July 2020 | Volume 45 | Number 8 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate 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 Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville Donald Sewell | Southside Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Seminole Chris Carroll | Ariton Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Jonathan Sanders | Brundidge 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 | Peanut Farmers Spread
Good During Pandemic
28 | Quick And Easy
Weeknight Meals
7 | Hale County Catfish
Farmer Catches Top Title
12 | Flocking To Sheep 16 | Where The Soy Rubber Meets The Road
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18
On The Cover Bibb County Farmers Federation President Ashton Cottingham feeds cattle on his farm near Centreville. Cottingham has a popular farm-to-fork business, but a lack of meat processing facilities could stop him from expanding.
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Photo by Debra Davis
www.AlfaFarmers.org
EDQAM
A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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From left are Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) Executive Director Jacob Davis, Alabama Farm Credit Executive Vice President Karri Sumrall, First South Farm Credit Vice President of Business Development John Sport, Montgomery Area Food Bank CEO Rich Deem, Alabama Ag Credit President Doug Thiessen and APPA President Carl Sanders.
Peanut Butter Donation Helps Feed Needy Families By Kaye Lynn Hataway and Debra Davis he Alabama Peanut Producers T Association (APPA) donated 14,400 jars of peanut butter to the Alabama
Food Bank Association June 11 to assist eight regional food banks with feeding needy families. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained hunger-relief efforts around the state. Rich Deem of the Montgomery Area Food Bank (MAFB) said the donation will go a long way in meeting a growing demand for his agency. “In our service area of 25 counties we have over 300,000 food insecure
Peanut butter is filled with protein, vitamins and essential nutrients and doesn’t require refrigeration. It is a popular item at food banks. alfafarmers.org
people,” said Deem, the CEO of the MAFB. “Demand is higher than ever right now. When unemployment grows, our mission grows, too. We’ve had people in here in the past few weeks who never dreamed they would need assistance in feeding their family.” Deem said peanut butter is one of the most popular items at food banks. “It literally flies off the shelf because it’s shelf stable, and you can do so many things with it,” Deem said. “We really appreciate this donation.” APPA made the donation by partnering with Alabama Ag Credit, Alabama Farm Credit and First South Farm Credit, which helped purchase the peanut butter through Peanut Proud Inc., the humanitarian arm of the peanut industry. Trucking for the donation was provided by Southern Ag Carriers Inc., which hauled the peanut butter from a plant from Blakely, Georgia, to Montgomery. The 10 pallets of peanut butter delivered to the MAFB were shared with other food banks across the state. Peanut farmers like Coffee County’s Carl Sanders say they are proud to grow a product that helps families when they need it most. “Alabama peanut farmers are especially grateful to grow a crop that is so wholesome and nutritious,” said Sanders, APPA president. “Peanut butter is filled with protein, vitamins
APPA President Carl Sanders, right, touted the importance of peanut butter and giving back during a pandemic with a reporter.
and essential nutrients, and it does not require refrigeration. We appreciate the help of the farm credit agencies that helped make this donation possible.” APPA Executive Director Jacob Davis and Sanders were present for the delivery of the peanut butter at the MAFB as were representatives from First South Farm Credit, Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit. The APPA is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farm organization. Alabama is home to about 900 peanut farmers, and approximately half of the peanuts produced in the U.S. are grown within 100 miles of Dothan. For more information, visit alpeanuts. com. August 2020
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Full-Circle Return
HERE’S HOW THE SOY CHECKOFF WORKS. The national soy checkoff was created as part of the 1990 Farm Bill. The Act & Order that created the soy checkoff requires that all soybean farmers pay into the soy checkoff at the first point of purchase. These funds are then used for promotion, research and education at both the state and national level.
TO ELEVATORS, PROCES S N A SOR BE L S& L SE DEA S R E LER M R S FA 1/2 of 1% of the total selling price collected per the national soybean act & order
0.5%
Half goes to the state checkoff for investment in areas that are a priority for that state.
PROMOTION
RESEARCH
EDUCATION
ROI TO THE FA RMER by 73 volunteer soybean farmers, the United Soybean Board * Led (USB) invests and leverages soy checkoff dollars to MAXIMIZE PROFIT OPPORTUNITIES for all U.S. soybean farmers.
unitedsoybean.org
Half goes to the national checkoff for investment in USB’s* long-range strategic plan.
Smelley Named Catfish Farmer Of The Year By Marlee Moore 5:55 a.m. when Luke Smelley’s starts ringing; he picks Iup,t’siPhone and a scorching July workday
starts for Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year. Two hours later, Luke is driving on a pond dam scattering a 32% protein feed to millions of fish near Greensboro in Hale County. Once the fish reach 2 pounds, they’ll be harvested and processed. Next stop: a grocery store or restaurant where consumers can purchase lean, delicious U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. “It’s worth making an investment in the grocery store,” said Luke, 35. “Catfish is a good quality product that is wholesome and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I think it’s a good-tasting product compared to other fish. It’s healthy, too, especially the way Lana cooks it.” Lana is his wife of 12 years. She’s a creative cook whose kitchen escapades often incorporate the farm’s bounty, such as catfish and pimento cheese sliders, catfish egg rolls, or catfish, spinach and artichoke dip. She’s also an accomplished architect who designed the gray farmhouse where the Smelleys raise their children — Levi, 10; Violet, 8; Everett, 5; Daisy, 3; and Iris, 1. The two-time Auburn University graduate designs renovations and new construction through Smelley Architecture & Interiors. “Living on the farm, the kids get to experience what their dad does firsthand, and they get to help,” Lana said. “Plus, they get hands-on experience with animals. It’s an amazing way to raise our family.”
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Getting U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish from pond to plate is time-intensive. Fish are hatched in Mississippi and are released into ponds when they are around 6-8 inches in length. This begins the months-long, daily routine of feeding and monitoring growing conditions.
