble added. “Loans are available based on need and herd size, and farmers have four years to repay them.”

An oversight committee will review all applications before construction. A $50 application fee is required.

To request a loan package, contact Gamble at (334) 240-7245 or email john.gamble@agi.alabama.gov. n

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ickens County cattleman Greg Powell says quality hay is the backbone of his successful registered Angus cattle farm. Recognizing it’s important to protect his investment, Powell built a 100-feet by 90-feet hay barn last year.

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0544.cc139.ad_Layout 1 6/3/13 11:30 AM Page 1

Comments Sought On Biotech Crops

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armers have until July 28 to comment on biotech crops planted in national refuges in the Southeast.

Alabama Farmers Federation Board Member Ted Grantland farms land in Decatur’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Cooperative agreements allow farmers to harvest part of the crop and leave the rest for wildlife habitat, feed and weed control.

“This affects our farm,” said Grantland. “The U.S. has the most abundant, safest and cheapest food supply in the world. American farmers...work hard to feed the world, and genetically modified crops contribute to that.”

Farmers have planted biotech crops in refuges since the mid-1990s. However, a 2012 settlement between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and environmental groups requires additional studies on the impact of biotech crops in the Southeast.

“Genetically modified crops increase efficiency and are approved by the USDA and other federal agencies,” said Federation Director of National Legislative Programs Mitt Walker. “Unfortunately, several groups are using government red tape to challenge their use. Farmers need to let their voices be heard.”

To submit comments, visit http://bit.ly/12DQGXr, email fw4_gmcpea@fws.gov, or write NEPA Coordinator, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1875 Century Center Drive, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30345. n

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Benefits Save Federation Members $1.2 Million

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ast year, Alabama Farmers Federation members saved more than $1.2 million using member benefits.

Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, encouraged members to become familiar with their benefits so they don’t miss out on savings.

“The biggest benefits of members are the work the Federation does to improve the quality of life for Alabama families and the hometown service our customers receive with Alfa Insurance,” Parnell said.

“But we also know every penny counts. These discount programs save members money on things they use every day. Using some of these benefits just once or twice will often pay for their annual membership dues.”

Members saved big with $500 off the purchase of new General Motors vehicles. Since the launch of

the program in late 2011, there have been more than 3,800 vehicles sold to Federation members through the program.

Other popular benefits include Sam’s Club, where members received more than $120,000 in gift cards since the program began. The 20 percent Choice Hotels discount continues to increase in use each year with members saving more than $175,000 last year. The average savings per member using Choice Hotels was $32 per night — more than the $30 annual dues.

“We have focused on bringing relevant, everyday-use discounts from some of the top brands in the country for Federation members,” said Marc Pearson, director of member benefits. “From GM to Sam’s Club and the thousands of discounts on Everyday Extras, our members have more ways to save. They also can save money when traveling by using

the Everyday Extras mobile app.”

Everyday Extras saves members money at more than 185,000 locations nationwide.

Federation member and Alfa CSR Rhonda McGhee of Andalusia, recognized the savings one morning when her car battery died. She saved $40 on a new battery purchased online at Advance Auto Parts with Everyday Extras.

“I selected to pick up my battery at the local store and, as soon as my order was complete, it was already showing my order at the store,” McGhee said. “Jonathan (the clerk) handed me my new battery, and I was on my way. I tell all my friends and customers of the money I have saved with my membership through the ‘Everyday Extras’ benefit.”

Members are encouraged to register for Everyday Extras at www. alfafarmers.org/everydayextras. n

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

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By Jillian Clair

T

he farm-to-table concept may be new to some consumers, but farmers like Ken Buck in Grand Bay have been doing it for years.

Since 1972, Buck has grown peaches, pecans, citrus and Silver King sweet corn on 185 acres. He sells directly to the public and to a distributor who delivers his produce to Gulf Coast food venues.

“Our sweet corn has a superb reputation around here,” Buck says. “At one

with Corn Caramel Squash Soup Corn and Summer tesy of Jason Lafferty Cour and add Reduce vegetables corn from e ov cut from rn rem , co ck sh sto fre r Fo thyme and in large until slightly uté cob and put husks Sa 15 ears fresh corn b. the co the y in olive mer one mer squash stockpot. Toss lightl 5 pounds fresh sum tender, add stock. Sim puree , ough. When red thr at me he s sim d ion an ce on On oil ge 2 lar hour. like desired. follows) husks begin to smell water soup and strain, if Corn stock (recipe d ad , ing ok co am to half on the cre are y ce the du Re e ym y Th til cloud o soup. am to cover. Simmer un of corn. stove and whisk int of soup 2 quarts heavy cre ongly nt str ou ing am ell all sm d sm an ur s Po Butter to wet onion nish with s. Sauté onions gar sk s, hu sse ve gla mo ot Re ion into sh r and tte Olive Oil to wet on bu a el. in am ash car d squ and popcorn an other pan.

