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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 10
A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation
OCTOBER 2015
_____________________________________
Debra Davis, Editor Mike Moody, Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan, Executive Director Jeff Helms, Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell, President, Stanton Rex Vaughn, Vice President/North, Huntsville Dean Wysner, Vice President/Central, Woodland George Jeffcoat, Vice President/Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn, Hillsboro Paul Looney, Athens Phillip Thompson, Scottsboro Don Allison, Arley Joe Roberts, Fayette Dell Hill, Alpine Richard Edgar, Deatsville Dan Robertson, Uniontown Garry Henry, Hope Hull Carl Sanders, Brundidge Sammy Gibbs, Atmore Fred Helms, Dothan Cheryl Lassiter, Silas Garrett Henry, Hope Hull
16
In This Issue 12
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.
A member of American Farm Bureau Federation OCTOBER 2015
6
Farm Of Distinction
9
Featuring Fried Pies
16 Agritourism Adventures 20 Camp Smile-A-Mile
20
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com
www.AlfaFarmers.org
Scholarships Awarded
12 Pink Tractor Brings Hope
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.
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.
4
24 Poultry Expanding 28 Country Kitchen
On The Cover 28
Alabama Farm Of Distinction winner Rickey Cornutt of Marshall County will compete for Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 20 in Moultrie, Georgia. Photo by Jeff Helms.
Misconceptions About Agriculture — True or False? Farmers use more land now than in the past.
the U.S., farmland used for crops has dropped by 70 FALSE! In million acres since 1982. Technology allows more food to be grown on less land.
Source: American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture 3
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County Federations Award Scholarships At Auburn University
Farmers Federation leaders and students visit following the scholarship luncheon. From left are Lawrence County Farmers Federation President Allen Pickens, Crenshaw County Farmers Federation President Linda Pierce, food science senior Richelle Thomas, poultry science junior Trevor Lee and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
By Jeff Helms
C
urrent and future agricultural leaders came together on the Auburn University (AU) campus Aug. 22 as county Farmers Federations presented scholarships to 72 students majoring in agriculture and forestry. Crenshaw County Farmers Federation President Linda Pierce addressed the students on behalf of 54 counties awarding scholarships through the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF). “Each county in the great state of Alabama has the opportunity of funding scholarships thanks to the encouragement and assistance of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Pierce, who taught high school biology, anatomy and physiology for 27 years. “It means we are helping the student and their family with meritbased assistance to help pay for college — not just any student or any family, but one from our own county — a homegrown recipient.” The AFAF, with support from the Federation and Alfa Insurance, provided $1,250 in matching funds for every county Federation that contributed $500 toward a scholarship. Richelle Thomas, a senior in food science from Highland Home, earned the $1,750 scholarship from Crenshaw County. “I’m so thankful,” Thomas said. “It’s
taken so much pressure off me so I can focus on being more involved here at Auburn, studying harder and hopefully being able to give back once I graduate.” Thomas hopes to use her degree to develop preservation methods that extend the shelf life of food to meet the needs of a growing world population. Pierce said Thomas’ career goals illustrate the AFAF scholarship program’s value. “College is not free, but some investments are beyond calculation,” she said. “These scholarship recipients are among those who will assume the greatest challenges of the 21st Century, from energy to food supply to health care. For a cause this big, no gift is too small.” The Lawrence County Farmers Federation scholarship was exactly what Trevor Lee of Moulton needed to reach his goal of having his tuition fully paid. “It means more than anyone can ever know,” said the junior majoring in poultry production. “This is truly a blessing. My goal was to earn scholarships so I wouldn’t have to work during college. This allows me to focus on school instead of being distracted.” Lee transferred to Auburn from Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, where he enrolled in the 2+2 program. The College of Agriculture established the program so poultry science students could com-
View photos of this event at www.flickr.com/AlabamaFarmers/Sets w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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OCTOBER 2015
plete core classes close to home before moving to the AU campus for specialized education. Lawrence County Farmers Federation President Allen Pickens said it was encouraging to visit with Lee and other students during the luncheon at Ham Wilson Arena. “Listening to Trevor and his enthusiasm means we’ve helped someone so they can worry about their studies instead of having to work,” Pickens said. “It shows counties are concerned about youth who are
willing to get into agriculture.” In addition to 54 students who received AFAF scholarships, the luncheon recognized 18 students who received separate scholarships from the Baldwin, Dale, Houston, Lee, Madison, Montgomery, Randolph and Shelby county Farmers Federations. Additional county recipients were recognized at local meetings. Altogether, 140 students received scholarship assistance from the AFAF or a county Farmers Federation in 2015. n
2015 Scholarship Recipients COUNTY
NAME
MAJOR
COUNTY
NAME
MAJOR
Autauga
Will Howard Wendland
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Houston
Nicole Moulton
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Baldwin
Annelise Salzmann
Ecological Engineering
Jackson
Tristan Yates
Horticulture
Baldwin
Gatlin Bertolla
Agricultural Communications
Lauderdale
Kayleen McCafferty
Poultry Science-Pre-Vet
Baldwin
Nicholas O’Farrell
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Lawrence
Trevor Lee
Poultry Science-Production
Baldwin
Jasmine Morris
4th Year Professional - Veterinary Medicine
Lee
Ivy Sibley
Agricultural Communications