Luke Smelley is Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year. He and his wife, Lana, live in Hale County with their children Levi, Violet, Everett, Daisy and Iris. August 2020
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to catfish farming.” Luke serves on the Hale County Farmers Federation board and was Alabama’s 2019 Outstanding Young Farm Family winner. From an early age, Luke caught on to catfish farming. He was raised on a farm across the road from his and Lana’s current homeplace and spent summers working with his father in the catfish processing facility in Uniontown. He credits his father, George, for instilling a love of catfish farming — and the know-how to make it happen. After high school, Luke rented a neighbor’s 75 acres of ponds and grew the fish farm. Today, he owns 200 acres of water and manages his father’s 400 acres of water, producing nearly 5 million pounds of fish annually. He also has a beef cattle herd and stocker calves and bales hay. Luke prioritizes family time, whether deer hunting with the kids, organizing daddy-daughter dates or letting the boys pitch in while working cows on horseback.
Luke Smelley grew up on a catfish farm just across the road from his current homeplace, where he and wife Lana are raising their kids, including Levi and Everett, to love and care for the land.
Luke embraces technology such as solar buoys that feed oxygen level updates to a computer. “It’s telling me what it’s reading every three minutes,” Luke said. “We run paddle wheels to keep the oxygen in the ponds stable, and the computer is programmed to turn the paddle wheels on when needed.” But manually monitoring oxygen levels is critical, especially during the steamy summer. “Computers can mess up, so we have to keep someone out here all the time checking levels,” he said. Luke uses a computer to track feed conversion of fish. During harvest at 15-18 months, the seine (or net) catches larger fish, leaving smaller ones to grow. Ponds are ideally 10-13 acres each, Luke said, with a stocking rate of 8,000-10,000 fish per acre of water. Catfish farming is geographically 8
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specialized, with most farms landing in west Alabama’s Black Belt, a region of dark, fertile soil perfect for holding abundant freshwater. In 2019, Alabama farmers Luke Smelley checks oxygen levels in catfish ponds on his farm near grew 102 million Greensboro. The Smelleys annually raise nearly 5 million pounds of lean, delicious U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. pounds of catfish on more than 16,000 acres He’s back at the house for lunch, — over 30% of all catfish in the U.S. The too, saying a prayer of thanksgiving state ranks second only to Mississippi in before digging in. (The Smelleys attend catfish production. Fairhaven Baptist Church in Demopolis) As Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the By 9 p.m., Luke is texting his crew Year, Luke is featured in Catfish Farmers recapping the day and planning for of America advertising campaigns. “Luke is a great example of how hard another early morning. He said good employees are essential to running the work pays off,” said Alabama Farmers farm and growing U.S. Farm-Raised Federation Catfish Division Director Catfish for families nationwide. Mitt Walker. “He’s invested in his farm “We have the cleanest water and and works hard to grow healthy, safe, grow healthy catfish,” he said. “It’s an affordable U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. easy choice for families everywhere.” We’re proud for Luke to help put a face alfafarmers.org
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Program Seeks To Recognize Historical Alabama Farms
he Alabama Department of T Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for the annual
Century and Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Aug. 28. The programs recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama’s history. A Century Farm has been in the
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same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities. The farm must include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee. A Heritage Farm has been operated continuously as a family farm for at least 100 years. The farm must possess interesting and important historical and agricultural aspects, including one or more structures at least 40 years old. The farm must also include at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama. To date, almost 700 farms have been recognized by the C & H Farm program. The ADAI also is accepting Bicentennial Farm program applications. On Dec. 14, Alabama observed its 200th birthday. Agriculture is an integral part of the state’s history, and this program aims to recognize families who have demonstrated love for the land through multiple generations.
The Bicentennial Farm program honors family farms that have remained in the same family for 200 years. To date, eight farms have been recognized. A Bicentennial Farm must currently have agricultural activities, be at least 40 acres in size and owned by an Alabama resident. Applicants for the program are required to complete a registration form that traces the family property ownership and includes a description of agricultural activities over the years. The application requests photos be included of structures on the property that are at least 40 years old. However, structures aren’t required to qualify for the program. Applicants for the 2020 C & H Farm program or 2020 Bicentennial Farm program should contact Amy Belcher at (334) 240-7126 or amy. belcher@agi.alabama.gov. Copies of both applications are available on the department’s website agi.alabama. gov under “Forms.”
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Starter Flock Program Launches Love Of Lambs By Marlee Moore Burkhalter isn’t sheepish Leeanna about loving lambs. And thanks to ewes (female sheep)
acquired through the Alabama Farmers Federation Starter Flock Program, the 16-year-old is increasing her flock size and improving lamb quality. “I wouldn’t have expanded without the Starter Flock Program,” Leeanna said. “I was going to leave it small. Because of the program, I had more ewes to breed. It helped speed up breeding show lambs and helped expand the farm.” Founded by the Federation’s Sheep & Goat Division, the pay-it-forward program supports those looking to start a sheep farm — or grow their
Leeanna Burkhalter paid it forward in the Starter Flock Program by giving a lamb to Colt Thomas of Phil Campbell. Leeanna was given several ewes last year through the Farmers Federation program to jumpstart her flock. 12
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existing, small operation — by providing healthy, young ewes free of charge. The participants also receive education and mentorship needed to grow the flock. After their ewes reproduce, participants donate ewe lambs to other farmers for the next two years. Leeanna’s FFA involvement, particularly strengthening her SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), led her and Fayette County High School (FCHS) agriscience teacher Brad Cox to the Starter Flock Program. Federation Sheep & Goat Division Director Brady Ragland said the initiative relieves financial pressure from fledgling sheep farmers. “There are a lot of unknowns for first-time or novice producers when getting started raising livestock,” Ragland said. “By giving them a couple of ewes, we’re helping address one of the key obstacles that might prevent them from getting started.” After detailing her interest, livestock experience and goals through an application, Leeanna was accepted into the program. Her medium-wool sheep came from Rex Harrison’s Cullman County farm. Flossie, Minnie, Delilah and Dolly, lovingly called “the ladies,” scored new digs at the Burkhalter farm near Fayette in Fayette County. Leeanna’s original, smaller flock was housed in a chain-link pen near her house. “The ladies,” and show lambs now have two spacious barns built from logs felled and sawn on site, thanks to work from Leeanna, parents Natalyn and Jonathan Burkhalter, and grandfather James Burkhalter. Bulking up the flock helped grow Leeanna’s farm and SAE, said Cox. The hands-on, out-of-class experience helps students prepare for a career in agriculture. (Leeanna hopes to teach ag.) “Leeanna came to me in eighth grade saying she wanted to be a district officer. I told her that was great, but she needed to have a quality SAE,” Cox said. “She’s done an excellent job building her program. “The quality of the lambs has increased drastically from middle-ofthe-pack show lambs to lambs that will alfafarmers.org
Top: Fayette County High School ag teacher Brad Cox, Leeanna Burkhalter and Alabama Farmers Federation Sheep & Goat Division Director Brady Ragland discuss Burkhalter’s sheep-centric FFA project. Above: Burkhalter shows Ragland the ewes she received through the Federation’s Starter Flock Program.