Kettle popcorn olive oil mix in an Salted Caramel

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point during the day we started selling this year, we had 15 people waiting to buy corn.”

Buck knew people enjoyed his produce, but attending the Mobile Master Gardeners’ Farm-to-Table tasting event June 3 was his first direct connection with restaurant owners and chefs.

At the tasting event, 14 farmers from Mobile, Baldwin and surrounding counties donated produce, and 16 chefs prepared dishes showcasing the quality ingredients. The event was set up as a tasting buffet rather than a sit-down meal. Consumers, chefs and growers exchanged business cards and traded stories while working through the stations.

Buck worried his corn was not up to par. Because of the cool spring, his crop took longer to mature, and he harvested it about three days earlier than he would have liked.

He shouldn’t have worried — Buck’s corn and peaches were a hit.

“This is the best corn I’ve ever eaten,” Chef Jason Lafferty of the Virginia College Culinard Program told Buck, as they discussed the challenges of farming. Lafferty used Buck’s corn to create a creamy corn soup and summer squash soup topped with popcorn and caramel.

“When you have a product that is grown and cared for by a person like Ken Buck, it’s easy to let the natural flavors shine,” Lafferty said. “I didn’t manipulate it at all. I think we need to realize the bounty we have around here. We have the ocean, but we also have some incredible crops that we need to be spotlighting.”

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Buck returned the praise. “This corn soup is very good. I’ve never had anything like this made out of my corn. My compliments to the chef,” he said.

Master Gardener Regina Gunn, who organized the Farm-to-Table event, said the dinner sprang from a desire to educate the public about buying fresh produce and eating inseason — at home and in restaurants.

“Eating locally helps everybody.

It helps us health-wise, it helps the local economy, and it even helps the home budget,” Gunn says. “Here in south Alabama, we have so much diversity and a great, long growing season. But there’s a big gap in education as far as how to eat seasonally and where to get it.”

Buck said he has noticed more

people seem interested in where their food comes from in recent years.

“I see lots of young families at the farm,” he says.

Alabama Farmers Federation Horticulture Division Director Mac Higginbotham said whether consumers buy directly from local farmers, farmers markets, roadside stands or eat at restaurants serving local food, it’s good news.

“It is a win-win for the com-

munity when consumers and farmers do business,” Higginbotham says. “The purchasing of freshly picked produce from farmers in your community helps support additional businesses because the money continues to circulate within a community. Plus it reinforces the important role farmers play in providing food in our daily lives.” n _________________________________ For more information about the Farm-toTable event, contact the Mobile County Master Gardeners at (251) 574-8445.

Below, farmer Ken Buck of Grand Bay samples the Corn And Summer Squash Soup created

by Chef Jason Lafferty of the Virginia College Culinard program for the Farm-to-Table Tasting,

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Left: Quadruplets Sarah, Caitlin, Will and Mary Elizabeth Haynes graduated from Auburn University in May. Below: Tammy and Bruce Haynes are the proud parents of quads and older sister Anna Lee. The quads were featured in Alfa advertising when they were younger. Bottom: Older sister Anna Lee graduated with the quads. She and her husband, Jordan, have a daughter, Ada.

Legacy Discount Rewards Loyal Alfa Customers

By Miranda Mattheis

W

ith five children in their 20s, Tammy Haynes knows the importance of saving money. With the new Alfa Insurance Legacy Program, she can pass along her homeowner continued service discount to her children.

“When you’ve just graduated college and you are so young, there are so many start-up costs. You’re moving to a different season of life, so having a discount of any sort is definitely a great benefit,” Haynes said. “I wish my husband and I had that when we were younger. My children are realizing any discount, especially with a company you’ve been with so long and you believe in, is huge.”

The legacy discount can save the children of loyal Alfa customers up to 20 percent on their homeowner insurance. Applicants must be 27 years old or younger, and their parents must have auto and home w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

insurance with Alfa.

“There is nothing more important than family,” said Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.

“We reward longtime policyholders who have been members of the Alfa family with our continued service discount. Extending that discount to our policyholders’ children through Alfa’s Legacy Discount Program is a way to reward the next generation of Alfa customers now and in the future.”

