Neighbors Magazine, September 2021 by Alabama Farmers Federation

September/Fall 2021 | Volume 46 | Number 9 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 John Bert East | Leesburg 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 Thomas Adams | Newville Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Brady Peek | Athens 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.

In This Issue 5 | Centennial Celebration Continues In Capital City

15 | Alabama’s Top Teacher Scores Traverse From Alfa

36 | Easy Fall Eats Fit For

Family Get-Togethers

16 | Cattle Buyers Reflect On Decades-Long Careers 22 | Eva Eatery Earns Title Of Bama’s Best Tenders 28 | Members Reap Rewards Via Scholarship Program

On The Cover

Josh and Savannah McCoy are Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family. They raise peanuts, cotton and sons Fields and Sutton in Dale County. As the winner, they receive more than $60,000 in prizes. Photo By Marlee Moore

www.AlfaFarmers.org

EDQM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

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September/Fall 2021

NEIGHBORS

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Farm & Land Expo

2021

Centennial Celebration Fuels Summer Farm Meeting

A petting zoo, face painting and hayrides attracted thousands of attendees to the Family Farm Fun Day. They also enjoyed purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmers market, an antique tractor show, music, food trucks and artisan crafts.

By Debra Davis housands flocked to a festival-like T event in downtown Montgomery, dubbed the Family Farm Fun Day,

held in conjunction with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Farm & Land Expo Aug. 5-8. Fresh fruits and vegetables, friendly

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farm animals, antique tractors, artisan crafts, country music and fantastic food filled the area in and around the historic Union Station Train Shed Aug. 7. The free activities helped celebrate the Federation’s 100th anniversary. The organization’s Brian Hardin described the event as a huge success. “Our intent was to reach members

and the public about the historical importance of the Farmers Federation and to elevate awareness and significance of farm families in our September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

Farm & Land Expo

2021

The Farm & Land Expo Trade Show provided attendees an up-close look at equipment in the convention center. Guests also enjoyed grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, chats with ag lenders and one-on-one visits with crop specialists.

Vendors at the Farm & Land Expo Trade Show included equipment dealers, wildlife management experts, state agencies, ag lenders and member benefits. 6

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September/Fall 2021

state,” Hardin said. “It also provided a way for the public to interact with some of the great farmers in Alabama. Celebrating our farmers’ role in providing food, fiber and beauty to our environment is something that unifies everyone. To see the smiles and experience the excitement with people who are not familiar with agriculture was rewarding.” Additionally, the Federation hosted its Farm & Land Expo Trade Show following the Family Farm Fun Day. The event featured booths highlighting farm equipment, member benefits, agricultural lending, wildlife management and historical information about the organization. Two outstanding Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Extension System personnel nominated by farmers were honored at the Expo’s welcome dinner. Jeremy Pickens received the Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry

Farm tours were a highlight of the Farm & Land Expo. One stop included Rhyne’s Select Turf of Benton in Lowndes County, where attendees saw a high-tech sod harvester in action. Other stops included research stations, a dairy, cattle farm, a stockyard, fish hatchery and more. alfafarmers.org

Farm and industry tours for some members who attended the expo included a stop at Lake Point Vineyard and Winery in Mathews, which makes a variety of fruit wines.

Research. He received $10,000 for programming costs. Kent Stanford received the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension. He received $5,000 for programming costs. Both awards are funded by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. Five farm tours took members to some of the best agricultural operations in central Alabama. Stops included cattle farms, agritourism operations, a turf farm, winery, dairy farm, hunting preserve, fish hatchery and research stations. Keynote speaker Steve Robinson, the former chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Chick-fil-A, addressed members during the Expo’s general session Aug. 7. He stressed the importance of character, competence and chemistry in corporate America. The Federation Women’s Leadership Division also hosted its annual contests, which attracted some of the state’s top seamstresses and decorators. (See page 10.) Young Farmers events drew a lot of interest with 13 contestants in the Discussion Meet, five entries in the Excellence In Ag contest and announcement of the Outstanding Young Farm Family. (See pages 8-9.) alfafarmers.org

In Alabama’s inaugural Ag Innovation Challenge, Wade Helms and Helms Manufacturing Co. LLC in Houston County won $10,000 as contest champions. Jefferson County’s Michael Lynch of CHONEX was first alternate and won $5,000. The new contest was sponsored by the Federation, Farm Bureau Bank, Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. Helms and his team developed a system to attach a set of planters to a strip-till machine allowing the implement to complete two tasks at once. CHONEX up cycles poultry manure into a microbial soil stimulant. Helms and Lynch will represent Alabama in American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) national Ag Innovation Challenge. Ten national finalists, announced in October, will compete at the AFBF’s annual convention in January. Alabama is the first state to implement a preliminary Ag Innovation Challenge. Entertainment by country music singer-songwriter Billy Dean closed the annual conference.

Steve Robinson, the former chief marketing officer at Chick-fil-A, spoke to farmers during the general session Aug. 7.

Wade Helms and Helms Manufacturing Co. LLC in Houston County won $10,000 and the Ag Innovation Challenge Award. He will represent Alabama in American Farm Bureau Federation’s national contest. The state contest is sponsored by the Federation, Farm, Bureau Bank, Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Barbara and Wade Helms, Farm Bureau Bank’s Kelly Marcantel, Alabama Ag Credit’s Amber Pratt and Alabama Farm Credit’s Mel Koller. September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

Young Farmers Awards

2021

Contests Showcase Accomplishments, Advocacy Outstanding Young Farm Family

Josh and Savannah McCoy of Dale County were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family Aug. 7 and won a prize package worth more than $60,000. The McCoys grow cotton and peanuts in Dale County and have two sons, Fields and Sutton. 8

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September/Fall 2021

By Marlee Moore oung Farmers from Dale and Y Cherokee counties claimed victories in statewide contests Aug. 7, while four

finalists were chosen in the Discussion Meet competition. The contests for 18- to 35-year-old members took place during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery. Josh and Savannah McCoy of Midland City in Dale County were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). They raise peanuts and cotton, in addition to sons Fields and Sutton, on a multigenerational operation that includes a peanut shelling plant and buying point. As the OYFF, they win more than $60,000 in prizes, including $35,000 toward a new Ford truck courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor from AgPro, SunSouth and TriGreen. OYFF finalists Brady and Anna Peek of Athens in Limestone County and Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Moulton in Lawrence County received $500 from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. Finalists were named after an interview during the Young Farmers Conference in February. Three judges visited the finalists’ farms in July to decide the winner. Landon and Lauren Marks of Leesburg in Cherokee County earned first place in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. During the competition, participants showcase agriculture’s role in their lives and present solutions to major hurdles facing agriculture. As the winner, they will receive a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience, in addition to a computer package from Valcom/ CSS Wireless. First runner-up was alfafarmers.org

Excellence In Agriculture Winners

Landon and Lauren Marks of Cherokee County won the Excellence in Agriculture contest Aug. 7, held during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo. Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, is pictured with the Markses.

Zack Brannon of Haleyville in Winston County, while Joshua Melson of Somerville in Morgan County was second runner-up. Additionally, four finalists were named in the Discussion Meet contest. They are Kyle Morris of Hanceville in Cullman County, Leah Mitchell of Geraldine in DeKalb County, Matthew Johnson of Gadsden in Etowah County and Levi Noles of Woodland in Randolph County. Thirteen contestants participated in the Discussion Meet, which simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to agricultural issues. The Final Four will compete during the Federation’s centennial celebration and annual meeting in December; the winner will receive a four-wheeler, sponsored by First South Farm Credit. All contest finalists received a miniature drone from the Federation. State winners will represent Alabama during American Farm Bureau Federation national competition in Atlanta in January 2022.