Baldwin
Mallory Burch
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Lee
John Stanley
Agricultural Business & Economics
Barbour
Weston Jones
Agricultural Business & Economics
Lee
Mary Dixon
Agricultural Communications
Blount
Karri Fievet
Poultry Science Production
Lee
Jordan Farrell
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Bullock
Joseph Adams
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Lee
Chandler Mulvney
Agricultural Communications
Butler
Dalton Burns
Forestry
Limestone
Lloyd McDonald
Agricultural Business & Economics
Calhoun
Zach Burgess
Fish & Allied Aquacultures
Macon
Chase Seals
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Chambers
Zachary Slay
Natural Resources Management
Madison
Jake Patterson
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Cherokee
Darbie Rosser
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Madison
Connor Webster
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Choctaw
Hayley Anderson
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Madison
Tyler Miller
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Clarke
Marlee Moore
Agricultural Communications
Madison
Caroline Webster
Agronomy & Soils (Science)
Clay
Jessica Miles
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Marengo
Clayton Glass
School of Forestry & Wildlife Science
Cleburne
Abby Ledbetter
Agricultural Business & Economics
Marion
Auston Holland
Horticulture
Coffee
Ryan Wood
Agriscience Education
Marshall
Joshua Williams
Agriscience Education
Colbert
Ellie Isbell
Agricultural Communications
Monroe
Jake Tucker
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Conecuh
Kelly Goneke
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Monroe
Caleb Smith
Agricultural Business & Economics
Covington
Brandon Buckelew
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Montgomery
Mallory Boyd
Agricultural Business & Economics
Crenshaw
Richelle Thomas
Food Science Option-Poultry Science
Montgomery
Mitchell Henry
Animal Science Production/Management
Dale
Tucker Thompson
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Morgan
Lilly Oaks
Horticulture
Dale
Abby Himburg
Agricultural Communications
Perry
Matthew Brady
Agricultural Business & Economics
Dale
Bo Walding
Agronomy & Soils (Production)
Pike
Ashlyn Bentley
Wildlife Science-Pre-Vet
Dallas
Alston Ivey
Agricultural Business & Economics
Randolph
Tyler Easterwood
Poultry Science-Production
DeKalb
Baily Crane
Poultry Science-Production
Randolph
Luke Knight
Agricultural Communications
Elmore
Sarah Jackson
Agricultural Communications
Russell
Trey Beck
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Escambia
Crystal Boutwell
Natural Resources Management
Shelby
Mary Pat Holder
Poultry Science-Pre-Vet
Etowah
Kennedy Vice
Agricultural Business & Econ
Shelby
Trey Colley
Biosystems Engineering
Fayette
Alexandra Tramutolo
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
St. Clair
Karlee Castleberry
Animal Science-Production/Management
Franklin
Justin Knight
Wildlife Ecology & Management
Talladega
Leia Brown
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Geneva
Megan Saunders
Agricultural Business & Economics
Tallapoosa
Rebecca Oliver
Agricultural Communications
Hale
Merri Day
Agricultural Business & Economics
Tuscaloosa
Robert Hemphill
Agricultural Business & Economics
Henry
Leigh Anna Money
Agriscience Education
Wilcox
Claudia Harper
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
Houston
Josh Starling
Pre-Biosystems Engineering
Winston
Chandler Adamson
Animal Sciences-Pre-Vet
OCTOBER 2015
5
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Cornutt Competes For Southeastern Farmer Of The Year By Jeff Helms
W
hen Rickey Cornutt steps on stage in Moultrie, Georgia, Oct. 20 to represent Alabama in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest, it will be validation of a lifelong pursuit. “My grandfather and father were farmers, and as a child, I loved to help them,” said Cornutt, who is Marshall County Farmers Federation president. “I always wanted to be a farmer. I went to college for a year and decided to come back and farm. In 1981, I started full time farming on a small scale. As we grew, we tried to stay out of debt. God has blessed us, and we were able to expand our operation.” Today, Cornutt and brother, Chris, farm about 1,200 acres of row crops and have a 250-cow beef cattle herd. Rickey and wife Connie earned the chance to compete against nine other state champions by being named the Alabama Farm-City Committee’s Farm of Distinction winners in April. Federation Area Organization Director Kyle Hayes nominated the Cornutts for the award. “I have known Rickey and Connie for 25 years or more,” Hayes said. “They represent values you look for in family farming. Rickey is passionate about his faith, his family and his farm. He’ll do a great job representing Alabama agriculture.” As Alabama’s winner, the Cornutts have already received a
Rickey Cornutt, above, checks corn prior to harvest on his farm in Marshall County. Inset, a younger Cornutt checks grain sorghum with his late father, Basil, and brother, Jeff, who helps on the farm when he can.
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OCTOBER 2015
Rickey and Connie Cornutt display their Farm of Distinction sign with family members. From left are youngest daughter Cara, Rickey, his mother, Carolyn, Connie and Rickey’s brother and farm partner, Chris.
John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC); and an engraved farm sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. They also will receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Expo from Swisher International of Jacksonville, Florida, a $500 gift certificate from the Southern States Cooperative, the choice of $1,000 in cottonseed or a $500 donation to a designated charity from PhytoGen and a Columbia vest from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply. The Southeastern Farmer of the Year will receive $15,000, the use of a Massey Ferguson tractor for a year from Massey Ferguson North America and other prizes. Cornutt’s corn, soybean and wheat acreage is scattered among 42 small fields on Sand Mountain. Because his farm is interwoven
with the community, he said it’s important to be courteous with drivers and respectful of neighbors whose properties adjoin his fields. “I feel like to be a good neighbor, whether you are a farmer or not, you need to be kind to one another,” he said. “There’s been times when people don’t understand why we work late at night or why we are working on a Saturday.