For Haynes, this means peace of mind knowing her quadruplets, who as children were featured in Alfa commercials, will save money when they purchase homes. Mary Elizabeth, Sarah, Will and Caitlin graduated from Auburn University in May, with older daughter, Anna Lee..

“Alfa has stood the test of time,” Haynes said. “They have 18

been tried and proven true as far as the kind of service and quality of service they have given us over the years. They offer reasonable and competitive rates. When you’re with a company that long, you want to encourage your children to do business with Alfa, too.” n J U LY 2 0 1 3

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Peanut Checkoff Helps Fund New Varieties

eanut farmers may soon have access to new drought-resistant varieties thanks to breeding research supported by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association

By Katie Wendland (APPA) and the farmer-funded checkoff program.

Auburn University researcher Dr. Charles Chen is in advanced stages of variety development at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center Experiment Station in Headland, Ala. The new variety promises to resist viruses, increase yields, mature earlier, have smaller seed size, be drought tolerant and have high oleic acid content.

Oleic acid is beneficial to health and increases peanut shelf life.

Henry County Farmers Federation President Thomas Adams plans to be among the first to try the ‘AU-1101’ variety.

“Drought resistance is an issue that is hard to address, especially in small, irregular-shaped fields characteristic of the Wiregrass,” Adams said. “Manufacturers are becoming more interested in high oleic content. In the past, high oleic numbers and good yields didn’t go together, so the combination of the two will be great for farmers and manufacturers.”

Randy Griggs, executive director of APPA, said the peanut industry rescued Chen’s breeding program from the National Peanut Laboratory in Dawson, Ga. Decades of research were in jeopardy of being lost due to federal budget cuts. Peanut industry funding allowed Chen to continue his variety trials in Headland, Fairhope and Dawson.

“There will always be a need for talented individuals to develop new varieties,” Griggs said. “The continuation of USDA research allows farmers to know what to expect when they put seeds in the ground.”

Chen chose to work as a peanut breeder because the information collected is not owned by a specific company and can be shared with other breeders.

“When I was interviewing for the job at Auburn, they asked From Left: Alabama Peanut Producers why I wanted to work for them,” Chen said. “I told them my Association Executive Director Randy Griggs; goal was to serve the farmer, not to serve a company. I want to Superintendent of the Wiregrass Research make peanut growing a profitable business.” and Extension Center Larry Wells; Auburn Kris Balkcom, research associate and Extension agronomist at University and USDA Peanut Breeder Dr. the Wiregrass Research Center, said Chen’s work is helping farmers Charles Chen; and Research Associate and decide which varieties are best adapted to their soil types.

Extension Agronomist Kris Balkcom examine “Ten to 15 years ago, there were only three varieties crops at the Wiregrass Research Center near Headland. to choose from,” Balkcom said. “Now, we have facilities that test 10 varieties at a time, so we can tell farmers which one will make them the most productive.”

For peanut farmers like Adams, knowing new varieties have been thoroughly field tested is reassuring.

“I appreciate the years of work dedicated to researching this new peanut variety,” Adams said. “The years of research make it more appealing to farmers than products that are rushed to the market.”

In addition to variety tests, the Alabama Peanut Producers Association is working to help the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center update peanut combining equipment. Better equipment will provide more accurate information to be collected and distributed to farmers looking for the most economic farming practices. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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Commodity Conference Seminars Feature New Rural Crimes Unit

A

working cases and bringing these criminals to justice.” labama’s new Agricultural and Rural Crimes Unit (ARCU) will highlight Alabama Farmers FederaWiggins will address Commodity Conference tion Commodity Conference seminars Aug. 3, as participants during a 3 p.m. general session. Saturday’s more than 700 farmers gather in agenda also includes a 2 p.m. genBirmingham. eral session on a U.S. Department of Lt. Gene Wiggins, head of the Agriculture initiative to improve soil unit, will encourage farmers to use fertility plus morning seminars on the new 1-855-75-CRIME hotline topics ranging from private property to report suspicious activities. He rights and equine management to also will discuss ongoing investigaruminant nutrition and food safety. tions involving cattle and equipSaturday’s seminars follow a day ment theft. Although a law passed of farm tours Friday, Aug. 2, and a by the Alabama Legislature this welcome banquet Thursday, Aug. 1. spring doesn’t require consolidaThursday night entertainment will tion of state law enforcement until be Alabama’s champion FFA String January 2015, Gov. Robert Bentley Band, and Saturday’s closing banquet and Secretary of Law Enforcement features comedian James Gregory. arcu.Alabama.gov Entertainment is sponsored by Alfa Spencer Collier tapped Wiggins to Agricultural & Rural Crime Unit Health and Alfa Dental. organize the ARCU this year based The conference also includes the on an immediate need for agriculWomen’s Leadership Division quilting, tablescapes and tural investigators.