be competitive this year anywhere in the Southeast.” Her hard work is paying off. The FCHS junior is starting her second year as a district officer, serving 21 counties as FFA North District president. Leeanna daily wakes up at 7 a.m. and starts her livestock-care routine — bottle feed the calves, then feed and water the show lambs. Each afternoon, she bottlefeeds again before feeding “the ladies.” Then it’s back to the lambs, where she walks them and practices bracing, or setting up, the animals in preparation for the livestock show circuit.
Another of her lambs is at home on a different northwest Alabama farm. Earlier this year, Leeanna paid her sheep forward by giving a lamb to Colt Thomas of Phil Campbell in Franklin County, who’ll repay the favor over the next two years. “This program gives you the opportunity to help others, and I like that a lot,” Leeanna said. Starter Flock Program applications are due March 15, 2021. Contact the Federation’s Brady Ragland at bragland@alfafarmers.org to apply or learn more. August 2020
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Alabama Farmers Plant Less Cotton, More Corn, Soybeans, Peanuts And Wheat By Debra Davis OVID-19 indirectly impacted C farmers’ decisions to plant less cotton this year, including growers in
Alabama. World cotton demand was tracking at a slower pace before March, then the coronavirus sent markets tumbling. Lower cotton market prices encouraged farmers to seek more profitable options for this year’s planting, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady. “Our cotton farmers rely heavily on export markets, and those markets declined when the pandemic hit,” said Hornady, the Federation’s Cotton, Soybean, and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “At the same time, U.S. manufacturing slowed — or stopped completely for a while— diminishing the domestic demand for cotton. In March, the price for cotton dropped below 50 cents a pound as farmers were making final plans for planting spring crops.
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Farmers need at least 65 cents a pound for cotton to break even. Prices have rebounded some, but final planting decisions were already made.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) June acreage report was released June 30. The report showed Alabama farmers planted 470,000 acres of cotton, 13% less than last year’s 540,000 acres. Many of the acres planted in cotton for 2019 likely ended up in corn and soybeans this year, Hornady said. Alabama farmers planted 370,000 acres of corn, an increase of 16% over last year’s 320,000 acres. Soybean acreage jumped 17%, from 265,000 acres in 2019 to this year’s 310,000 acres. Alabama peanut farmers also planted more acres for 2020, digging in for 170,000 acres, a 6% increase over the previous year’s 160,000. While Alabama planting decisions mirrored national choices for cotton,
corn, soybeans and peanuts, state farmers bucked a national trend where U.S. farmers planted less wheat. Planting reports show Alabama farmers planted 140,000 acres of wheat this year compared to 130,000 acres last year, translating to an 8% increase. Meanwhile, USDA reported 44.3 million acres of wheat were planted nationally, a 2% drop since last year. That represents the lowest wheat acreage in the U.S. since records began in 1919. Hornady said global wheat production and world wheat stocks are at record levels, and prices are low. “U.S. wheat is facing stiff competition from other global producers (namely Russia and Ukraine) that raise wheat with higher average protein levels than American varieties,” she said. “Wheat prices are low, and it’s hard for farmers to make it profitable. But wheat remains an important part of crop rotation when double-cropped with soybeans.” alfafarmers.org
CFAP Payments Helping Farmers Cope with Losses
lmost 9,000 Alabama farmers received more than $56 A million in direct payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
(CFAP) as of early July. While the program benefited row crop, livestock, dairy and specialty crop farmers, other major commodity sectors in Alabama are still seeking assistance. Nationally, the program has paid out $5.3 billion. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker said catfish and nursery operations also suffered losses as a result of the virus, but USDA sought additional information from those sectors. The agency is determining if those producers will qualify for assistance. Walker, the Federation’s National Affairs director, also pointed out contract poultry growers were not included in the program. He said efforts are underway at USDA and congressional levels to provide assistance to those growers in the next round of COVID-19 legislation. Walker praised USDA for the expedient manner in which the program was implemented. “The Federation recognizes the hard work and extra efforts of the FSA employees who worked diligently and under difficult circumstances to roll out this program as quickly as possible,” he said.