I feel like being a good neighbor is just part of being a good person.” Cornutt’s role as an ambassador for agriculture extends beyond his farm gates and leadership in the Farmers Federation. He also serves on the boards of the DeKalb County Farmers Co-op and Marshall County Leadership Challenge. He sits on the state soybean committee that allocates research and promotion funds and is an adviser for a Tennessee Valley Authority committee that funds community projects such as volunteer fire departments. The Cornutts attend Gum Springs Baptist Church. Their older daughter, Leslie, is a registered nurse who is married and works in Guntersville, Alabama. Their younger daughter, Cara, wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and return to the farm. She attends Snead State Community College and plans to transfer to Auburn University next fall. “We have had some lean years in farming, but overall God has blessed our family and our farming business,” said Cornutt. “We give Him the glory.” n
Alabama Farm of Distinction Winner Rickey Cornutt, left, visits with Southeastern Farmer of the Year judges John Woodruff, Tommy Porter and Clark Garland. OCTOBER 2015
7
w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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Fried Pies Highlight 40th Annual Heritage Cooking Contest By Debra Davis
T
he Southern tradition of good food and fellowship was overflowing at the 40th Alabama Farmers Federation (AFF) Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 3 in Montgomery. Sponsored by the Federation Women’s Leadership Division, the event featured 29 of the top cooks in the state who carried on the custom of making fried pies or tarts. Clay County’s Felicia Dewberry won first place and $150 for her Fried Strawberry Pies. Angela Vollmer of Lee County won second place and $100 for her Southern Pecan Fried Pies, and Blount County’s Brandy Abel won third place and $50 for her Mini Fried Pecan Pies. “I was shocked when they called my name as the winner,” Dewberry said with a smile, adding that she chose strawberries as a main ingredient for her dish because of a special family connection. “I think fried pies are a favorite Southern treat, and I grew up eating apple and peach pies,” she said. “My daughter started raising strawberries a couple of years ago, and I thought it would be neat to use something she grows. The ones in my recipe today are frozen, but fresh would be even better.” Dewberry said she and her husband, Lamar, have been involved with the Federation for nearly 20 years, and she’s been part of the women’s program for almost that long. They grow timber on their farm near Lineville and manage their property for wildlife as well. “We believe in the Farmers Federation and what it does to promote
Above, winners in the 40th Heritage Cooking Contest are, from left, first place, Felicia Dewberry of Clay County; second place, Angela Vollmer of Lee County; and third place, Brandy Abel of Blount County. Left, Debbie Deese, owner of Red’s Little School House Restaurant, was the keynote speaker for the event. She shared how faith, family and food are her ingredients for a happy life.
agriculture,” Dewberry said. “Agriculture is a big part of what our country is, and it’s an important part of our history.” Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey said contests like those sponsored by the Federation serve as a reminder of that history and the role farmers play in producing an abundance of food for Americans and people around the world. To view the video of this event, visit “Most recipes have www.youtube.com/AlabamaFarmersFed some family connec-
OCTOBER 2015
9
tion or are a tradition, and the cooking contest focuses on that and the commodities grown in Alabama,” Ramsey said. “The judges had a hard time making a decision because there were so many good pies.” While judges were sampling pies and scoring pies on flavor, appearance, interest and recipe instructions, Debbie Deese, owner of Red’s Little School House Restaurant in south Montgomery County, entertained members with her country antics as she talked and sang about how her business began. The restaurant, originally a one-room schoolhouse built in 1910, features locally grown vegetables, madefrom-scratch pies, barbecue, fried chicken and cornbread. See the winning recipes on page 28. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
ARCU Continues To Serve And Protect Farmers And Rural Residents By A.J. Watson
D
rivers passing by Alabama farms see cattle in fields and equipment in sheds, while criminals may view those scenes as opportunities. The Alabama Agricultural and Rural Crime Unit (ARCU), formed in June 2013, is cracking down on those who prey on rural residents. The unit assists local law enforcement agencies and helps investigate crimes connected to farms and rural areas, said ARCU’s Jay Whitehead. “The biggest crime that happens in agriculture is theft,” said Whitehead, ARCU supervisory special agent. “Other agencies have investigators, but everyone in our unit has some type of expertise relating to agriculture. Even though agriculture is Alabama’s largest industry—valued at about $70 billion— it’s also small because less than 2 percent of the population farms.” The unit has seven divisions with eight to 10 counties per division. Most divisions are assigned two agents, said Whitehead, who serves as one of two area supervisors. Whitehead, along with ARCU Special Agent Tim Mathews and Etowah County Sheriff’s Department investigator Robin Grant, recently recovered eight heifers valued at $20,000 for Brodie Pack, a 28-year old farmer from DeKalb County. The cattle were among 11 head stolen almost a year earlier. “Tim and Robin kept in contact When a criminal steals from a farmer, we all pay. with me the whole way,” Pack Alabama farmers provide food and fiber for our said. “They cared about the case as growning communities. When copper from a centermuch as I did, and if it weren’t for pivot sprinkler or a tractor is stolen, the prices of the them I’d be swallowing goods they provide can go up. And,aif$20,000 their prices go loss right now. can’t say enoughReport up, your prices go up.IBut this can be prevented. for themactivities and what did for me suspicious and ruralthey crime when you see it. Stand up for justice and make criminals pay. and my family.”