Discussion Meet Finalists

Kyle Morris Cullman County alfafarmers.org

Leah Mitchell DeKalb County

Matthew Johnson Etowah County

Levi Noles Randolph County September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

Women’s Leadership Awards

2021

Commodities And Patriotism Prevalent In Annual Women’s Leadership Division Contests By Debra Davis otton and poultry were top winners for the Alabama Farmers C Federation’s Women’s Leadership

contests held during the organization’s annual Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery Aug. 5-8. The sewing contests starred cotton and cotton-blend quilts, lap blankets and quilted pillow covers, while a wreath contest featured farm commodities. First, second and third place winners received $150, $100 and $75, respectively. Ruby Nuss of St. Clair County won first place in the Hand-Stitched Quilt Contest with her pink and white comforter featuring a flower basket design. Stella Edwards of Randolph County won second place, and Martha Jordan of Monroe County was third. Melanie Connell Harville of St. Clair County won first place in the MachineStitched Quilt Contest with her Dinner Plate Dahlia entry. Betty Kennedy of Wilcox County placed second, and Anita Crabtree of Geneva County won third.

Detail view of Melanie Connell Harville’s winning Machine-Stitched Quilt. 10

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Winners of the Women’s Leadership Division contests were, from left, Ruby Nuss of St. Clair County, Hand-Stitched Quilt Contest; Melanie Connell Harville of St. Clair County Machine-Stitched Quilted Pillow Cover and Machine-Stitched Quilt Contests; Marie Slade of Clarke County, Lap Blanket Contest; and Kim O’Connor of Montgomery County, Commodity Wreath Contest.

Harville also won first place in the Machine-Stitched Quilted Pillow Cover Contest with her New York Beauty quilt design. Glenda Stewart of Geneva County won second place, and Melanie Stokley of Washington County was third. Clarke County’s Marie Slade took home first place in the Lap Blanket Contest where seamstresses presented a patriotic theme. Pat Sexton of Crenshaw County won second place, and Melanie Stokley of Washington County was third. St. Clair County’s Olivia Hogan won first place in the youth division. A poultry theme elevated Montgomery County’s Kim O’Connor to first place in the Commodity Wreath Contest. Debbie Dunn of Geneva County won second place, and Lucy Lawrence of Tallapoosa County was third. “This year’s contests featured creative and talented ladies who took

inspiration from the commodities our state produces and the patriotism that’s prevalent among our members,” said Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood. “The cotton sewing contests always attract a lot of interest and participation, and this year’s lap blanket had both. Many of the seamstresses who made lap blankets have chosen to donate their entries to veterans.” The Commodity Wreath Contest was new this year, and by gauging interest and participation, it could become a routine event. “The wreaths were beautiful and featured nearly every commodity grown in Alabama,” Earwood said. “A wreath can be hung on a door to welcome visitors to your home, or it can be used on the wall to brighten up a room. No matter where they are displayed, we enjoyed seeing how different commodities were emphasized.” alfafarmers.org

Alfa Awards

2021

LAKIN WHATLEY

Stanford Earns Duncan Award For Extension Efforts

Kent Stanford received the Duncan Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension from the Alabama Farmers Federation. The Extension agent was honored with the award Aug. 5.

By Marlee Moore ent Stanford has a ready smile, a K servant’s heart and a passion for educating farmers — a combination

earning him the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension. As the award winner, he receives $5,000 for programming costs, courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. This is the third annual Duncan Award, coordinated by the Alabama Farmers Federation to reward Auburn University (AU) and Alabama Extension professionals for work tangibly affecting farmers. Stanford received the award during the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery Aug. 5. “It’s humbling to be recognized for your efforts,” said Stanford, 50. “You don’t do this for recognition. Extension

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people have a heart for service.” Stanford is an associate Extension professor and statewide Extension specialist who focuses on nutrient management (related to agronomic crops, animal sciences, forages and poultry). He was named a statewide specialist in 2008 and is based out of the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center in Crossville. The ’94 AU animal sciences graduate works behind the scenes to troubleshoot compliance issues for growers. Producer education works toward Stanford’s real goal: Helping farmers follow rules and telling their positive story. “I like to see people get better,” he said. “Better” includes quality recordkeeping and complying with programs such as the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) rule. It’s a

program he’s worked closely with since the late ‘90s and continues to influence. Stanford informs all stakeholders on revisions to the state permitting process made during 2020’s mandatory 5-year program review. Stanford, who co-facilitates the Inter Agency Waste Team, also worked with Dr. Rishi Prasad to write a new publication on organic soil amendments as the complicated topic of biosolids gained attention across the state. The farmer who nominated Stanford called him “a true joy to work with each time I needed his help.” “Kent’s cheerful attitude and willingness to serve the people of Alabama make him so deserving of this award,” the nomination continued. “His dependability and work ethic make him stand out above the rest.” Stanford, a native of Pine Apple in Wilcox County, joined Alabama Extension in 1995 as a county agent in St. Clair County. He lives near Ashville with Amy, his wife of 25 years. The couple met on AU’s livestock judging team. They have two children, both Auburn students, Ross, 21, and Callie, 19. The Stanfords raise horses, hay and cattle and attend Odenville First Baptist Church. Traveling is a family pastime, and Stanford’s favorite trips coincide with attending national meetings as a member of the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists. Stanford, an auctioneer, is a lifetime member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and is a former county Young Farmers Committee chair. He said the Duncan Award is a testament to the hard work of stakeholders and his Extension coworkers. “We have gone through tremendous change in Extension,” Stanford said. “But relationships still matter. That’s true in everything we do in life. Communication is critical. And teamwork drives success.” September/Fall

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Alfa Awards

2021

LAKIN WHATLEY

Farmers Honor Pickens For Horticulture Research

Dr. Jeremy Pickens was honored for work tangibly affecting the state’s horticulture industry when he received the Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Research Aug. 5.

By Lakin Whatley r. Jeremy Pickens has been D providing research, knowledge and guidance to greenhouse and nursery

crop farmers across Alabama since the mid-2000s. His work across the state earned the assistant Extension professor the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture and Forestry Research, which includes $10,000 for program support funded by the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.

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September/Fall 2021

Pickens received the award during the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery Aug. 5. “I am truly honored to receive this award,” Pickens said. “It validates everything I do. It is a great feeling to know my stakeholders think this highly of me and that the work I do has a positive impact on their farms.” Jon Hegeman of Calhoun County, whose greenhouse operation produces container plants, nominated Pickens for the prestigious award on behalf of the Federation’s State Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee.