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Hit The Road With U.S. Soy USB Research Creates New Markets For Soybeans
hether hitting the road for a run or a drive, travelers can now do so W with soy-based rubber technology. U.S. soy is available in Skechers footwear, thanks to their collaboration with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. — opening the door to a new market for U.S.-grown soybeans. The United Soybean Board (USB) regularly collaborates with Goodyear on research to learn how to incorporate soy into its rubber technology. This research led to the discovery that soybean oil could not only improve tire flexibility across temperatures but also provide enhanced grip on road surfaces, making it an ideal choice for Goodyear’s
U.S.-grown soybeans used to make more flexible and durable rubber in both Goodyear tires and Skechers shoes. 16
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all-weather tire line. Building off Goodyear’s discovery, Skechers utilized the same technology to deliver grip, stability and durability for select models of their running shoes, with plans to incorporate the rubber into more styles throughout 2020. “This collaboration is an example of two trusted brands coming together to create a high-tech product that will truly benefit our consumer,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. Today, there are more than 1,000 soy-based products available, including everything from turf grass to machinery lubricants to asphalt. USB is committed to continuing its work to research, develop and expand new uses, including these tires and shoes, to build demand for U.S. soybean farmers. “U.S. soybean growers are pleased to see this multiplier effect growing from their own collaboration with Goodyear through the soybean checkoff,” said USB Director Ralph Lott II, a soybean farmer from New York. “USB worked with Goodyear to support their innovation with U.S. soy that is now available in four lines of Goodyear tires. We’re enthusiastic that consumers have a new choice for performance as well as
sustainability with U.S. soy in a range of Skechers footwear.” Once just a byproduct, soybean oil is now a lucrative value driver for farmers, being used as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and functional replacement for petroleum in industrial products. Now, both Goodyear tires and Skechers shoes utilize soybean oil. Goodyear recently announced it will increase its use of soybean oil in 2020 by 25% with even loftier goals for inclusion by 2040. “Goodyear has always worked to create innovative products that provide consumers with high-performance tires, and now we’re using that same ingenuity to enable consumers to wear high-performance shoes,” said Christian Jurado, Goodyear’s global director of licensed products. Skechers’ soy-based shoes are available in stores and online in the Sketchers GOrun collection. The brand shared plans to expand the range of styles and colors available through 2020, including branching out into trail, work and safety footwear categories for men, women and children. All models utilizing the soybean oil will be labeled as having Goodyear Performance Outsoles. Goodyear’s soy-based tires are also available in the U.S. and Canada in several sizes and styles, including some of their top-performing tires: the Assurance® WeatherReady®, Eagle Exhilarate™, Eagle® Enforcer® All Weather® and the Assurance ComfortDrive®. To learn more about these innovations and soy-based products, visit soynewuses.org. About United Soybean Board: United Soybean Board’s 78 volunteer farmerdirectors work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for soy checkoff investments. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for U.S. soy. That preference is based on U.S. soybean meal and oil quality and sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. alfafarmers.org
The Alabama Farmers Federation is searching for a bumper crop of snapshots depicting the state’s No. 1 industry — agriculture — through the Farming Feeds Alabama Photo Contest.
categories Farm Life Family time, generational, working, playing, pets, children, machinery, equipment, farm challenges
crops Any stage from planting to
harvest for all crops grown in Alabama, including fruits, vegetables, hay and large-scale row crops
animal agriculture Cattle, poultry, catfish, goats, sheep and equine
prizes
$50 $ 0 10 0 15 1 place 2 place 3 place
$
st
each category
nd
each category
rd
each category
150
$ The People’s Choice Award ber voted on through Facebook in Novem
Winners will be recognized during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s
99th annual meeting and in Neighbors magazine.
one photo original, unpublished content. • Each photographer may enter • Photos must have been taken in Alabama in 2020 and must be d text or logos or embedde with Photos • white. and black or color be may in each category. • Minor adjustments are accepted. Photos are not and smartphones are acceptable, as long as quality and resolution watermarks will not be accepted. • Photos taken with cameras will be eliminated. • Alabama Farmers Federation staff and their behavior unsafe exhibiting Photos . practices farm safe with affected. • Photos must comply the Alabama Farmers Federation for promotional materials. immediate families are ineligible. • All entries could be used by test. hotoCon ers.org/P • More terms and conditions available at AlfaFarm
Rules
Submit entries June 1-Nov. 15 at AlfaFarmers.org/PhotoContest.
Bibb County Farmers Federation President Ashton Cottingham and his father, Steve, own River City Cattle Co. near Centreville. They raise 150 calves annually, selling most in of what they raise in trailer-load lots after the calves reach 700-800 pounds. They also raise freezer beef and hope to expand that market next year if processing is available.