“With sheriff’s departments understaffed, it’s impor- apron-sewing competitions, with winners announced tant to have trained investigators who understand these during a Saturday luncheon. n types of crimes and can focus on solving them,” Wig___________________________________________________ gins said. “I appreciate Gov. (Robert) Bentley and SecFor conference information, visit www.alfafarmers.org/events. retary (Spencer) Collier for allowing our unit to begin Registration deadline is July 8.

REPORT RURAL CRIME

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Fresh Ideas For Summer Cooking A Collection of Recipes from Alabama’s Farm Families and Country Cooks

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Alabama farmers represent one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, growing everything from soybeans to sweet potatoes and cattle to catfish. This cookbook, produced in hardback form, introduces you to these farmers who grow our food, along with 200 recipes and beautiful food photography highlighting some of Alabama’s best country cooks.

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Strawberry Chiffon Pie, p. 166

Peanut Butter Silk Pie, p. 158

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Alabama Farmers Federation J U LY 2 0 1 3

Rosemary-Crusted Pork Loin, p. 124

23

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O O O County Annual Meetings O O O Coffee Sumter Elmore Mobile Wilcox Pike Lee Dale Henry

Monday, July 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Community Room 1055 E. McKinnon St., New Brockton Monday, July 15 @ 7 p.m.

Alfa Office Livingston Tuesday, July 16 @ 7 p.m.

Wetumpka High School 1281 Coosa River Parkway, Wetumpka Thursday, July 25 @7 p.m.

Greater Gulf State Fair Grounds 1035 North Cody Road, Mobile Thursday, July 25 @ 7:30 p.m.

Lower Coastal Experiment Station Camden Thursday, July 25 @ 7 p.m.

Alfa Office 1208 S. Brundidge, St., Troy Tuesday, July 30 @ 6 p.m.

Cooperative Extension System Office Kitchen, 600 South, 7th St., Opelika Monday, Aug. 5 @ 7 p.m.

Dale Co. Government Bldg.

202 Hwy. 123 S., Ozark Tuesday, Aug. 6 @ 7 p.m.

Wiregrass Research & Experiment Center 167 E. State Hwy. 134, Headland

Clay Escambia Jackson Barbour Baldwin Calhoun Coosa Cullman Greene

Tuesday, Aug. 6 @ 7 p.m.

Red’s Catfish Cabin 689 Catfish Rd., Cragford Tuesday, Aug. 6 @ 6 p.m.

Ag Center 175 Ag Science Drive, Brewton Tuesday, Aug. 6 @ 6:30 p.m.

County Federation Office 23625 John T. Reid Parkway, Scottsboro Thursday, Aug. 8 @ 7 p.m.

Abercrombie Fish Camp 335 Eufaula Ave., Clayton Thursday, Aug. 8 @7 p.m.

Federation Building 21332 Hwy 59, Robertsdale Thursday, Aug. 8 @6:30 p.m.

County Federation Office 1535 Pelham Road South, Jacksonville Thursday, Aug. 8 @ 6:30 p.m.

Old Rockford Schoolhouse Nixburg Rd. & Rd. 18, Rockford Thursday, Aug. 8 @ 7:00 p.m.

Alfa Office, Main Ave. Cullman Thursday, Aug. 8 @ 6 p.m.

Alfa Office Eutaw

Lawrence

Thursday, Aug. 8 @ 6:30 p.m.

Lawrence Co. Ag Center Hwy 157, Moulton Cherokee Friday, Aug. 9 @ 6:30 p.m.

Dean Buttram Senior Center 229 Dean Buttram Avenue, Centre Marion Friday, Aug. 9 @ 6:00 p.m.

Hamilton Rec. Center Hamilton Morgan Friday, Aug. 9 @ 7:00 p.m.

Hartselle Civic Center Hartselle Chambers Saturday, Aug. 10 @ 6 p.m.

Alfa Service Center 1006 Ave. A S.E., Lafayette Etowah Monday, Aug. 12 @ 6:30 p.m.

County Federation Office 125 Broad Street, Gadsden Madison Monday, Aug. 12 @ 4 p.m.

Holiday Inn Downtown Huntsville Montgomery Monday, Aug. 12 @ 7 p.m.