Alabama Agricultural and Rural Crime Unit (ARCU) Special Agent Tim Mathews, seated, consults with ARCU Supervisory Special Agent Jay Whitehead.
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said ARCU is a valuable asset to Alabama citizens. “The Agricultural and Rural Crime Unit is one of government’s success stories,” Parnell said. “The recovery of stolen equipment and livestock helps farmers and property owners, and the active investigation of rural crimes discourages thieves and vandals. ARCU shows what can happen when local and state officials work together to solve problems and meet the needs of taxpayers.” Mathews, a former horseshoer turned law enforcement officer, said Pack’s peace of mind is more than enough motivation to catch criminals. While training and personal development are always important, Mathews said growing up and working in agriculture provided life experiences and 1-855-75-CRIME contacts crucial to ARCU.Alabama.gov serve the public and
They Steal. You Pay.
REPORT RURAL CRIME w w w . A l f a F a r m ise ar sproud . o r gsupporter of this program.
10
Alabama farmers. “Rarely do you solve a case sitting behind a desk,” Mathews said. “Especially in a rural county, everybody knows what’s going on — who’s doing what, who’s spending money they don’t have, who’s hanging out where they don’t belong. That’s how you solve cases.” Mathews said a clear memory, and preferably photos, of equipment and livestock help investigators recover stolen property. “A lot of things that get stolen don’t have VIN numbers,” he said. “You need to know your livestock; it takes seconds to cut the tag out of an ear. If something was stolen yesterday, I have a good chance at recovering it. If it was a month ago and it’s rained three times, it’s going to be difficult.” Agents have recovered about $3 million in stolen property, worked 461 cases and made close to 100 arrests since ARCU was formed. To report rural crime, contact ARCU at 855-75-CRIME or visit arcu.alabama.gov. n OCTOBER 2015
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RESTORING HOPE FFA Student’s Tractor Project Helps Community By Mary Johnson
C
assandra Gifford loves pink, has a big heart and is talented working with her hands. When she tackled the task of tractor restoration, she combined all those traits by painting the tractor pink and using it to help fight breast cancer. “At the beginning, I wanted a pink tractor because that’s not something everyone has,” said Gifford, a 2015 Eufaula High School (EHS) graduate. “But then I read about a pink tractor competition that raised money for breast cancer awareness, and I decided I wanted to do that. Now, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” The restored 1952 Ford 8N tractor is lovingly called Hope. “She got her name because survivors and those who deal with breast cancer need hope to get through it,” Gifford said. Since fully restored, Gifford and Hope have made numerous public appearances raising money for the breast cancer fund at Medical Center Barbour in Eufaula, an affiliate of Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC). Cassandra Gifford of Eufaula stands at the Shorter Mansion, in city’s historic district, with the restored pink “I never dreamed I’d be as tractor she uses to raise breast cancer awareness. busy as I am, but I want to do whatever I can to help,” she Dothan or Columbus, Georgia, for a tude of the tasks differ, she sees said. “Last October, which is breast mammogram. similarities between restoring a cancer awareness month, the tracFor 2015, Gifford has a $50,000 tractor and battling cancer. tor was on the road almost every fundraising goal. Those funds will “At the beginning, it’s a chalday.” pay for mammograms for women lenge, and it might feel like you Funds raised from her 2014 pub- who need financial support. Reachcan’t do it,” she said. “But with lic appearances helped the medical ing that goal would help over 750 some modifications and a lot of center purchase digital mammogra- women receive preventative screen- work and hope, you end up with a phy equipment. Previously, Baring, she said. survivor.” bour County residents traveled to Gifford said while the magniWhile benefitting the local comw w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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OCTOBER 2015
Above, Eufaula High School FFA adviser Buster Padgett, left, inspired Gifford to work on the pink tractor restoration project. Right, Gifford stands with her great-uncle, Benny Gifford, in front of her next project — a 1948 Massey Ferguson. Gifford plans to restore the tractor; paint it red, white and blue, and use it to raise funds for disabled veterans.