Here’s The Beef
Processing Shortage Stymies Opportunities For Cattlemen And Pork Producers By Debra Davis merican consumers witnessed A kinks in the nation’s food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic,
sending shoppers in search of locally grown food. The increased interest became a blessing for many fruit and vegetable growers who enjoyed an influx of local patrons. Sales increased at farmers markets and roadside stands. On-farm sales also spiked. But some Alabama cattlemen may view the pandemic as a missed opportunity due to a shortage of state and federally inspected meat processing facilities. “Selling meat directly to consumers can be a profitable alternate marketing avenue for producers,” said the
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Alabama Farmers Federation’s Brady Ragland. “There are additional expenses and risks involved in feeding and caring for an animal until it’s harvested, but for producers who can do it successfully, there is a potential of increasing profits by $500 or more per head.” Unlike fruit and vegetables, meat requires further processing, said Ragland, the Federation’s Beef Division director. That’s the biggest obstacle cattle and hog farmers experienced while trying to capitalize on increased demand. “I sell 15-20 calves a month and about 20-30 hogs a month for freezer meat,” said Lowndes County farmer David Lee, 45. “If more processing was available, I could sell more. Currently, I have to travel throughout the state to different processors to get that much
meat done. Fortunately, my customer base is scattered across the state.” Lee sells Trinity Farms beef in several ways but mostly to customers who buy a whole mature calf or purchase a half side of beef and share with family or friends. Lee partners with Walker County hog farmer Daniel Tubbs to provide pork for customers. Tubbs chairs the Federation’s State Pork Committee and farms with his father and two brothers. The family also raises beef cattle. “I owe a lot to David Lee for including me in his farm-to-fork business,” said Tubbs, 36, who also provides pork directly to his own customer base. “My family has been raising hogs for over 45 years, but we’re fairly new to this direct-marketing business. We buy feeder pigs that weigh alfafarmers.org
60-90 pounds and feed them until they weigh 280-300 pounds. That usually takes three to five months. Our pork is fresh and delicious, and we have a lot of repeat customers.” Like others, Tubbs faces a shortage of processing, forcing him to travel at least two hours to the closest processor. “There’s definitely been an increase in demand for locally grown meat since the pandemic hit,” Tubbs said. “Prior to that, in five years, I maybe only had five calls a year from people about buying pork. Since the pandemic, I’ve had 10 or more calls a week wanting to buy pork. It’s frustrating as a producer to have a product people want and not be able to get it to them.” As the food supply chain returns to normal operations (the USDA reports major meat processors were at 95% capacity in early July following earlier closures due to COVID-19). Tubbs predicts demand for local meat may diminish but won’t disappear. He recalls a time when local meat processors were common in rural Alabama. “As society became more urban and people moved away from the farm, the demand for local processing dwindled,” he said. “Plus, there are a lot of government regulations in operating a facility. There is also an issue of finding and keeping good employees and the expense of operating a business that handles large animals, which requires large amounts of freezer space.” There are three classifications for processing facilities in Alabama; custom
Beef sold directly to consumers can increase profits for farmers by $500 or more per head. River City Cattle Co. uses a USDA-inspected processing facility that allows it to sell individual cuts of beef by the pound as well as whole and half sides of beef. Custom-exempt processing facilities can only process livestock owned by an individual, and the meat cannot be resold. alfafarmers.org
Federation State Pork Committee Chairman Daniel Tubbs raises hogs with his father and two brothers on their Walker County farm. Tubbs said he fields about 10 calls a week from consumers wanting to buy locally grown pork. He said more processing would expand opportunities for him and other farmers.
exempt, federally inspected and state inspected. Custom exempt facilities can only process livestock owned by an individual, and the meat cannot be resold. Those facilities are inspected for USDA sanitary requirements. Packaged meat is stamped “not for resale.” State and federally inspected facilities in Alabama have USDA inspectors on site. Meat processed at federally inspected facilities can be sold in state and across state lines, while state inspected meat can only be sold within state boundaries. The processing shortage for locally grown meat extends beyond Alabama. Reports indicate similar problems in almost every state. USDA reports nearly 40% of privately owned livestock harvest facilities (about 1,800) closed from 1990—2016. Big meatpacking facilities (Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National Beef) now process more than 80% of the beef in the U.S. Processing in Alabama is in such demand that many facilities are booked full through the end of the year. Likewise, some farmers are turning customers away. Bibb County Farmers Federation President Ashton Cottingham already has a waitlist of consumers wanting homegrown beef. He and his father, Steve, own River City Cattle Co. and raise 150 calves annually in Centreville. Most of their calves are in sold trailerload lots after they reach 700 to 800
pounds. But they also sell about 15 calves annually for freezer beef. Ashton plans to increase that number to 24 next year if he can secure processing. “I sell all the freezer beef I raise without ever advertising,” Ashton said, “So I know there is a demand for local, farm-raised beef. I take most of my calves to a processor in Mississippi because it’s a large facility. But even that business is backed up for months right now.” Back in Lowndes County, Lee said he would like Alabama to offer incentives provided by other states, such as Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, to encourage processing expansions or new construction. Ragland said Federation leaders are working with partners and state agencies to address the processing shortage. Two bills designed to provide consumers greater access to beef, pork and poultry products were introduced by U.S. lawmakers. If passed, it could provide grants for custom meatpackers to qualify for federal inspection and sell products across state lines. Increased demand for locally grown products has highlighted the state’s agricultural branding program. Sweet Grown Alabama includes a searchable database of members at SweetGrownAlabama.org. There are 26 beef producers and 13 pork producers, in addition to farmers with fruit, vegetables, ornamental plants and other Alabama-grown products. August 2020
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What do you like most about farming? Growing vegetables is 10 times the work, but profits are higher if you’re successful. I enjoy our clientele. We have customers all over the state and the Southeast. We also have a row crop operation.
Mike McKenzie The best part of having a family owned farm market is hands-on service and face-toface contact with customers, said Mike McKenzie, 49. The Baldwin County Farmers Federation board member along with his brother, Tommy, and sister Melanie Conklin, own McKenzie Farm Market on Greeno Road (U.S. Truck Route 98) in Fairhope. Their brother, Travis, has an off-the-farm job, but helps when needed, as does Tommy’s son, Austin. Mike and wife Roxanne have two children, Callie, 20, and Coleman, 18, who also works on the farm.
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What is special about your business? We grow, pack and ship our produce. In addition to our market, we also sell to wholesale distributors from Biloxi, Mississippi through the Florida Panhandle and up through Birmingham. We’re the face of our operation.
What kind of vegetables do you grow? We grow red potatoes, cabbage, collards, watermelons sweet corn, squash and tomatoes — just about any vegetable that grows in our area. We participate in the Farmers Market Program and are Sweet Grown Alabama members.
What do you do when you’re not working? Really, most of our time is spent working or thinking about work. When we can slip away, we enjoy boating.