“Dr. Pickens has consistently been one of the most visible and impactful Extension researchers I have ever met,” said Hegeman, also the Federation’s Central Area vice president. “He asks what we need and works tirelessly to share his results with related groups to help improve the industry. He presents his work to us and is willing to accept feedback that will help producers.” Pickens uses applied research methods and conducts trials to answer farmers’ questions and concerns about pest control, plant nutrition and other issues. Most of his research is conducted at the Ornamental Horticulture Research Center in Mobile. What started as a summer job at a nursery in high school turned into Pickens’ passion. “I value the relationships I build with farmers and growers,” Pickens said. “When I receive calls from growers in distress, I can hear it in their voice, and I am ready to help. Being able to use my knowledge and research to help them succeed is rewarding.” The horticulture researcher constantly searches for new ideas to make farms more efficient. His research includes growing food crops in greenhouses or other protected structures and finding ways to reduce costs and inputs for ornamental crops. Pickens splits his workload between Extension programming and applied research for the nursery and greenhouse industry. While his primary responsibilities revolve around ornamental horticulture, he also works with a variety of specialty crops, including greenhouse vegetables and Christmas trees. Pickens, 38, is an Auburn University graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticulture. His doctorate focused on aquaculture. He is a member of the International Plant Propagators Society and lives in Spanish Fort with his wife, Brittany. alfafarmers.org

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Alabama’s Teacher Of The Year Gets New Set Of Wheels Thanks To Alfa

labama’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson is revved up and ready to travel across the state in a brand-new set of wheels, thanks to Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. An intervention coordinator for Auburn Junior High School, Johnson was named Teacher of the Year Aug. 11 during an Alabama State Department of Education special event in downtown Montgomery. She received the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse during a press conference at Alfa Insurance Aug. 12. “Ms. Johnson is a great educator who has dedicated herself to helping students who might otherwise fall behind,” said Alfa and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “She is truly an inspiration, and she’s made a huge impact in the lives of her students. We’re happy to play a small part in her time as

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Alabama’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson received a 2021 Chevy Traverse during a press conference at the Alfa Insurance Child Development Center in Montgomery on Aug. 12. From left are Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan, Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, Johnson, Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, Alfa Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations Tommy Coshatt, Alfa EVP of Marketing Mark Evans and Alfa EVP and General Counsel Angie Bradwell.

Teacher of the Year by providing a safe, reliable vehicle she can use.” This marks the 25th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a car for the Teacher of the Year, with the Federation covering the cost of auto insurance coverage. A National Board-Certified teacher, Johnson’s career started in language arts in Decatur at Cedar Ridge Middle School in 1998. She said her experience teaching remedial reading to at-risk students during the summer of 1999 established the path for her future. “As an intervention teacher,

sometimes I have to go see kids or go see parents, and this allows me to do it without worry,” said Johnson. “I appreciate the support of education that Alfa has for us and all the teachers in Alabama.” As Teacher of the Year, Johnson will serve as a spokesperson for education, and she is Alabama’s official candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award. “Thank you to everyone at Alfa for this partnership as we celebrate Mrs. Johnson, our Teacher of the Year,” said Mackey. “She truly exemplifies the professionalism and great personal commitment of Alabama’s educators.” September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

A Business Built On Trust By Debra Davis ive cattlemen, who are fierce competitors and friends, collectively claim over 250 years of experience in buying and selling cattle throughout the Southeast. Each cattle baron lives within minutes of Montgomery but has Fmanaged to individually brand his business based on the belief that trust matters most.

Lowell Custard, David Garrett, Ned Lee, Dean Parkman and Waylon Price are legends among cattlemen throughout Alabama and across the country. Stockyard owners speak their names with reverence, and feedlot owners thousands of miles away call them friends. They have no doubt brokered the sale of millions of cows during their careers as order buyers who purchase cattle on behalf of customers wanting groups of similar animals. Years of late nights, early mornings, sorrows and celebrations carved distinct but similar paths for each. Although their businesses remain separate and successful, time has changed their profession in many ways. These esteemed men shared their philosophy on work, wisdom and weathering the demanding occupation they love.

Lowell

Custard Custard is known for telling tall tales and buying Lwhenowell good cattle. A spry 82, he doesn’t buy as many cows as he started almost 60 years ago.

“When my wife Jackie and I graduated from Colorado State in 1961, I took a job with Swift & Co., and we moved to Kansas City where I started buying cattle,” said the native of Pueblo, Colorado. “Swift transferred me to Montgomery where we stayed for a couple years before they transferred me to Iowa. I had all the cold I could stand, and we moved back here in 1973.” After working for other cattle buyers, Custard started his

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own business. “I didn’t start my own operation by choice; it was really out of necessity,” he said. “In 1973 and 1974, the U.S. cattle business almost went bust. It was hard to make it, but we stuck it out. “There were a lot more cattle sold back then. I can remember there being a sale five — sometimes six — days a week. There are fewer cattle now, but they are better and bigger. We’ve increased the pounds of beef through better management and genetics.” Most cattle 50 years ago were little Herefords before trends turned to Brahmans, Charolais, Angus and SimAngus. There are more breed varieties now, and each offers something different, he added. Many farms have been replaced with subdivisions, especially in areas near Pike Road where the Custards raised their four children. Jay raises cattle with his dad, and Sean is a large-animal veterinarian based in east Montgomery County. Daughter Lea Rae and her family live in Madison, while daughter Jodie and her husband live at Lake Martin. Despite the challenges in an often volatile industry, Custard said he wouldn’t change jobs with anyone. “I’ve had a great career and dealt with some of the best people you’ll ever want to meet,” he said with a smile. “I’ve slowed down a lot, but a good day is getting some orders, buying what a customer wants and getting their cattle shipped out.” alfafarmers.org

David

Garrett rust and an eye for good cattle have been the backbone T of David Garrett’s business since he was a strapping young man on the family’s farm in rural Montgomery County. At 17, he began working at the former Hooper Stockyard, riding a horse and sorting cattle in the sale barn. From there, he worked with Harold Crawford, eventually owning a share of Crawford’s order buying business and purchasing cattle for customers. Following Crawford’s death in 1974, Garrett partnered with the McLane family from Missouri to form McLane-Garrett Cattle Co. He eventually became its sole owner. Garrett’s customer relationships span decades, an accomplishment not often seen in other types of businesses. “We have steady customers who need a constant supply of cattle,” said Garrett, 70. “I still work three sales a week, and we have helpers who buy for us at 25 or 30 sales a week across Alabama and Georgia, plus a few auctions in Mississippi and Florida.” Purchased cattle are trucked to McLane-Garrett’s barn on the Mobile Highway in west Montgomery where they are matched with similar cattle to fill orders. Within hours, those cattle are headed to ranches or feed yards in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico or Kansas. Some end up as far away as Nebraska or Iowa. “The entire deal is based on trust and always has been,” Garrett said. “We trust our customers to pay us, and they trust us to send them the cattle they want.” Garrett concentrates on buying cattle while his wife, Martha Jean, runs the office. Their son, Scott, handles most of the selling and shipping of cattle and is part owner of Mid-State Stockyards in Letohatchee. Their other son, Pat, is an equine veterinarian in Texas, and they rely on him as their consulting vet for cattle health. Technology forever changed his business, Garrett said. A cellphone essentially allows him to be in two places at once, and computers provide faster calculations and accurate records. But the heart of his business — people — are still the most important. “I’ve been lucky to do something I like to do all my life,” Garrett said. “There’s just something about working with cattle and being outside. It’s the best job I can imagine.”

alfafarmers.org

Ned

Lee auctions have fascinated Ned Lee for 86 years. LHillivestock Growing up in Gosport (a community between Grove and Monroeville), his father let him buy goats and sheep

at the local auction to keep him busy. But with every shout from the auctioneer and clap of the hammer, Lee dreamed of the day he could buy his own cattle. “I loved an auction so much that when I was in junior high, I would leave school early on sale day just so I could be there,” said Lee, whose family raised timber, cows and hogs. After graduating from Marion Military Institute, the self-proclaimed problem child headed to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) where he planned a career in veterinary medicine. Instead, he opted for a degree in animal husbandry, graduating in 1953. After college, he spent two years on active duty in the Army, followed by 13 years in the National Guard. “When I got back, a college friend who worked for Frosty Morn Meat Packing Co. begged me to come to Montgomery to buy hogs for that company,” Lee said. Eventually, he bought cattle for them, too, before striking out on his own. Lee and wife Jane Alice Davis Lee were married 46 years. Jane Alice was an icon in the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division before her death in 2008. Lee created Lee Cattle Co. specializing as a buyer for mature cows primarily used for ground beef. He attends auctions several days a week, buying for customers he’s done business with for decades. His own herd is mostly pets — an aging longhorn steer, a Scottish Highland cow and a high-headed Brahman heifer among others. “Cattle are always going to be important in the Southeast,” Lee said. “We have a good climate, a long growing season and lots of grass. That’s an advantage over a lot of places.” Lee has seen a lot of changes in his career and fears big corporations could change the beef business, eventually owning cattle and paying landowners to care for them. But he added that probably won’t happen in his lifetime. For now, he’ll continue heading to every auction he can. “I couldn’t have picked a better life for myself,” Lee said. “There’s nothing I like better than waking up thinking about cows and what sale I’m going to.” September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