munity, the tractor restoration also received national recognition. Gifford and her tractor were featured on the cover of Fastline magazine, a tractor sales bulletin, after winning a Southeastern division of the publication’s pink tractor contest. The project also earned Gifford a gold rating in the National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards. With plenty of demands on her time, from competitive bass fishing to work and being an FFA district officer, Gifford managed to complete the project in 18 months. “To take something that looked like it was destined for the trash heap and make it into something that’s worthy of a showroom — that’s amazing,” she said. Gifford was quick to mention the community offered help to complete the project. Other FFA chapter members from EHS pitched in when needed, and local business owners donated some materials, including tires and the metal pink ribbon that graces the front of the tractor. Aside from the community, Gifford said her greatest inspiration was her FFA adviser, Buster Padgett. “I couldn’t have done this
without him,” she said. “I saw him work with other members of our tractor restoration team, and I knew I wanted to do that.” Padgett said he’s impressed by Gifford’s accomplishments, but not surprised. “She’s goal-oriented, a hard worker and has one of the biggest hearts of any kid I’ve ever known,” Padgett said. “When she makes up her mind to do something, she’s going to do it. I can’t say enough good things about her.” Her new goal is to follow in Padgett’s footsteps and become an agriscience teacher. Gifford is a freshman at Wallace Community
College with plans to transfer to Auburn University. Meanwhile, Gifford is preparing for another busy October. “Hope” will be on display at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office in Montgomery Sept. 30 - Oct. 9. The tractor will also be a key part of Alabama’s Hall of States display at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 28-31. She also plans to restore another tractor and use it to raise funds for disabled veterans. To schedule Hope for a public appearance, contact Gifford at (334) 689-0166. To help fund Gifford’s trip with Hope to the National FFA Convention, visit GoFundMe. com/7mwhyqqc. To donate to the Medical Center Barbour’s breast cancer fund, make checks payable to SAMC Foundation with a memo “Pink Tractor Breast Cancer Fund.” Mail checks to 1922 Fairview Ave., Dothan, AL, 36301. n
Secretary Of Agriculture Meets With State Catfish Farmers By Debra Davis
T
he nation’s top agriculture official was in west Alabama Aug. 12 awarding grants to rural communities and talking to farmers about issues ranging from overbearing environmental regulations to foreign trade. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, flanked by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, announced $4.9 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture economic development projects in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. “The investments USDA is announcing in Alabama are vital to protect public health and safety and improve the economic well-being of the state’s rural residents,” Vilsack said. “USDA is proud to work with Alabama’s state and local leaders to make these projects a reality.” Sewell said the grants will help make needed improvements for her district, and while economic development is critical, she said it’s important to remember the district’s agricultural roots. “Farming is a big part of my district,” she said. “It’s our state’s largest industry. We want to do everything we can to promote agriculture here and to help our farmers continue to be successful and to create new opportunities.”
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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Kyser Catfish Farm in Greensboro while visiting west Alabama in August. From left, Hale County catfish farmer Townsend Kyser, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, Vilsack and catfish farmers Ashley and Bill Kyser watch as fish are harvested.
Following a town hall meeting for research and research facilities, in Linden, Vilsack and Sewell vispressure from predatory birds and ited Kyser Catfish Farm in Greensthe Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) boro where catfish were being rule. harvested. They met with several Bill Kyser said he appreciated west Alabama catfish farmers at Congresswoman Sewell’s role in the farm owned by Bill and Beverly bringing the secretary to meet the Kyser and their sons, Ashley and catfish farmers and others in her Townsend. district. A major topic of the discussion “Rep. Sewell has always been was foreign fish imports, which a big supporter of agriculture and are seldom inspected when they especially catfish farmers,” he said. enter the U.S. Foreign fish are often “The entire catfish industry appreproduced under standards outlawed ciates everything she has done to in America. Vilsack pledged to seek help.” increased inspections of fish enterFederation Catfish Director Rick ing the U.S. Oates said meeting with the secre“I really tried to humanize our tary was rare for farmers. catfish farm when I was talking to “It’s not every day a farmer gets Secretary Vilsack,” said Bill Kyser, to talk directly to the secretary of an Alabama Farmers Federation agriculture,” Oates said. “It was an State Catfish Committee member. opportunity for the secretary to see “Our farm is a business, but it’s a how a real catfish farm operates and family farm. There are a lot of fami- to hear directly from farmers about lies just like mine who work hard their concerns.” n to make a living farming.” Other issues farmers View photos of this event at discussed with the secwww.flickr.com/AlabamaFarmers/Sets retary included funding 14
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Agritourism Offers Avenue To Share Farmers’ Voice
By Debra Davis
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craving by city dwellers to discover rural roots can help farmers generate extra income, but for Lee County’s Mitch and Dawn Lazenby, it’s also a way to share agriculture’s story. Mitch bubbles with enthusiasm as he talks about changes that transformed a working farm in 2007 to include an agritourism attraction known as the Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkin Patch. Lazenby Farm is now a popular attraction each fall and year round for families in several surrounding counties. “First and foremost, we are a working, family farm,” Mitch said, referring to the 1,500 acres where they raise timber, row crops and beef cattle near Auburn. “We started small with the pumpkin patch, and it took off from there. It’s been rewarding for us, but mainly because it allows us to tell our story. We share our farm experiences and have the opportunity to share our values with the people who visit our farm.” For the Lazenbys, the farm’s agritourism grew to include a
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Dawn and Mitch Lazenby, right, say agritourism helps them share agriculture’s story. Above, guests at their farm enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch. 16
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10,000 square-foot heated and cooled meeting facility with restrooms and a warming kitchen. Dubbed “the cotton barn,” the modern structure includes a large stone fireplace that highlights its rustic elegance and country feel. An adjoining 60-by-30 foot open-air pavilion provides outside meeting space. Nearby is a playground, including a slide made from a retired combine. In addition to the pumpkin patch, corn maze and hayrides, the building has become a popular wedding destination and meeting facility. A stone’s throw from the barn is the Lazenbys’ soybean crop, but it could be cotton, corn or other grains, depending on the year. It’s a perfect backdrop to showcase what a modern-day, working farm looks like, Mitch said. “The image of Farmer Brown in overalls isn’t the image we want to portray,” he said. “We want our visitors to know we care about what we do, and we take care of the land and our animals.” Dawn said it’s always been important that the
Cuddly animals, beautiful sunflowers and other crops and livestock are part of the experience enjoyed at agritourism spots in Alabama.