Alfa Home Office Cafeteria 2108 E. South Boulevard, Montgomery St. Clair Monday, Aug. 12 @ 7 p.m.

Alfa Service Center 32775 U.S. Hwy. 231, Ashville Continued on page 30

Waymon Buttram: District 3 Director High atop Sand Mountain, Waymon and Gail Buttram have spent 57 years growing their farm from 10 acres to one of the largest poultry and livestock operations in north Alabama.

“When we started, Gail went to work at a hosiery mill making 50 cents an hour to put bread on the table,” said Buttram, who represents Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah and Jackson counties in his position as District 3 director on the Alabama Farmers Federation board. “She’s been my right hand on the farm. We’ve worked together and built it to a little over 1,000 acres.”

Buttram, 76, is president of the DeKalb County Farmers Federation. His Crossville, Ala., farm has 14 poultry houses, 450 beef cows and, until earlier this year, a 1,200-sow pork operation. Buttrams’ sons, Jonathan, Greg and Jeff, are partners in the family farm.

“I’ve been in agriculture all my life,” Buttram said. “I’ve always had the desire to be a farmer and always loved it.” w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

24

J U LY 2 0 1 3

Sun-Safe Farm Fashion

Clothing Protection:

Y Darker fabric absorbs more UV rays than Y Y Y Autauga County farmer Bill Lipscomb takes sun safety seriously

By Katie Wendland

S

weet, juicy watermelons and sun-kissed tomatoes may thrive in the sultry summer sun, but those same beautiful rays can be deadly enemies to human skin.

Alabama Farmers Federation State Beef Committee Member Bill Lipscomb, who also serves on the Autauga County Farmers Federation board of directors, said his familiarity with sun safety precautions follows a personal battle with skin cancer.

“I went shirtless as a teenager because it was cool,” said Lipscomb, who developed skin cancer on his hands. “I never thought about sun safety. But I’ll be the first to tell you today… ‘Don’t go without a shirt because tan is cool; it isn’t worth it in the long run.

Wear a hat and gloves. You may not think about protecting your hands, but they’re important, too.’”

Farmers and outdoor workers are most likely to get an infamous

J U LY 2 0 1 3

Y Y Y

white or pastel fabrics If you can see light through fabric, UV rays can harm your skin Dry fabric is more protective than wet fabric Gloves made of leather or tightly woven fabric offer the best hand protection Solid hats are more protective than straw hats Synthetic and semi-synthetic fabrics (polyester and rayon) are more protective Tight fitting clothing stretches and allows more sunlight to touch the skin

farmer’s tan — and contract skin cancer and diseases.

Although a tan may be desirable, skin isn’t always appreciative of the sun exposure.

Bret Stanfield, public information specialist for the Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, said those routinely spending time in the sun should see a doctor annually to check irregular moles, freckles or other spots.

“Alabama’s Department of Public Health Comprehensive Cancer Control Program encourages all Alabamians, especially farmers, to practice sun safety by applying sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher, wearing a widebrimmed hat and seeking shade whenever possible,” Stanfield said.

“By following these guidelines, Alabamians can greatly reduce their chances of developing melanoma skin cancer.”

Many clothing companies have begun to incorporate ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) coatings 25

to help deflect UV rays. A higher UPF number means more protection and a lower risk of developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, thicker fabrics with tighter weaves, such as denim and wool, leave little room for the sun’s rays to reach the skin. Even an ordinary white cotton T-shirt can provide protection after a wash with Sun Guard’s Rit® laundry additive.

Stanfield said Alabama’s melanoma skin cancer incidence and mortality rates are near the national average. The ADPH Cancer Control Program reports Alabama’s melanoma rate in 2009 was 18.6 per 100,000 people, while the national average was 18.8. The state’s mortality rate was 2.8, while the national average was 2.7.

The Skin Cancer Foundation says clothing provide the indisputable best protection against skin cancer, followed by sunscreen and hats. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Living To Serve

Alabama FFA Students Donate 40,000 Meals

By Mary Johnson

M

ore than 400 Alabama FFA students rolled up their sleeves and donned hair nets for the Rally Against Hunger June 5 during the State FFA Convention in Montgomery. Six hours of measuring and bagging food culminated with a donation of more than 7,000 bags to the Montgomery Area Food Bank, which serves 35 Alabama counties through 800 member agencies.

Each bag contains six nutritious servings of grains and vegetables, for a grand total of 42,120 meals. Alabama state FFA officers were inspired to host a state Rally Against Hunger after helping pack a million meals at the National FFA Convention in October.