Dean

Parkman ean Parkman left Russell County fresh out of high school D to launch a cattle career in Montgomery. His business plans were put on hold during a stint in the U.S. Army and tour in Vietnam. His return home was followed by a few stops working for other ranches before forming Parkman Cattle Co. in 1971. He and wife Brenda built a successful operation based on good cattle, customer service and trust. Their business includes sons Brendon and Brent, who also have their own herds. Parkman has a reputation as a top cattle order buyer in the Southeast. “As long as there are small herds of cattle, there will be a need for order buyers and stockyards,” said Parkman, 76, a familiar sight at area sales with his towering frame and ever-present cowboy hat. “Some outfits raise enough calves to sell their own truckloads, but there are so many small herds in the Southeast, I don’t foresee a time when we won’t need order buyers.” Alabama is home to about 1.3 million cows. The average herd size is 37 head, so when it’s time to sell, most owners count on stockyards. Parkman owns several hundred cows and raises calves himself. For customers, he usually purchases calves weighing 500-700 pounds that are then grazed to 700-800 pounds before they head to a feed yard, where they are fed to 1,100 to 1,400 pounds and eventually harvested. Surviving some of the lowest prices in history for cattle during 1973-74 makes him appreciate how far the beef industry has come, Parkman said. Computers and cellphones significantly changed Parkman’s business (as did access to better cattle through improved genetics, herd health and grazing). But the value of a man’s word will never change, he said. “Your reputation is everything in this business,” Parkman said. “The first load of cattle we ever shipped was to a family in Oklahoma. We still ship cattle to them. They trust you a lot if they’re thousands of miles away and you’re buying $70,000-$80,000 worth of cattle for them. Of course, you have to trust them to pay you for those calves, too.”

NEIGHBORS

September/Fall 2021

Waylon

Price

aylon Price grew up on a Montgomery County farm, W and at age 15, his father helped him get a job at a local stockyard. Since then, he’s never made a dime that

wasn’t connected to the cattle industry. “After that first summer working at Capitol Stockyard, once school started back, I worked there at night till I finished school,” said Price, 80. “My senior year, I worked four nights a week until midnight and then would get up and go to school the next morning.” After graduation, Price became an order buyer and eventually was hired by Lawrence Roll who owned L. A. Roll Cattle Co. The business relocated from the former Union Stockyard in north Montgomery to Hope Hull about 1970. The barn and office are across from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing. After his mentor’s death, the company transitioned to Price & Roll Cattle Co., where Price is a partner with Roll’s grandson Buck. Price continues to work with the same honesty and integrity he learned early on. However, the business has changed dramatically, he said. A half-century ago, most cattle in Alabama were sold from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, he said. Those weeks made up three-quarters of his business. Now, cattle are sold all year, sales are smaller, and there are fewer stockyards. “We used to have six sales a week just around Montgomery,” Price said. “It was hard on a person, and it was hard on your family. Now, there are only two sales a week here.” Price and wife Becky raised two sons, Clay and Brian, though neither went into the cattle business. “I thank the good Lord every night that he lets me do what I love for a living,” Price said. “More than most businesses, the order buying business operates on trust, and you have to be committed to it. David (Garrett), Dean (Parkman), Lowell (Custard), Ned (Lee) and I are committed to our businesses and families. It says something about us that we all stayed married to the wife we each started out with.” alfafarmers.org

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McBrayer Tapped To Lead Young Farmers Division

he Alabama Farmers Federation has welcomed a familiar face as director T of its Young Farmers Division. Hunter

of the Bee & Honey and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod divisions. He also was executive director of the Alabama Fruit McBrayer, a commodity director whose & Vegetable Growers Association. roots run deep in Young The Blount County Farmers, began his new native and former Alabama role Aug. 23. Cooperative Extension McBrayer said he is System agent earned eager to travel the state, respect and appreciation meet with members, of members for his work increase engagement and on projects ranging from help Young Farmers be Sweet Grown Alabama and more successful. hemp to developing new “The Young Farmers transplant suppliers for program opened the door strawberry growers. McBrayer for me to learn more about An alumnus of the the vital role the Federation Agricultural Leaders For can play in improving the lives of Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) program, our farmers and rural Alabama,” said McBrayer was an avid competitor in McBrayer, 32. “I look forward to forging Young Farmers contests, including new relationships with Young Farmers Discussion Meet, where he was a and working alongside staff in bringing three-time finalist. in the next crop of Federation leaders.” “Hunter has a passion for leadership McBrayer joined the Federation development and has strong three years ago, serving as director relationships with many of our Young

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September/Fall 2021

Farmers,” said Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. “I’m excited about the development of our next generation of leaders.” A graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in biology, McBrayer is finishing his master’s degree with Auburn University. He and wife Brooke, who is Communications Department assistant for the Federation, have a 16-month-old son, Mason. They live in Deatsville. McBrayer replaces Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Christenberry. The 9-year Federation veteran is transitioning to a new, part-time role with the Alabama FFA Foundation and leadership development, including the A.L.F.A. Leaders program. Christenberry, a former state and national FFA officer, said she is excited to continue her work with Leaders while having more time with her husband, John, and son, John David. The Christenberrys reside in Montgomery.

alfafarmers.org

Alfa Health Welcomes New CSR

mber Smith joined the Alabama A Farmers Federation Alfa Health team July 6 as a senior health customer

sales and wanted to find a different way to help people. “I knew becoming licensed in life service representative. and health insurance would Alfa Health gives open opportunities for me Federation members to have a new, fulfilling access to Blue Cross role,” Smith said. Blue Shield of Alabama Alfa Health Manager products through local Alfa Lauren Bright said she was Insurance offices and the excited to welcome Smith Federation home office. to the department. In this role, Smith will help “Navigating the health members obtain financial insurance world can be peace of mind. daunting,” Bright said. Smith “I cannot express “That’s where our team how thankful I am to join the Alabama comes in. Amber is a great addition to Farmers Federation, and I am excited Alfa Health and will be able to make a to see what the future may hold,” said great impact in members’ lives.” Smith, 29. “Worrying about medical The Virginia native graduated expenses can be mentally debilitating, in 2013 with a bachelor’s in sport and I want to help ease potential management from Tusculum University financial burdens for as many members in Greeneville, Tennessee. Smith and her as I can.” husband, Nick, live in Prattville and have Smith is a licensed health producer. a dog, Fiona. They enjoy traveling and She previously worked in automotive attending sporting events.

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COUNTY FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETINGS Crenshaw County Thursday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 357 S. Forest Ave., Luverne Dallas County Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:00 p.m. Alfa Service Office 403 Broad St., Selma Lowndes County Thursday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. Southern Sportsman Lodge 9022 US Hwy 80 W., Tyler

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Marengo County Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 206 Shiloh St., Linden Monroe County Monday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m. Monroe County Ag Center 334 Agriculture Dr., Monroeville Winston County Thursday, Sept. 9, 6:00 p.m. American Legion Garrison-Bonds Post 184 60 New Legion Rd., Double Springs September/Fall

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Poultry Division

Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders:

Bobby’s Restaurant Rules the Roost

Bobby’s Restaurant in Eva beat out finalists in the Flavorful Four to win the Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders contest sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Poultry Division. Judges visited the restaurant July 15. From left are Tami Culver, Department of Agriculture & Industries; owners John and April Hall; Poultry Division Director Russ Durrance; and “Simply Southern TV” Reporter Melissa Bowman.