on that we didn’t want blow-up jump toys or face painting as part of our farm, although that’s fine if someone else wants to do that,” Dawn said. “We wanted people to see a real farm. In reality, when people come here, we’re selling them a little bit of ourselves.” The Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkin Patch is a popular attraction for school field trips and attracts church groups, senior citizen groups and families from throughout the area. For hours, admission prices and a full list of attractions, visit LazenbyFarm.com. n
farm is portrayed in an authentic, transparent manner, with education in mind. As guests enjoy a hayride on their way to the pumpkin patch, the Lazenbys have signs that identify crops and livestock along the way. Children can pick cotton, dig peanuts and pull corn, plus see a variety of livestock and laying hens. The Lazenbys’ three children, Jamie Thinking about agritourism on your farm? Claire, 8, Jamison, 6, and Here’s a safety checklist to consider: Jonah, 5, do their part, • Designate areas that are closed to the public too, welcoming families • Train employees to properly operate farm machinery to the farm each fall. The • Secure and restrict areas that contain chemicals oldest children often field • Provide hand-washing or hand-sanitizing stations questions from guests • Have employees assist with parking who want to know more • Clearly post an agritourism liability sign about what happens on NOTE: Being correctly insured is important, since a regular farm policy the farm. does not cover agritourism activities. Contact your local Alfa agent to help “We For a list of agritourism locations in Alabama, analyze your coverage. visit AlfaFarmers.org decided early
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Billy Hixon
Federation State Beef Committee Member Farming is more than a job or lifestyle to Billy Hixon—it’s a service to the world. With his father, Bill, he manages four poultry houses, 400 head of beef cattle, 150 acres of peanuts and 50 acres of corn on 1,200 acres in Pike County. “The basis of our country is agriculture, and I appreciate knowing that I positively contribute to a better world,” said, Hixon, 50. Hixon said his wife, Laura, and three children, Hanna, 27, Ross, 23 and Rush, 18, are his most important resources. “Nothing compares to the pride I have in raising my three children,” he said. “I have been lucky enough to have a wonderful woman right by my side to help raise them.” Hixon and his family attend Brundidge United Methodist Church. He is a former State Young Farmers chairman and is the Pike County Farmers Federation vice president, is an Alabama Peanuts Producers board member and serves on the Federation State Beef Committee.
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County Young Farmers Volunteer At Camp Smile-A-Mile By Caleb Hicks
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labama Young Farmer members helped brighten the day for more than 200 Camp Smile-a-Mile (SAM) attendees at the camp’s final session Aug. 15. Camp SAM, a family camp for children with or recovering from cancer, is held at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Seven summer camp sessions are hosted annually and tailored to children’s ages, stages of treatment and family needs. Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers volunteered at the camp for patients, who are off treatment, and their families. “As farmers, I know time is something we don’t have a lot of,” said Lindsey Brown, State Young Farmers secretary. “Serving others and giving of ourselves is well worth the time away from the farm.” Young Farmers furnished glow sticks for campers attending a black-light dance party, and each camper received a T-shirt. A photo booth featuring a miniature pony, goat and dancing chicken also helped keep campers smiling. “Cancer is such a horrible disease that affects so many children, and this camp helps some very sick children focus on having fun for a while,” Brown said. “Many of these children are celebrating their victories over cancer, so it was such a rewarding experience to see how excited they were about the animals and about our Young Farmers group being there. I think we probably got more out of the experience than the campers.” Camp SAM Development Director
Alabama Young Farmers volunteered at Camp Smile-a-Mile at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin Aug. 15. The group served a meal, hosted a photo booth and provided favors for a dance party.
Savannah Lanier said she and the staff were thrilled when the Young Farmers asked about volunteering and providing a meal. “The fact that these farmers have taken time out of their day means so much to us and these families,” Lanier said. Haleigh Moody of Calhoun County, a Young Farmer attending Gadsden State Community College, volunteered in a unique way. Dressed in a chicken costume, she posed with campers for photos and provided a comedic relief for the event, but her experience was heartfelt. “It meant so much to me to spend time helping these children,” she said. “It makes me feel better and more grateful for what I have in my life. Being able to bring smiles to children was so heart warming. It’s always fun to bring out your inner child, and what better way to do so, than in a View pictures of this event at chicken suit.” www.flickr.com/AlabamaFarmers/Sets Young Farm-
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ers also sponsored a down-home Southern barbecue dinner for campers and their families. Red’s Little Schoolhouse in south Montgomery County donated homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding, while miniature pecan pies from Priester’s Pecans rounded out the feast. Other generous sponsors included Sister Schubert’s Rolls and Southern Homes and Gardens, which donated freshly cut flowers for the tables. The Young Farmers dinner donation allowed the camp to use money that would have been spent on the meal to develop year-round programs for children unable to leave treatment centers. “Volunteering for things like Camp SAM helps us remember how important it is to help and serve others, even though they might not be directly connected to farming,” Brown said. “The campers and their families are not that different from us. Spending time as a family and having fun is an important part of growing up, and it shouldn’t stop, even if a child has cancer.” n OCTOBER 2015
Federation Introduces Discounts On Caterpillar Equipment