“Hunger is a reality for many people throughout America,” said State FFA President Josh Williams, who is a member of the Douglas High School FFA Chapter. “Through the FFA we learn the importance of providing food for others, and we gain the leadership skills necessary to confront problems and find solutions. Today, FFA members from across the state are dedicating their time to be a part of the solution to feed the hungry.”

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and State Rep. Jay Love, R-Montgomery, joined FFA students on the assembly line and talked about the importance of ending hunger in Alabama.

“The FFA motto is ‘Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve,’ and that’s what we’re doing here today,” Ivey said.

“We’re going to serve together to meet an unmet need. We can make a difference right here at home in our own communities.”

Ivey said there are thousands of people in Alabama who are unsure where their next meal will come from, including 47,000 people in Montgomery.

More than 50 million Americans, including almost 17 million children, live with food insecurity, according to USDA statistics. Nearly 920,000 Alabamians are classified as “food insecure.”

The Alabama FFA Foundation and the Alabama FFA Association funded the Rally Against Hunger with resources provided by the national Kids Against Hunger organization. n

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

26

Top photo: FFA members packed more than 42,000 meals during the Rally Against Hunger at their annual convention.

Middle photo: Outgoing State FFA President Josh Williams of Boaz seals one of the 7,000 bags FFA members filled with food during their state convention in Montgomery June 4-7.

Bottom photo: Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey and State Rep. Jay Love, R-Montgomery, join Moody High School FFA students to scoop and bag food during the Rally Against Hunger. In all, more than 400 FFA students helped pack more than 42,120 meals for the Montgomery Area Food Bank.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

By Lois Chaplin

G

arlic chives make a big splash in the summer garden, coming into full bloom at a time when other plants are feeling the heat.

This plant is easy to find at botanical gardens but isn’t widely sold in garden centers.

However, neighbors with garlic chives in their gardens are usually glad to share because the plants reseed almost too generously. Seeds also are available from online suppliers.

The first time I saw garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) was on a farm specializing in Asian vegetables. They were called Chinese chives. They also go by other names like Chinese leeks and are an important ingredient in Asian cooking.

This perennial is a relative of onions and onion chives, but the plants have thin, flat, strap-like leaves, not the hollow leaves of onions and chives. For stir fry, garlic chives are a dream.

The flat leaves are easy to cut, crunchy and taste very much like garlic, only milder.

Cooks use them in countless other ways, too, such as an ingredient in egg salad or scrambled eggs or as a topping on pizza. Just add them near the end of any cooking process because their mild flavor is destroyed by heat. The pretty, edible flowers have a mild garlic taste. (Harvesting the flowers causes the plants to produce more leaves.)

Gardeners use chives as an accent or edging, but they also grow well in pots.

Plant in a spot where the soil drains well to avoid root rot. After a few years, the original clumps will need dividing in spring. Dig and transplant seedlings in spring or fall.

Rugged and easy to grow, each plant forms a lush clump that grows fast, especially in the cool weather of spring. It only takes a small clump of garlic chives to get started. Garlic chives prefer full sun, but will grow in partial shade, too. Once established, these plants are tough, enduring summer and winter with no problem.

This time of year they come into bloom, adding beauti-

ful, white flower stalks in the mid-summer heat. The blooms are atop thin stalks that rise about a foot-anda-half above the leaves.

Harvest leaves as soon as they are big enough to clip and use, but go easy the first year. Young plants need the leaves to build up energy and grow a good root system to make a strong clump. In fall, trim back the entire plant and freeze the leaves to use later. In south Alabama, the plants are generally evergreen, so enjoy them fresh from the garden year-round.

Once established, leafy clumps will multiply. If you leave the flowers to set, their little black seeds that drop to the ground, you will find yourself a provider of seedlings to share with cooks and gardeners. n _____________________________________

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

SWEET SUMMERTIME SAVINGS. WWW.ALAFARM.COM J U LY 2 0 1 3

27

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

Carolina Ribs

Alexander Hunter, Mobile County

J

uly is Pork Month in Alabama, but Russell County Farmers Federation members Larry and Jo Ann Laney are a threat to cook a batch of mouth-watering ribs anytime.

As former members of the CharBroil Barbecue Team, the Laneys competed in Kansas City- and Memphis-style contests across the country. Their trophy collection — which spilled out of the house and into the barn and garage — includes multiple top-10 prizes from the prestigious Memphis in May. Larry’s secrets of success include using a quality spice rub, fruit wood (like apple or cherry) for smoke and apple juice or brown sugar for sweetness.