By Marlee Moore n the quest for Bama’s Best Chicken IBobby’s Tenders, one eatery rules the roost — Restaurant in Eva.

The Morgan County institution, owned by April and John Hall, is known for basketfuls of deep brown tenders covered in crunchy bits of breading. Crinkle-cut fries, fresh-cut slaw, perfectly buttered Texas toast and homemade sauces round out the judge-approved

NEIGHBORS

September/Fall 2021

meal. “Everything is homemade,” April said. “That’s the kicker. We have a sign in the back that tells our staff, ‘Sauces always need to be done.’” The Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders slate of judges agree: The sauces complement Alabama’s No. 1 agricultural commodity to a T. The Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division sponsored the contest, which highlights how Alabamians flock to their

favorite bird (poultry is a $15 billion industry in the state). As the winner, Bobby’s Restaurant receives bragging rights, a cash prize, plaque and a feature on “Simply Southern TV.” “This is so exciting. We try to be excellent, but we were simply honored to be among the finalists for this contest,” said April. “Serving our community is a labor of love. We do what we love, and we love what we do. This whole contest was a great experience.” The trio of judges visited Bobby’s Restaurant July 15 as part of a two-day judging journey across Alabama. Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders judges were “Simply Southern TV” reporter Melissa Bowman; Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Deputy Commissioner Tami Culver; and Federation Poultry Division Director Russ Durrance. “We are so thankful for the hospitality we experienced as we hit the road to judge this contest,” Durrance said. “Each restaurant puts so much care and attention into serving their loyal customers. While it was hard to separate these great restaurants, at the end of the day, we were blown away by the folks and food at Bobby’s. As soon as we tried their chicken (paired with all four of their sauce offerings), we knew we’d found Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders.” alfafarmers.org

The saucy lineup includes homemade white barbecue sauce, fresh ranch, sweet honey mustard and chicken sauce, a local favorite April considered dubbing “everything-butthe-kitchen-sink sauce.” April inherited her cooking chops from her restaurateur parents, the late Bobby Smith and his wife, Trish. The restaurant pays homage to its roots with the original Bobby’s Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant sign blanketing a wall. John collects vintage signs, which also pepper the walls. The original Bobby’s closed in 2014. Five years ago, April and John dove back into food service with Bobby’s Restaurant, where they dole out to-go orders and quickly serve customers in their 80-seat joint on the corner in Eva. April admits — the recipes are courtesy of Trish. Think hush puppies, banana pudding, fried catfish and strawberry pretzel salad. And the chicken tenders aren’t just served in baskets. One of April’s specialties is fried tenders doused in white gravy; it’s served with biscuits, mashed potatoes and peas.

alfafarmers.org

A repeat visit to Bobby’s is on the to-do list for Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders’ judges, including Culver. “Bobby’s made an impact with delicious food, excitement for the work they are doing and the family environment they extend to their employees,” Culver said. “April has a vivacious personality and has created a fun atmosphere. It’s exciting to see the continuation of a family business and community legacy.” Bobby’s is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4-7:30 p.m. Find Bobby’s Restaurant on Facebook to view their daily specials. Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders nominations were accepted on the

Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page. Fan voting narrowed the Edible Eight finalists to the Flavorful Four — which judges note are all worth a taste. Hand-dredged chicken tenders with goldenbrown crunchy bits anchor Bobby’s award-winning tender basket. Tasty sides include crinkle-cut fries, hand-cut slaw and buttery Texas toast.

To judge for yourself, plan visits to: n Bobby’s Restaurant in Eva in Morgan County n The Chicken Shack in Luverne in Crenshaw County n Crowe’s Chicken in Brundidge in Pike County n J’s Hole in the Wall in Bryant in Jackson County

September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

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Carry the card that rewards Farm Bureau® membership! Use our card every day and earn triple, double, or single points on select purchases1. Plus, we’ll pay your Farm Bureau membership renewal dues!2 Contact your local agent to apply! Eligible purchases mean any signature or pin-based, online, phone or mail-order purchase made with the Farm Bureau Member Rewards MasterCard. Offer excludes Cash Advances, Balance Transfers, credits and returns. Points expire after four full years. Program may change or be cancelled at anytime. Triple reward points on qualifying transactions based on merchant code, up to $1,500 quarterly. Credit Card plastic design may vary based on member’s qualification. 2 State eligibility and minimum annual spend requirements for membership dues reimbursement vary by state and can be found on farmbureau.bank. Please see Terms and Conditions on farmbureau.bank for additional details about the Farm Bureau Member Rewards MasterCard. MasterCard, including rates, fees, the reward program rules (including points accrual rate, bonus points awards, etc.) and the benefits associated with the use of this credit card program. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.FBMRMC_03.2020 1

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Jones Joins Federation, Alfa Event-Planning Team he Alabama Farmers Federation with a bachelor’s in communication T welcomed Emily Jones to its studies and a minor in public relations. event-planning team July 21. The Destinations Department Director

Troy University graduate is a meeting Shane Watkins said Jones’s enthusiasm planner for Destinations, and organization will be a the department that boon to the department oversees meeting logistics and the members it serves. for the Federation and Alfa Destinations coordinates Insurance. Federation events such as Jones joins the annual meeting, Farm & Federation from Dogwood Land Expo, Young Farmers Media Solutions in Conference and Women’s Montgomery, where Leadership Conference, in she was a digital media addition to a bevy of Alfa specialist. She brings Insurance meetings and Jones first-hand knowledge of incentive trips. farm life to the Federation; her family Jones and her husband, Brannon, raises beef cattle and row crops near will celebrate their second anniversary Headland. in December. Brannon works for “Having grown up in an agriculture Virginia-based RT Specialty. They live family, I am excited to plan events that in Montgomery and are involved in directly impact rural communities and Gateway Baptist Church, where they to work alongside some of the best lead small groups for middle and meeting planners in the business,” said high schoolers. Jones enjoys reading, Jones, 23. traveling, and spending time with family, Jones graduated from Troy in 2019 friends and their dog, Cayman.

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A LABAMA FAR M BUR E AU

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1921

2021

Telling The Story – Alfa Advertising

products to service options, FAlfarom Alabama Farmers Federation and Insurance have evolved over

the past 75 years, and so has their advertising. Formed in 1946 to provide fire coverage to Alabama Farm Bureau members, the company quickly began offering automobile policies and other services. Over the years, advertising has showcased Alfa’s outstanding customer service and core values of faith, family, community and integrity. While Alfa’s advertising has changed over the years, Alfa’s exceptional customer service has remained the hallmark of the company’s marketing efforts for 75 years.

1946-1972

Black and white print ads were used from the late 1940s to early 1970s. One of the first highlighted three lines of insurance offered by Alabama Farm Bureau: automobile; fire and windstorm; and life insurance. During this time of rapid expansion, Alabama Farm Bureau became known as The “Growth” Company. Ads ran in newspapers across the state of Alabama with the tagline “Helping Build the South in a New Era.” One of the company’s first television commercials was developed during this time, running extensively on WSFA-TV in Montgomery. Viewers from the late ‘50s and ‘60s still quote the famous spot, which featured local child celebrity Dixie Lee Turner announcing, “Mama, it’s the Farm Bureau man.” 26

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September/Fall 2021

1973-1986 The 1970s saw Farm Bureau adopt a new logo, which it kept until the name change more than a decade later. Color print ads depicted family life in the South. Taglines of the era included “Because We Care,” which foreshadowed the development of the company’s philanthropic brand, “Alfa Cares.” In 1980, the organization established the inhouse advertising agency Creative Consultants Inc., which continues to be charged with creating memorable marketing campaigns for Alfa and maximizing the effectiveness of the advertising budget.