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labama Farmers Federation members can now save on equipment from Caterpillar Inc., thanks to a new partnership between American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and Cat. Paul Brown, who directs the member benefits program for the Federation, said the new offer strengthens an already valuable membership package. “We are always looking for ways to bring added value to our membership, and Caterpillar certainly does that,” Brown said. “Like Alfa and the Federation, Caterpillar is a name that’s synonymous with quality. We are pleased to offer our members another benefit from a nationally recognized brand.” The partnership will provide members up to $2,000 in purchase incentives on Cat machines. In addition, Caterpillar plans to support Farm Bureau programs in 2016 and coordinate with Farm Bureau on other efforts. “Our extensive product line, with more than 300 Cat machines, reflects our commitment to the ongoing success of American agriculture and rural businesses,” said Dustin Johansen, Caterpillar agriculture industry manager. “We’re proud to partner with the American Farm
A range of incentives are offered: • Small Wheel Loaders: $2,000 • Compact Wheel Loaders: $1,000 • Small Dozers: $1,000 • Backhoe Loaders: $500 - $1,000 • Compact Track Loaders: $500 - $1,000 • Multi Terrain Loaders: $500 - $1,000 • Skid Steer Loaders: $500 - $1,000 • Telehandlers: $500 - $1,000 • Mini Hydraulic Excavators: $250 - $500
Bureau Federation and help members get their jobs done with the highest quality, best value equipment, attachments and integrated solutions in the industry.” Eligible equipment includes Cat skid steer loaders, compact and multi-terrain loaders, wheel loaders, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors. “Farm Bureau’s commitment to providing members with exclusive access to superior, high-quality brands, programs and products continues with this new partnership,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Caterpillar and agriculture have a shared history that goes back more than a hundred years. Our new partnership will make it easier for our members to improve productivity and efficiency to maintain profit margins,” he added. For a complete list of member benefits visit In addition to proalfafarmers.org/benefits. viding reliable, fuel-
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efficient equipment that is more economical for farmers, ranchers and rural business people to own and operate, Caterpillar is also committed to the safety of operators and to ongoing innovation in design and engineering. Along with providing unparalleled parts availability, Cat Dealer service helps ensure the long-term reliability of equipment. “Our product solutions are designed and built for maximum performance and safety,” Johansen said. “We are constantly developing and refining advanced power and hydraulic technologies to ensure that our products provide Farm Bureau members with the power, versatility, efficiency, ease of operations and reliability they have come to expect.” The Farm Bureau member benefit discount on Cat machines can be combined with any current retail discounts, promotions, rebates or offers available through Caterpillar or its dealers, with the exception of other membership purchase incentives (such as the NCBA discount). All participating state Farm Bureau members are eligible. Discounts cannot be applied to past purchases. Members must provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the Cat dealer at the time of quote to receive the discount. Certificates may be obtained at fbadvantage.com/cat as of Sept. 1, 2015. n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
Meeting Provides Update On Upcoming Antibiotic Regulations By Mary Johnson
“Consumers are ultimately dictating what we do,” said Donaldson, who also works for the Alabama Farmers Cooperative. “Farmers have already done a great job becoming more judicious with antibiotic use, and I hope we’ve done enough that this rule won’t be a big issue.” Donaldson said farmers will need to develop a good relationship with a local large animal veterinarian, and they should be patient with feed mills as changes are implemented. “I think we’ll see new or different management practices in the livestock industry and there will be more natural products introduced to livestock feed for health issues,” he said. The VFD could affect beef, catfish, dairy, equine, meat goat, pork, poultry and sheep farmers. The regional meeting in Alabama was one of 12 coordinated by the non-profit Farm Foundation to educate farmers and agricultural representatives about the upcoming changes. Comments from the workshops will be reported at a national summit later this fall. n
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armers, veterinarians and feed makers from Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee gathered in Hanceville Aug. 25 to learn about new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on antibiotics and livestock. Starting in December 2016, the FDA will implement the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), which will require farmers have a prescription to deliver antibiotics to livestock through feed. “This meeting allowed farmers a chance to hear directly from FDA representatives about reasons behind these new rules and ways the regulations may impact what they do on their farms,” said Nate Jaeger of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “Attendees also voiced concerns and offered solutions to challenges the industry may face with implementing the regulations.” Guest speaker Stephen Donaldson, Cullman County farmer and partner in J & R Feed Service, said he hopes the rules will improve public perception of agriculture.
Pain Formula Eases Farmers’ Aches And Pains
“I read about Steuart’s Pain Formula in a farm magazine,” says Rickey D. Snow, Hood, California. “I hurt my shoulder January 18th 2013, and had constant pain until the middle of March. My doctors could do nothing, within 10 minutes of applying pain formula, the pain was completely gone.” Jack Zimmerman from Elysian, Minnesota is a disabled Afghanistan war veteran. He stepped on an IED in 2011 & lost both of his legs. “After I spend a day in my wheel chair I end up with a lot of back, neck, & shoulder pain. Within a half hour of applying Steuart’s OCTOBER 2015
The cream contains extracts of the herbs comfrey and arnica in a liposome base that penetrates the skin rapidly, says Gary Steuart, Warren Ward of who founded the company Pemberton, Minnesota in 1982. “People use the says his knees ached so product to relieve joint terrible at night that he and muscle pain associated couldn’t get to sleep without with arthritis and injuries,” taking pain killers. “An Steuart says. orthopedic surgeon told No Odor me both my knees were Won’t Stain Clothes shot, I had bone rubbing No Hot or Cold Sensation on bone, and I needed knee replacement surgery. 2 oz. Pain Formula: $14.95 Then someone told me 5 oz. Pain Formula: $29.90 about Steuart’s Pain Shipping and Mailing: $7/order Formula. I started using Steuart Laboratories it and in 3 days I had no P.O. Box 306 pain in my knees. I went Mabel, Minn. 55954 right to sleep at night and I 507-493-5585 haven’t taken a pain killer Toll free: 1-877-210-9664 since.” www.steuartlaboratories.com Pain Formula I am pain free. Now, I can tolerate a whole day in my wheel chair.”