“Hickory wood is too strong,” Larry said. “If it’s green or not com-

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

10 pounds pork ribs ¼ cup canola oil Tony Chachere Blend Dry Rub ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 2 cups apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons light brown sugar BBQ Sauce: 1 cup prepared yellow mustard ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup light brown sugar ¾ cup cider vinegar ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons black pepper 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon white pepper ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon soy sauce 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke

pletely cured, it can give the meat a chemical flavor.”

To celebrate July Pork Month in Alabama, “Country Kitchen” is proud to feature recipes from 28

Rub short ribs with oil. Blend dry spices together and rub ribs until well covered. Pour cider vinegar in bottom of broiler/ steamer pan and add light brown sugar. Stir well. Place ribs on top of broiler pan or steamer. Place in 450 F preheated oven and steam 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes while preparing BBQ sauce.

BBQ Sauce: Mix all ingredients together except soy sauce, butter and liquid smoke. Simmer 30 minutes on medium heat. Stir in soy sauce, butter and liquid smoke. Simmer 10 minutes.

Grill short ribs over medium high flame until 165 F. Mop ribs periodically with BBQ sauce.

Serve hot.

county Federation pork cooking contests throughout the state.

For more pork recipes visit, PorkBeInspired.com and AlfaFarmers.org.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

Pulled Pork Party Nachos Morgan Brown, Cullman County

Plantation Grilled Pork Chops WITH Grilled Vidalia Onion Debra Lamberth, Coosa County

10 cups tortilla chips (8 ounces) 1 package (1 pound) pulled pork 1 can grilling or black beans 2 chopped green onions (optional) 1 package (8 ounces) KRAFT Authentic Mexican Style Finely Shredded Cheese 1 cup Pico de Gallo

6 center-cut pork chops (3/4 inch thickness) 1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing ( 8-ounce) 1 large Vidalia onion Olive Oil Garlic/Pepper Seasoning

Heat oven to 350 F. Spread tortilla chips onto a baking dish. Top with pork, beans, onions and cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese begins to melt. Top with Pico de Gallo. Serve with sour cream (optional).

Sauce: 1 cup catsup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ½ cup brown sugar Hot sauce to taste

Crock-pot BBQ Carolyn Alexander, Russell County 1 onion 1 boneless Boston butt (about 4 pounds.)

Butt Rub 1 can of beer 1 can of water Barbecue sauce

Place thinly sliced onion on the bottom of a pot. Season butt with the Butt Rub. Place in the pot.

Cover with beer and water. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Remove meat and chop. Put back in crockpot and add favorite barbecue sauce.

Cook another 1-3 hours on low.

Serve on buns.

Tenderloin Medley Delle Bean, Calhoun County 2 tablespoons oil 2 pounds pork tenderloin 1 cup water 2 medium potatoes 2 medium onions 4 carrots Salt and pepper to taste

Place two tablespoons oil in a heavy skillet. On high heat, sear the tenderloin in oil until golden brown on all sides. Remove loin from skillet, place in a slow cooker (crock pot) and add water. Set cooker on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours. Clean potatoes, onions and carrots; cut into pieces approximately 1 ½ or 2 inches.

Place vegetables around loin in slow cooker for last two hours of cooking time. Salt and pepper to taste.

Cover chops with dressing in large Ziploc bag. Marinate at least one hour before cooking.

Line pan with foil and place chops in a single layer. Pour dressing over chops and cover tightly. Pre-cook chops in the oven at 400 F for 30 minutes.

Cut onion into ¾ inch thick slices, keeping onion intact. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic/ pepper seasoning. If smaller onion is used, place on a square foil to prevent falling through grill.

Place chops and onion on grill and cook both sides until browned, turning only once.

Combine sauce ingredients.

Brush one side of chops with sauce and cook about 5 minutes. Turn and brush other side with sauce, cooking about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve with grilled onions and other vegetables as desired.

Bacon Surprise Mary Tucker, Fayette County 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup dry Ranch Dressing mix 1 cup Hormel Bacon Bits

Bacon Cheddar Cups Pat Schrand, Coffee County 12 ounce package of bacon, cooked and crumbled ¾ cup of mayonnaise 2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 packs 8-count jumbo refrigerated biscuits

In a bowl, combine the bacon, mayonnaise, cheese and mustard.

Cut biscuits into quarters. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of ungreased miniature muffin cups.

Fill each with about 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture. Bake at 400 F for about 10 minutes. Remove from pans while still hot and put on a rack to cool. Serve warm. Makes 64 miniature bacon cheddar cups.