1987-2009 In 1987, Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance changed its name to Alfa Insurance. The name Alfa was derived from using the first two letters of the words “Alabama” and “farmer.” It was selected as the ideal name to reflect the company’s agricultural heritage and passed stringent tests for memorability. With the name change came a new logo. One of the most successful advertising campaigns in Alabama history encouraged current and potential customers to remember Alfa as, “A New Name for an Old Friend.” Advertising reflected Alfa’s sense of family, community and top-rated customer service from some of the “Best Agents in the Business.” The slogan and jingle “Call Alfa” were adopted during this time and have since become memorable parts of Alfa’s legacy. In 1991, the Haynes quadruplets of Calhoun County, along with their older sister, became the faces of Alfa. Sporting matching red shirts emblazoned with the letters of the brand, the Alfa Quads appeared in television commercials and print advertising for the next several years. When they graduated from college in 2013, Alfa again featured the family. In the early 2000s, Alfa urged customers, “Let’s Talk About Tomorrow,” during a campaign which featured special effects, including a piano falling on a sports car.

2010-Present Alfa launched its first mobile app in 2010. The launch of Alfa2Go® coincided with a new advertising campaign, “Right There with You.” Customer and employee testimonials later were used to reinforce the human connection of the Alfa brand. Creative Consultants Inc. (CCI), brought television production back into Alabama during this time — saving money which was invested in media placement. Local talent was utilized to achieve high production value at minimal cost. For several years, Alfa advertising featured slices of everyday life — showcasing the importance of customer service and affordable insurance. Sean of the South served as Alfa’s spokesperson in 2020-21, before the company shifted gears to highlight how little things (like accidents) can become big things without proper insurance. The new campaign is set to debut in September 2021. Meanwhile, CCI expanded advertising in recent years to include extensive digital marketing as Alfa rolled out online quoting and purchasing for automobile customers. alfafarmers.org

IT’S NOT JUST CHICKEN FEED

Our farmers help feed chicken, catfish, cows and horses, too.

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100 College Students Studying In Alabama Receive $1,000 Alfa Foundation Scholarships ne hundred students studying at Alabama technical schools, colleges and universities have earned $1,000 scholarships awarded through the Alfa O Foundation Scholarship Program.

“These students represent the future of our state and our nation, and we are proud to invest in their education,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We feel certain we’ll see a great return on this investment, because our scholarship recipients go on to do great things.” The 2021 crop of scholarship recipients hails from 46 counties, studying at 15 different institutions of higher learning. The program is administered through Scholarship America, which selects recipients, all Alabama Farmers Federation members, based on academics, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals. In its eighth year, the program has awarded $750,000 in scholarships, which may be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies. Visit Facebook.com/AlfaInsurance to view the recipients. The 2021 Alfa Foundation award recipients, listed by county, are:

Baldwin Benjamin Hoover, freshman, BirminghamSouthern Erin Meszaros, sophomore, UAB Greer Robinson, senior, Alabama Richard Strum, junior, Alabama Zoe Vicich, senior, Auburn

Barbour George Hunter Cochran, freshman, Auburn Laura Horne, freshman, Auburn

Blount Julia Helvin, junior, UNA Mallory Smith, sophomore, Wallace State CC at Hanceville Corley Williams, freshman, Auburn Butler Parker McNaughton, freshman, Alabama Calhoun Jacob Lee, junior, Auburn Rio Murray, freshman, Auburn 28

NEIGHBORS

September/Fall 2021

Cherokee Hannah Davis, freshman, Auburn

Chilton Reid Mitchell, freshman, Alabama Lindsey Wood, freshman, Alabama Carlee Wyatt, freshman, Mobile Choctaw Marshall Manning, junior, USA Aaron Wilson, junior, USA Clarke Quentin Brown, junior, USA Coffee Macie Smith, freshman

Conecuh Avie Etheridge, junior, Troy

Covington Madeline Pugh, junior, UNA

Crenshaw Adam Carlisle, sophomore, Auburn Elleigh Layton, freshman, USA

Cullman Lillimae Allen, junior, Mobile Townley Cornelius, sophomore, Alabama Lexy Gambrill, freshman, Auburn Dale Morgan Ferguson, freshman, AUM

Dallas Elizabeth “Ellie” Adams, junior, Alabama DeKalb Alyssa Cook, freshman, Snead State CC Seth Maddox, junior, Auburn Noah Williams, freshman, Samford Elmore Jackson Hand, sophomore, Auburn Judson Hardin, sophomore, Auburn Carly Hornsby, freshman, Alabama Abigail Luster, freshman, Auburn

Escambia Winfred “Wyn” Brittain, freshman, UAB

Etowah Anna Giles, sophomore, Birmingham-Southern Daniel Rich, freshman, JSU Benjamin Starkey, freshman, UNA Franklin Destiny Deaton, junior, UNA

Henry William Colton Bryant, sophomore, Auburn Houston Gillian Bailey, freshman, Troy Grayson Clark Crowley, senior, Auburn Hannah Seales, freshman, Auburn

alfafarmers.org

Jackson Annabelle Parrish, freshman, Auburn Megan Woodall, junior, Auburn

Jefferson Jackson Harris, freshman, Auburn Anna Johnston, junior, Samford Hannah Lloyd, freshman, Samford William McGinnis, sophomore, Auburn Alex McKinstry, freshman, Auburn Maleah Walker, senior, Samford

Lamar Annalisa Robertson, sophomore, Samford Icie Wriley, junior, Alabama Lauderdale Bethany Belue, junior, UNA Jenna Mosley, freshman, UNA Caroline Parker, senior, Auburn

Lawrence Jordan Jett, senior, UNA LeAnne Pace, freshman, Auburn Patti Anne Smith, freshman, Alabama Lee Peyton Armstrong, freshman, Auburn Hayden Burch, senior, Auburn Julia Bush, sophomore, Auburn Claragrace Jensen, senior, Auburn Kaycie Mashburn, junior, Troy Seth Walker, freshman, Auburn

Macon Rachel Sargent, sophomore, Auburn

Madison Julianna Blewett, freshman, Auburn Natalia Castillo Casados, junior, UAH Elizabeth Claire Congo, freshman, Auburn Jack Dennis, freshman, Auburn Ellie Hundley, freshman, Auburn Ashton Towry, freshman, Auburn Marengo William Yates, sophomore, Auburn Marion Kati Frederick, freshman, Alabama Emma Smith, junior, UAB

Marshall Camden Schwieterman, sophomore, Auburn Mobile Sarah Campitelli, freshman, Auburn Ryan Waite, freshman, UAH Monroe Madeline Hobbs, sophomore, Troy

Montgomery Amiracus Brown, freshman, Alabama Mary Elizabeth Hill, freshman, Auburn Nathan Pohlman, senior, Auburn

Morgan Julya McMinemon, freshman, Alabama

Pickens Jacob “Wells” Perrigin, freshman, Auburn Russell Georgia-Lee Smith, sophomore, Auburn Shelby Collin Dorrill, junior, Auburn Julianne Knight, sophomore, Alabama Brooks Tolbert, junior, UAH Ross Tolbert, freshman, Auburn St. Clair Harper Bell, freshman, UAB

Talladega Isabella Nelson, freshman, Auburn Sarah Sherbert, sophomore, Alabama Tallapoosa Peyton Carr, freshman, Auburn

Tuscaloosa Madelyn Clary, freshman, Shelton State CC Callie Corley, junior, Alabama Joshua Wiggins, junior, Alabama Walker Garrett Lomoro, freshman, Auburn

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September/Fall

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September/Fall 2021

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From Benton To Auburn: The Story Of Mike Phillips By Justin Miller ive hundred and eleven miles. That’s Fto Auburn, the distance from Benton, Arkansas, Alabama.