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Pink Muhly Grass Purple Fountain Grass
By Lois Chaplin
ative grasses don’t get much N use in our landscapes but were abundant in Alabama just a couple
Alabama
hundred years ago. These grasses aren’t carpet-like lawn grasses; instead, they are large, wispy, flowing grasses with ornamental qualities and can grow as large as shrubs. Some work well for low-maintenance landscape plantings and are being rediscovered for forage, ground cover and erosion prevention — functions grasslands originally served. These grasses either form clumps or grow from underground stems. Perhaps the most common ornamental grass is purple fountain grass (Pennisetum rubrum), which is native to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Although not native like those listed below, it exemplifies how well the right grass performs in Alabama’s hot and sometimes dry summers. Purple fountain grass has colorful, arching blades that make a good background for flowers or can fill a large container. It is drought tolerant, fast growing and creates a big impact for little cost. However, the purple form is the only type of fountain grass gardeners should
use because the green-leafed form reseeds badly and can become invasive. Both can be perennial in south Alabama. Our native grasses, which are better adapted to the regional ecology, have green and blue-green leaves. Some display autumn colors, too. Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is widely propagated in the nursery trade and is also available as seed. It puts on a show of light, airy, pink, flowering stalks in late summer and fall. Drought-tolerant muhly grass does well in dry, sunny landscapes. It is widely used at Railroad Park in downtown Birmingham. Muhly grass grows in clumps but will also reseed. The foliage is semi-evergreen and can provide cover for wildlife, too. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), native to many parts of the U.S., is drought tolerant but will also grow in moist soil. The foliage has a blue-green cast in the summer and turns copper and red after frost. The flower is a fluffy white seed in summer. In a flower bed, it can become weedy by reseeding, but that can be prevented by removing the flower heads before the seeds mature. Little bluestem foliage
hosts several skipper caterpillars, as well as grasshoppers, beetles, thrips, spittlebugs and leafhoppers. The blue-green leaves of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) can grow over 6 feet tall. This is the iconic tall prairie grass once used to make sod houses in the Midwest. In a landscape, this Alabama native works as an accent plant with showy pink-to-red fall color after frost. It can spread aggressively so is not recommended for small spaces. Also called turkey foot due to the shape of the flowers, the plant supports several skipper butterflies. The seeds are eaten by songbirds, and the foliage provides shelter for insects and nesting birds. It is one of several species that can be cultivated for forage or hay. A few other native grasses for landscapes include Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium). In general, many native grasses are attractive, low-maintenance landscape plants that can help minimize erosion, add organic matter to the soil and support the life cycle of insects and wildlife by providing habitat. The base of the grass clumps also offers some birds protection from predators and cold. Most grasses take about three years to reach full size and work well in combination with many flowering perennials. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Top-Notch Products, First-Rate Customers E ALAFARM.COM 22
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alfafarmers.org
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T
HOLY
here were two dozen homegrown tomatoes on my doorstep this morning. I arrived home to see WinnDixie bags hanging from my door and almost lost control of my lower extremities. I come from country people — who regard tomatoes as holy things. Country people show our love in strange ways, using things like vegetables, casserole dishes, love notes or saturated fat. Sometimes, all four. There was no note, which struck me as odd. A secret tomato-admirer? I brought the bags inside. There were tomatoes of every shape and color. Yellows, greens, reds, purples. Purple tomatoes, my mother once told me, are magic. “You’ve hit the tomato jackpot,” my mother would say, “if you come across a tomato so full of magic that it’s turning purple.” I have a thing for tomatoes — magic or otherwise. My mother used to grow them in the summers of my youth. Her patches of tilled earth were surrounded by chicken wire and hair clippings. The idea was the human scent scares away vermin like raccoons, rabbits and civic-level politicians. It worked like a charm. Her tomatoes were county-renowned. Then there are tomato sandwiches. My family has long-standing, simple rules for tomato sandwiches: —Start with Colonial, Bunny or Sunbeam bread. In a pinch,
Wonderbread will do. Leave whole grains out of this fight. —For mayo: Duke’s or Blue Plate. Use more than the doctor says you should. —Lastly, your shirt should be ruined by the time you’re finished eating. If not, repeat the above steps. It might sound silly, but these tomatoes make me remember things. They make me remember the sort of folks I come from. And they make me remember how times were long before people texted at stop lights. They make me remember a time when the only electronic devices we had were made by Philco or General Electric. A time when people still read Sunday papers. When the only coffee maker my mother used was a Corningware percolator. A time when love wasn’t sent via email, text, or emoji but in WinnDixie bags of produce. Speaking of which. I reached into the bottom of the Winn-Dixie bag and found a note written on a piece of legal paper. I must’ve missed it. “Dear Sean,” the note read. “I bought these for you, I thought you’d enjoy them. “Love, your wife.” Well. Dear Jamie, I wrote this for you. It’s nothing compared to a tomato, but it will have to do. Love, Sean. ■
ALABAMA GROWERS ARE:
ESSENTIAL
steadfast
#stillfarming
It’s time to reserve strawberry plugs for October delivery! • 50 plugs per tray • Plugs have an intact root ball • Plugs establish quickly
Best of all Plant plugs in October and harvest sweet strawberries in the Spring!