Posh Piggies Pat Presley, Coffee County 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed 1 egg, beaten 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, cut into 36 half-inch slices Sesame seeds Dipping Sauce: ¼ cup apricot jam 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Heat oven to 400 F. Brush a sheet of puff pastry with a beaten egg and cut 36 circles using a 1 ¼ inch fluted cutter.

Top each sausage round with a pastry circle and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Skewer each stack with a toothpick and place on a baking sheet. Bake until pastry is golden (18-20 minutes).

Stir together jam, mustard and mayonnaise and serve with Posh Piggies. Makes 36.

Blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and dressing mix until smooth. Fold in bacon bits.

Serve with crackers or in cucumber disk (scoop out middle of ½ inch slice). Serve in a bowl or other container—a large zucchini (with the middle scooped out).

Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes.

Recommend a favorite cook who is a member of the Alabama Farmers Federation by emailing AlabamaCountryKitchen@gmail.com.

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County Annual Meetings (con’t)

Washington

Monday, Aug. 12 @ 7 p.m.

Federation Building 54 Court Street, Chatom Cleburne Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

The Mountain Center 6751 Hwy 78, Heflin Conecuh Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 6 p.m.

David Burt Building 102 Liberty Street, Evergreen Bullock Thursday, Aug. 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Greenway Sportsman’s Club 2621 Hwy 223, Union Springs Franklin Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 7 p.m.

Best Western Inn Hwy 43, Russellville Houston Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

Alfa Office 1038 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan Lauderdale Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

Underwood-Petersville Senior Center Florence Shelby Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 6:30 p.m.

Alfa Service Center 256 S. Main Street, Columbiana Blount Thursday, Aug. 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

(BBQ will be served @ 6 p.m.)

Frank J. Green Building, Oneonta Covington Thursday, Aug. 15 @ 7 p.m.

Oakwood Lodge 13725 Brooklyn Rd., Andalusia Lamar Aug 15th, Thursday, 6:00.

City Auditorium, Vernon.

Talladega Thursday, Aug. 15 @ 7 p.m.

Alfa Office 314 East Battle Street, Talladega Tuscaloosa Thursday, Aug. 15 @ 7 p.m.

Bobby Miller Center Tuscaloosa Limestone Friday, Aug. 16 @ 6 p.m.

Veterans Museum Athens Randolph Saturday, Aug. 17 @ 5 p.m.

Wedowee Kiwanis Park, Antique Tractor Pavilion, Hwy 431, Wedeowee Butler Monday, Aug. 19 @6 p.m.

Pioneer Electric Building 300 Herbert Street, Greenville Monroe Monday, Aug. 19 @6:30 p.m.

Ag Center 334 Agriculture Drive, Monroeville Russell Monday, Aug. 19 @ 6 p.m. CST Old Russell Court House 5 Jackson St., Seale Fayette Aug 20th, Tuesday, 6:00.

Fayette Civic Center, Fayette.

Geneva Tuesday, Aug. 20 @ 7 p.m.

Geneva Farm Center 2765 Hwy. 52, Geneva Autauga Wednesday, Aug. 21 @ 7:00 p.m.

Autauga Co. Ag Center 2224 Hwy 14 West, Autaugaville w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Dekalb Pickens Chilton Colbert Bibb Choctaw Marshall Tallapoosa Clarke Walker

O

Thursday, Aug. 22 @ 6:30 p.m.

Alfa Insurance Office Building 346 McCurdy Ave. S, Rainsville Aug 22nd, Thursday, 6:00.

Pickens Co. Service Center, Carrolton.

Monday, Aug. 26 @ 7 p.m.

Clanton Recreation Center 309 1st Street North, Clanton Monday, Aug. 26 @ 7 p.m.

NW Shoals Jr. College Muscle Shoals Tuesday, Aug. 27 @ 5 p.m.

Alfa Office Centerville Tuesday, Aug. 27 @ 6 p.m.

Federation Building 229 Mulberry Avenue, Butler Tuesday, Aug. 27 @ 7 p.m.

County Federation Office 1333 Blount Avenue, Guntersville Tuesday, Aug. 27 @ 6:30 p.m.

Tallapoosa Co. Farmers Federation Bldg.

111 N. Tallassee St., Dadeville Thursday, Aug. 29 @ 6:30 p.m.

Federation Building 148 South Jackson Street, Grove Hill Thursday, Aug 29 @ 6:00 p.m.

Alfa Office 903 Airport Rd S. Jasper

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