While the drive is only nine hours on a map, it took Mike Phillips four decades and several stops along the way to complete his journey from central Arkansas to The Loveliest Village on the Plains. Now serving as director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Phillips’ journey has come full circle. The farm boy from Benton is leading Alabama’s premier outreach and educational organization.

Humble Beginnings

Hard work is nothing new to Phillips. Being raised on a beef cattle and soybean farm taught him hard work and dedication. “My parents were not formally educated, and each of them worked two jobs,” Phillips said. “From a young age, they taught me that if I wanted something, I had to work for it.” From working at a meat-processing facility in high school to working for the U.S. Forest Service in college and all the jobs in between, Phillips put himself through college. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1980. He went on to receive a master’s degree and doctorate in agronomy from the University of Arkansas.

His Career

Phillips spent 22 years working at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center. Twelve years were spent as director. “While serving as director, I learned the value of how to properly manage a diverse group and how to serve them all equally,” Phillips said. “Because Alabama Extension provides information that everyone can use, it makes my job that much more important to see that all of our subject areas are successfully

alfafarmers.org

Mike Phillips is serving as the 12th director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. He was previously assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource programs.

reaching their audiences.” Before making his way to Auburn, Phillips’ career included stops at Morehead State and Mississippi State universities. Before being named director in March of this year, Phillips served Alabama Extension as assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource programs. He concurrently served as an associate dean in the Auburn University College of Agriculture.

Vision For The Future

Now going into the seventh month of his directorship, Phillips sees a clear path for Alabama Extension: find ways to better serve Alabama residents.

“I ask myself all the time — are we reaching the people we need to be reaching and to the level that we need to reach them?” he said. For Phillips, the way forward includes building better or new relationships with organizational and individual stakeholders. He wants Extension to serve as a resource to help Alabamians improve their quality of life. Achievements and accolades along the way haven’t changed Phillips’ desire to work hard and improve the world around him. When asked how he wants to be remembered, Phillips’ reply is simple. “I would like to be known as a person who made a difference.”

September/Fall

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Alabama Farmers Experiencing Record Rainfall By Lakin Whatley or farmers, rain is usually a good FJeffcoat thing. But farmers like George and Johnny Lee said large

amounts of rain this summer are negatively impacting their hay and cotton crops. Jeffcoat, who is a Houston County row crop farmer and Alabama Farmers Federation’s Southeast Area vice president, said this summer brought the most consistent rainfall he has seen in over 50 years of farming. He said his peanuts are doing OK, but the cotton crop will suffer. “The roots on the cotton plants are shallow because they don’t have to grow deep to find water,” said Jeffcoat who has 2,500 acres of peanuts and cotton. “I am expecting dryer weather eventually, and these plants will not be equipped to survive.” Peanuts are faring better than cotton, according to many farmers, but with heavy rain, the ground becomes too wet for tractors and other machinery to enter the fields. Wet weather and reduced crop work increases pressure from insects and weeds, ultimately reducing yield quantity and quality.

Wet Weather Woes City Anniston Birmingham Montgomery Tuscaloosa Mobile Dothan Huntsville Muscle Shoals

NEIGHBORS

Normal Rainfall 4.37 4.78 4.08 4.67 6.55 6.15 4.06 5.05

September/Fall 2021

Houston County farmer George Jeffcoat said the summer rainfall is the most he’s seen in his 50 years of farming.

Johnny Lee of Henry County said this year’s hay crop has suffered significantly from too much rain.

In late July, Headland hay farmer Johnny Lee said he was at least one cutting behind in his Henry County fields. “I missed the first cutting due to low temperatures earlier in the season, and precipitation has severely reduced the chance of a second cutting,” Lee said. “I expect hay production in this area to be down at least a third.” The coastal Bermudagrass Lee grows is packed full of nutrients and sold to local farmers. He expects nutrition levels to be below average this harvest, another casualty of excessive rain.

Jeffcoat and Lee both track rainfall by using a standard rain gauge or weather apps. “With an app, I can see which field had the smallest amount of rain and decide if we may get to work in it that day,” Jeffcoat said. “This helps when your crops are spread out over many miles.” Rainfall calculations for June and July exceeded normal for much of Alabama. Some areas more than doubled their average total. “Unfortunately, we are seeing the impacts of too much rain this year, said the Federation’s Brian Hardin. “It has been a reminder that excessive rain — like drought — brings unique challenges for farmers. Alabama farmers are resilient and will adapt.” However, farmers face a long list of challenges, said Hardin, who is the Federation’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department director. Those tasks include applying fertilizer and crop protection products, the quality and development of crops, and delayed hay harvesting, he said.

Source: National Weather Service. Rainfall measured in inches.

June 2021 Rainfall *10.55 8.46 9.09 *16.32 14.22 5.08 5.73 7.13

*Indicates new June record.

June Rainfall Record 9.28 in 2003 12.09 in 1900 15.59 in 1982 12.42 in 2007 26.67 in 1900 not provided 14.99 in 1989 13.43 in 1989

alfafarmers.org

MARRIAGE

am looking for peanut butter in my kitchen. But I can’t find it. I can never find things in my own house because I am married. Just when I figure out where the silverware is located, or the peanut butter, or the master bathroom, my wife changes everything around. She offers no explanation other than, “I moved it above the dishrags.” If I knew where the dishrag drawer was located, it would be smooth sailing. But I have not been able to find our dishrag drawer since the '90s. So I keep opening cupboards until I end up staring into a cabinet filled with vitamins and an Oster six-speed hand mixer. Then, I forget what I was looking for and end up watching “The Young and the Restless.” I forget things because we men have short attention spans. I can be talking about one thing, then (bam!), “Did you know a squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing?” This attention-deficit problem is annoying to women. But it’s just part of being a man. This is why a man can wander into his own kitchen, open his OWN refrigerator, stare at 14 kinds of mustard, including the moldy Grey Poupon nobody has thrown away since his cousin’s wedding reception last summer, and without the slightest irony, ask, “Do we have any mustard?” At my in-law’s house, it was salad dressing. My father-in-law would

accumulate salad dressing like nobody’s business. He would take three steps into a Piggly Wiggly, pause, scratch his head, and say, “What am I doing here?" When we would arrive home, he would have a sack ﬁlled with important household items such as popsicles, a wooden paddle with a rubber ball, a straw hat, a licorice whip, a Danielle Steel novel and salad dressing. And his wife would shout, “What’s this? I sent you to renew our car tags!” That’s a guy for you. Some women criticize their husbands for being so lax, but that’s not fair. You don’t hear men complaining about quirks common to many wives. Don’t get me started on how a woman will take a comfortable bed and cover it with “throw pillows.” These are not to be used by civilians. It’s the same way with the decorative napkins we got as a wedding gift. I am not allowed to use them. Once, we were eating chili, and I reached for my napkin. My wife shouted, “NO! WHAT’RE YOU, CRAZY? DON’T USE THAT!” “What am I supposed to use?” “Get a rag from the dishrag drawer.” If you are a male, lost in his own kitchen, and you have no idea where the peanut butter is, don’t worry. Squirrels are tree-dwelling mammals who are double-jointed. Hey. What am I doing in the grocery store? ■