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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2020 ANNUAL MEETING DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS
In the interest of the health and safety of our members, this meeting may be held through teleconference. If that is the case, please contact your county secretary for the conference dial-in information. The information will also be posted on the door of the meeting location on the day of the meeting. COUNTY Autauga Baldwin Barbour Blount Bullock Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clay Cleburne Colbert Conecuh Covington Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dallas DeKalb Escambia Etowah Fayette Franklin Geneva Greene Henry Houston Jackson Jefferson Lamar Lauderdale Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Marengo Marion Marshall Mobile Monroe Montgomery Morgan Perry Randolph Russell Shelby St. Clair Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Walker Washington Winston 26
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DATE Wednesday, Aug. 19 Thursday, Aug. 13 Thursday, Aug. 13 Thursday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Aug. 11 Thursday, Aug. 13 Monday, Aug. 17 Thursday, Aug. 27 Tuesday, Aug. 11 Monday, Aug. 17 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Thursday, Aug. 27 Tuesday, Aug. 11 Monday, Aug. 31 Tuesday, Aug. 11 Thursday, Aug. 27 Thursday, Sept. 10 Thursday, Aug. 6 Monday, Aug. 10 Tuesday, Sept. 8 Thursday, Aug. 6 Tuesday, Aug. 4 Monday, Aug. 17 Tuesday, Aug. 4 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Tuesday, Aug. 18 Thursday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Aug. 4 Thursday, Aug. 20 Tuesday, Aug. 4 Friday, Aug. 28 Monday, Aug. 17 Tuesday, Aug. 11 Thursday, Aug. 20 Thursday, Sept. 10 Monday, Aug. 3 Monday, Aug. 3 Tuesday, Sept. 8 Friday, Aug. 7 Tuesday, Aug. 25 Thursday, Aug. 20 Friday, Sept. 14 Thursday, Aug. 6 Friday, Aug. 7 Tuesday, Sept. 1 Saturday, Aug. 15 Monday, Aug. 17 Monday, Aug. 17 Saturday, Aug. 8 Saturday, Aug. 29 Tuesday, Aug. 25 Tuesday, Aug. 25 Tuesday, Aug, 18 Monday, Aug. 10 Thursday, Sept. 10 |
August 2020
TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. EST 6:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
BUILDING Autauga County Ag Center Baldwin County Federation Building Texasville Community Center Frank J. Green Building Greenway Sportsman’s Lodge Calhoun County Federation Office Chambers County Farmers Federation Building Dean Buttram Senior Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Alfa Service Center Miss Anita’s Café Cleburne County Mountain Center Hospitality House (NW Shoals Community College) David Burt Building Oakwood Lodge Alfa Service Center Cullman County Farmers Federation Building Dale County Government Building Alfa Office Alfa Service Center Ag Center Etowah County Federation Office Fayette Civic Center Best Western Plus Russellville Geneva County Farm Center Alfa Service Center Wiregrass Research & Extension Center Alfa Service Center Jackson County Federation Office Alfa Service Center Vernon City Complex Lauderdale County Extension Building- Ag Center Sandridge Student Center Ballroom (Athens State College) Southern Sportsman Lodge Beck’s Turf Farm Burritt on the Mountain Alfa Service Center Tombigbee Electric Co-Op Marshall County Federation Office Jon Archer Center Monroe Co. Ag Center Alfa Home Office Hartselle Civic Center Alfa Service Center Randolph County Ag Center Seale Courthouse Alabama 4-H Center Moody Civic Center Talladega County Farmers Federation Building Tallapoosa County Girls Sheriff Ranch Alabama Extension Office Walker County Federation Building Alfa Service Center Bernice Hilton Walker Community Center
ADDRESS 2224 Hwy. 14 W 21332 Hwy. 59 2429 County Rd. 53 415 5th Ave. E. 2621 Hwy. 223 1535 Pelham Rd. S 1006 Ave. A SE 229 Dean Buttram Ave. 301 1st St. N 229 S. Mulberry Ave. 148 S. Jackson St. 30 South Park Dr. 6751 Hwy. 78 800 George Wallace Blvd. 102 Liberty St. 13725 Brooklyn Rd. 357 S. Forest Ave. 307 Main Ave. NW 202 Hwy. 123 S 403 Broad St. 346 McCurdy Ave. S 175 Ag Science Dr. 125 Broad St. 530 Temple Ave. N 13770 Hwy. 43 2765 E. State Hwy. 52 101 Boligee St. 167 E. State Hwy. 134 1038 Ross Clark Circle NE 23625 John T. Reid Pkwy. 210 Fieldstown Rd., Suite 140 44425 AL 17 802 Veterans Dr. 311 Pryor St. E 9022 US Hwy. 80 W 2858 County Rd. 53 3101 Burritt Dr. SE 206 Shiloh St. 3196 Co. Rd. 55 1333 Blount Ave. 1070 Schillinger Rd. N 334 Agriculture Dr. 2108 E. South Blvd. 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW 406 Pickens St. 2959 County Rd. 333 91 Longview St. 892 Four-H Rd. 200 Civic Center Dr. 314 East Battle St. 174 Samford Dr. 2513 7th St. 903 Airport Rd. S 54 Court St. 11 Blake Dr.
CITY Autaugaville Robertsdale Clayton Oneonta Union Springs Jacksonville LaFayette Centre Clanton Butler Grove Hill Lineville Heflin Muscle Shoals Evergreen Andalusia Luverne Cullman Ozark Selma Rainsville Brewton Gadsden Fayette Russellville Hartford Eutaw Headland Dothan Scottsboro Gardendale Vernon Florence Athens Tyler Tuskegee Huntsville Linden Hamilton Guntersville Mobile Monroeville Montgomery Hartselle Marion Wedowee Seale Columbiana Moody Talladega Camp Hill Tuscaloosa Jasper Chatom Double Springs alfafarmers.org
Grow More, Give More, Help Others By Katie Nichols
The Grow More aspect began in late spring. labama’s mild climate means Alabama Extension horticulture gardeners can grow fresh agents developed supply lists and vegetables almost year-round. Home fact sheets for growing vegetables at gardeners currently planning fall home. Resources cover basic growing gardens will want to join Alabama information related to commonly grown Extension’s Grow More, Give Alabama vegetables. More effort. “The lists have Designed for both novice information specific to and experienced gardeners, different garden types, such this project provides as how to grow tomatoes information to have a in a 5-gallon bucket,” she successful vegetable garden. said. “We suggest supplies But it goes one step further needed, where to place Scan to learn more! and encourages citizens plants, when to plant and to use their garden’s bounty to meet how to maintain the crop.” community needs. Supply lists cover large container “We are excited to launch this gardens, raised beds and in-ground row project that not only teaches people the crops. ins and outs of gardening but also helps provide much-needed food assistance Informational Resources to communities across Alabama,” said Worried about getting started? Don’t Bethany O’Rear, an Alabama Extension fret. Extension agents help growers regional home grounds agent. every step of the way by providing informational resources through a Grow More variety of platforms. Master Gardener Grow More, Give More is a Extension volunteers also support the collaborative effort between Alabama project. Extension horticulture agents and “These resources are great tools that Alabama Master Gardener volunteers. help guide home gardeners through the
A
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entire process,” O’Rear said. “In addition to the publications and informational articles on the Extension website, more than 30 tutorial videos guide people from planting to harvesting to preserving the bounty.” Gardeners will also find help through Extension social media posts and one-on-one assistance through the Master Gardener Helpline at (877) ALA-GROW or (877) 252-4769.