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

September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

By Lois Chaplin

Alabama

he first taste of a garden-ripe strawberry may be all it takes to say, “I’m planting this!” Strawberries don’t ripen after picking, so only those that ripen on the plant achieve their full potential: flavor that reaches your nose. That taste summons the garden tools. It’s time to think about next year’s crop. Strawberries can be planted in the spring, but fall planting provides a head start so plants grow better the first year. Plants are available now, in local garden centers or via mail-order. Growing strawberries at home is more informal than growing them in annual rows such as at a U-pick. At home, it’s more practical to treat them as the perennials they are, letting the plants fill in like a ground cover (called a matted row) and thinning the planting each year. If one can keep the matted rows fresh and weeded, the plants usually last three to five years. That cuts down on work and expense. Good drainage and eight hours of full sun daily are key to growing strawberries. In heavy clay soils, a raised bed filled with good soil can provide drainage plants need. Containers work well, too, but harvests are measured by the handful, not basketful. Containers also offer a practical option to test varieties. Of many varieties available, just a few are suited to Alabama’s climate. Earliglow, Cardinal,

Chandler and Camerosa are popular “June-bearers,” a misnomer in Alabama because they start bearing in April and end about June. The flowers set during the cool of fall and late winter, so take good care of them after planting. Prepare the ground by incorporating one part sand (in heavy clay soil) and one part compost or other organic matter by volume. Work in your favorite fertilizer. It can be organic or a chemical fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. If using manure, be sure it is fully composted. According to Doug Chapman, Alabama’s regional Extension agent for commercial horticulture in the Tennessee Valley, commercial growers who raise strawberries as annuals in rows start fertilizing in February or March and continue every week the plants are blooming. Home gardeners don’t have to be so precise, but strawberries are heavy feeders and will need some fertilizer during production. About 1/3 pound of 20-20-20 fertilizer dissolved in water is the liquid feed equivalent of what commercial growers apply. Strawberry plants available now are rooted in small pots or as plugs; later in the season, they may be bare root. Space the plants at least 12 inches apart in rows at least 24 inches apart. New growth starts from a crown deep at the center of the plant; if covered with soil,

the plant could rot. The crown should be completely above ground. Water the plants thoroughly. Mulch the planting with 2 to 3 inches of pine straw or herbicide-free wheat straw. Mulch helps keep down weeds. In North Alabama, this also helps prevent the soil from freezing. Plants can be injured by temperatures below 20 F, or even killed by a long night into the teens, so be prepared to cover the plants with straw mulch or a layer of frost cloth. The first fall after planting, there is room to plant onions or garlic between the strawberry plants. They won’t need the space between rows until they start sending out pegs, or suckers, in the summer. At the end of the summer, dig up and discard the original plants, but leave the rooted young pegs to renew the planting next year. Mulch bare areas with pine straw, and keep the bed weeded. For information about pest control and other aspects of growing strawberries, Extension’s Chapman recommends the Southern Small Fruits Consortium at smallfruits.org. For region-specific information, contact a local Extension agent. Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

Savings For Your Farm, Garden, Home & More E ALAFARM.COM 34

NEIGHBORS

September/Fall 2021

alfafarmers.org

September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time 8 hrs

Servings 8 to 10

Ingredients

Re c

2 pounds ground chuck 1 medium onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes 1 (18-ounce) can tomato paste 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 2 teaspoons dried basil 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

fall will be here before you know it. This time of year, families Ftakeriends, advantage of the tail end of

summer by hosting reunions, big and small. When I was younger, it seemed like family reunions were more common than they are nowadays. From time to time, I’ll hear a friend fondly recalling how much those gatherings meant to them as a child. They usually mention wishing that their family still held reunions like in the good old days. I like to gently remind them that the responsibility for reunions today falls on the generation that enjoyed them yesterday. In other words, if you’re reading this and you have family, it’s time to plan a reunion. The first objection I hear is that people are overwhelmed with the thought of cooking for a crowd; that’s where a little planning can go a long way. By choosing recipes that can be made ahead of time and letting your guests pitch in with potluck dishes of their own, the host is sure to enjoy it every bit as much as a guest. This month, here are a few sure-fire recipes to help get you started. So get some paper handy, make out that grocery list, and get ready to gather the generations again. Don’t you love those restaurants that have buckets of peanuts on the

NEIGHBORS

September/Fall 2021

e ip

atured Fe on

table while you wait on your food? I believe this stems from the old Southern tradition of boiling salted peanuts in a kettle over an open fire. It’s fun to greet your guests with a taste of yesterday while they get settled in. With all the kids in our family these days, and with time at a premium, I employ my Instant Pot to make perfectly boiled peanuts that taste just like they came from an old kettle. You can make boiled peanuts ahead of time, store in the fridge and microwave them when ready to serve! Every generation has their picky eaters, so I like to make a batch of slow cooker spaghetti sauce — the perennial crowd pleaser — and a fresh batch of pasta served on the side. You can make this for a big family dinner, but if you decide on a potluck, it also fits in perfectly amid Aunt Grace’s casserole and MeeMaw’s relish tray! You can make this up to three days ahead of time and reheat or just pop it in the crock pot in the morning to have it ready by lunchtime. Every cook wants to bring a dessert, and no reunion is complete without a table full of them! Bama Butter Cake is a scratch-made cake that is super moist, studded with pecans and drizzled with a sweet butter sauce. It practically comes with a no-crumb-left guarantee! Bama Butter Cake is actually better made a

Instructions In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain the grease. Set beef aside.  Lightly spray the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and tomato sauce. Mix well. Add sugar, dried basil, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Add ground beef and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. Stir well and serve over cooked pasta. day or two ahead of time. While you’re adding these recipes to your file, pull out some favorites from the good old days. When a family member calls and asks what they can bring, don’t be shy about asking if they’d like your great-grandmother’s recipe for a special dish that they, too, have fond memories of. The beauty of a family reunion is in treasuring memories of yesterday while making new ones. The years are flying by. Take time to smell the roses, taste the casseroles and hug the necks of those dear to you. That, my friends, is how we live the good life. 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

Bama Butter Cake

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cake Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cup sugar 5 large eggs, room temperature 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Butter Glaze Ingredients 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup unsalted butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cake Instructions Heat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan.   Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Turn the mixer on low, and add about half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix well. Add about

Servings 10

half of the buttermilk and mix well. Add remaining flour mixture and mix well. Add remaining buttermilk and mix well. Add the vanilla and pecans. Mix to combine.   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is just starting to pull away from the sides of the pan and toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.   Use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake.

Butter Glaze Instructions In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and butter. Cook over low heat until the butter melts and the sugar has just dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and add the vanilla; stir well. Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still in the pan, paying special attention to make sure the glaze drizzles down into the holes. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the glaze for later. Allow the cake to cool for about 30 minutes in the pan before placing a serving platter over the pan and inverting the cake onto it. Drizzle reserved glaze over the cake.

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 1 hr

Natural Pressure Release 30 mins

Servings 10

Ingredients 2 pounds green peanuts 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions Rinse the peanuts in cool water. Place in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker.  Add salt and vinegar and enough water to just cover the peanuts. For me, that was about 10 cups. Be cautious to not exceed the max fill line on your appliance. Place the lid on and seal. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then turn the appliance off and allow the pressure to release naturally. Carefully remove the lid. Enjoy!

Stacey’s Recipe Notes Check out the blog post at SouthernBite.com about the difference between green and raw peanuts. This recipe calls for green peanuts, but raw peanuts will work if that’s all you can find. If using raw peanuts, soak them overnight in cool water and cook them for 85 to 90 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. alfafarmers.org

September/Fall

NEIGHBORS

#CROPPORTUNITY

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Neighbors Magazine, September 2021

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