Give More
The Give More aspect of the project will ensure fresh produce doesn’t go to waste. “People who grow more than they can use are encouraged to share with neighbors or donate to local food assistance efforts,” O’Rear said. “As people learn to Grow More, we hope they Give More, too.” O’Rear asks that participants complete a short online survey to document how much produce they donated. To access the survey or learn more about the program, visit the Grow More, Give More page at aces.edu. “It will help us tell the story of how Give More really helped people in Alabama,” she said.
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Creamy One-Pot Jambalaya Pasta Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Servings 4 to 6
Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, in 3/4-inch cubes 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning 1 (12-ounce) package smoked sausage, in 1/2-inch rounds 1/2 white onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon cornstarch
W
ith August upon us, kids will soon be back in the groove of school lessons, and life will speed up after a slower spring and summer. That means we’ll have less time each day to get supper on the table. So this month I’m sharing more quick and easy recipes to make feeding those hungry bellies a little less complicated. One-Pot Jambalaya Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Everything, including the pasta, cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With just a little prep, you’ll have this delicious dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Don’t let the fact that it’s easy make you think it’s bland. This meal is filled with flavor. Keep in mind that not all Creole seasonings are the same. They have varying salt contents, and it’s easy to over-salt this dish. I’ve included the brand I use in the recipe; be cautious when adding the seasoning if you have another brand on hand. Sheet pan meals are all the rage, and Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken is the perfect example why. You literally toss all the ingredients right on a rimmed baking sheet and pop it in the oven. The chicken, potatoes and Brussels sprouts are coated in a delicious lemon mustard sauce and roasted to golden perfection. The trick is to ensure all the 28
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ingredients are sized so they’ll cook in the same time. Leaving the potatoes too big, for example, could result in overcooked chicken and undercooked potatoes. Chili Mac is a childhood classic that deserves a comeback. My one-potwonder version gets its signature flavor from convenient packets of chili seasoning in the grocery store. I’ve taste-tested quite a few while developing recipes and prefer French’s Chili-O. There’s just something comforting about Chicken Pot Pie. My Alfredo Chicken Pot Pie has all the comfort of the classic recipe, but it’s made easy and even more delicious by swapping out the traditional sauce with a creamy jarred Alfredo sauce. I use canned veggies in this because that’s how my mama did it, but if you’re looking for a little more texture, frozen mixed vegetables work just as well. Hopefully these quick and easy recipes will make it easier to get supper on the table. Remember, the food on the table is important, but the folks around it are what really matter. If you ever have questions about my recipes, shoot an email to info@ southernbite.com, and I’ll do my best to answer it!
Instructions Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with Creole seasoning. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until sausage has browned and chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove meat to a bowl, leaving grease in the pan. Add onions and peppers to the pan and cook until soft — 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add chicken broth and canned tomatoes with juice. Stir to combine. Break pasta in half and add to the pan, pressing into the liquid. Add meat back to the pan on top of the pasta. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Uncover, stir and replace the lid. Cook an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch into the heavy cream. Pour into the pasta and stir to combine. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Add additional Creole seasoning to taste. Allow to rest about 5 minutes before serving. 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
Stacey’s Recipe N ote Y
ou can sw ap the canned m ixed vegg for about ies 3c thawed m ups of frozen, ixed vege tables if you wan t a little m ore texture in the dish.
Alfredo Chicken Pot Pie
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Servings 6
Ingredients 1 small rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 4 cups) 1 (15-ounce) jar prepared Alfredo sauce 2 (15-ounce) cans mixed vegetables, drained Salt Pepper 1 (14.1-ounce) box refrigerated pie crusts (two crusts)
Optional 1 large egg 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions Heat oven to 400 F. In a large bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce and
drained vegetables. Mix gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. Unroll one of the pie crusts and line the bottom and sides of a deep dish 10-inch glass or ceramic pie plate. Spoon filling into the crust. Unroll the other crust and lay over the top. Pinch the edges of the two crusts together. Cut four 1-inch slits in the top crust to allow air to escape. If desired, in a small bowl, whisk egg and water together. Lightly brush the top crust with egg wash. This allows the crust to develop a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Allow to rest about 5 minutes before serving.
Chili Mac
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Servings 6 to 8
Ingredients 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups beef broth 2 (1.25- to 1.75-ounce) packets chili seasoning 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni Salt Pepper 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with onions. Drain grease. Return mixture to heat and add garlic. Cook 1 minute. Stir in broth, chili seasoning, diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and pasta are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. When ready to serve, add cheese. Stir until melted. alfafarmers.org
Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Servings 4
Ingredients Juice of 1 lemon, divided 1 tablespoon coarse-ground or stone-ground mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon honey Salt 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound baby potatoes about 1-inch in size, washed and halved 1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed and halved 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1-inch thick Pepper
Instructions Heat oven to 400 F and lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together half the lemon juice, mustard, garlic, honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside. Place potatoes and Brussels sprouts on the pan. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and about half the lemon-mustard mixture. Toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread evenly on pan. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper and place on the pan. Drizzle remaining lemon-mustard mixture over each chicken breast. Bake 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through. Drizzle with remaining lemon juice. Serve immediately. August 2020
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