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Nation’s Largest Poultry Feed Mill Breaks Ground In Dale County
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as Alfa Insurance president. “This announcement may give current poultry farmers an opportunity to expand and others a chance to enter the business. It’s also good news for our insurance company as we work to provide products and services to help our farmer members.” Maddox said his company is looking forward to expanding in Alabama. “A robust local workforce, strong support from the community leaders and businesses in the area, and the opportunity to more efficiently provide feed for our company makes the decision to invest here an easy one,” he said. Dale County Farmers Federation President and poultry farmer Chris Carroll said the feed mill is a welcome addition to Alabama’s largest industry. “It’s going to be great for farmers in this area,” said Carroll, who also serves as a Dale County commissioner. “It’s going to enable more farmers to incorporate poultry houses in their operations. We’re very happy to have this feed mill here.” The new feed mill means an additional 165 chicken houses, a $60 million investment, will be built in the Wiregrass. Through partnerships with other companies, investments in the Wiregrass will exceed $160 million, according to a Wayne Farms’ press release. A recent survey by Auburn University showed poultry and egg production pumps $15.1 billion annually into Alabama’s economy and is responsible for 86,237 jobs. Wayne Farms LLC is the sixth-largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $1.9 billion. A subsidiary of Continental Grain Company, Wayne Farms owns and operates 11 fresh and further-processed facilities throughout the Southeast, produces more than 2.6 billion pounds of poultry products each year, and employs more than 8,900 workers. n
ombining hard-working farmers and a business friendly environment is yielding a positive economic impact on Southeast Alabama. In early August, Wayne Farms LLC broke ground in Ozark on North America’s largest poultry feed mill. When complete, it is expected to churn out 25,000 tons of feed weekly to support the company’s 42,000-square-foot Dothan processing plant. The $53 million feed mill, set to open in 2017, will employ about 88 workers in manufacturing, transportation and administrative positions with an annual payroll of $3.1 million, said Wayne Farms President and CEO Elton Maddox. The mill and processing plant expansion will create 588 new jobs in the area, he said. In all, the expansion will have an economic impact of $160 million. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the announcement is an example of how agriculture continues to drive the state’s economy. “This is great news for our state, the poultry industry and our organization,” said Parnell, who also serves
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By Lois Chaplin
will sprout from seed sown directly in the garden. Roots will grow in place through fall and winter, allowing them to shoot up as large, strong plants when the first warm weather arrives in spring. Sprinkle seeds directly in the garden now, water and watch them sprout soon after. The seeds of these flowers are very small, so they can wash away easily. Ready-made seed tapes, which help keep the seeds in place until they sprout, may be available at a local garden center. It is possible to create homemade seed tapes. Combine 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1 cup hot water to make a “glue.” Put the mixture in a squeeze bottle. Evenly space dots of glue on a strip of paper towel, and place seeds on top. Cover with a second strip of paper towel and let dry. In the garden, lay the seed tape on the ground, and cover lightly with a sprinkle of pine straw to hide the strips of paper and help keep them moist. Another way to sow fine seeds is to make “seed balls” out of clay. Roll a few seeds and clay soil in the palms of your hands. Let the balls dry and place them in the garden. Watering and rains will break down the clay balls and allow the seeds to drift into the bed. The plants won’t be as neatly spaced as with the seed tapes, but it works. Enjoy a glorious fall day to start your beds of early spring flowers. You’ll be rewarded again in February, March and April. n _______________________________
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hose beautiful flowering coolseason annuals that bloom during warm spells in winter and at the first hint of spring do so because they’ve had a head start. They were planted in the fall, giving roots time to grow and take hold before spring. Now is the best time to get these plants in the ground. Although most folks buy these flowers in the spring because they’re anxious to garden, the plants will do better if started in the fall. Snapdragons, pansies and candytuft are usually easy to find in garden centers this time of year. When setting out transplants of snapdragons and pansies, adding fertilizer to the ground will provide the extra food today’s prolific hybrids need to grow and bloom well. Should the weather be unseasonably warm in fall, pansies will stretch and look lanky and floppy. When this happens, trim plants a little to encourage fullness. With snapdragons, cutting the tops out means losing the large central bloom, but side shoots and more blooms will develop later. Even with the large central bloom still in place, a well-grown, bushy plant will develop multiple branches with more blooms, especially in the spring. Be prepared to throw a frost blanket over plants when temperatures drop into the teens during winter. Larkspur, bachelor’s button, poppy and foxglove is another group of spring annuals, but they may be harder to find as transplants in garden centers. These showy plants
FALL
BARGAINS.
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Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
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ALABAMA TREASURE FOREST ASSOCIATION 2015 ATFA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OCTOBER 16 -17 Loacation: Betty Carol Graham Center, Central Alabama Community College, Alexander City, AL Time: Begins 9 a.m., Friday. Ends 11:30 a.m. , Saturday Cost: $50 for members, $75 for non-ATFA members Events: Educational sessions, dinner banquet, silent and live auctions, TREASURE Forest tour and award presentations Rick Oates - roates@alfafarmers.org Boyd Christenberry - bchristenberry1@alfafarmers.org
TEA M
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For more information, contact:
EASURE F O TR
A
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TIMBER, RECREATION, ENVIRONMENT, AESTHETICS, SUSTAINABLE, USABLE, RESOURCES
Wynonna Judd Live at the Alabama Farmers Federation 94th Annual Meeting
Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Center 6:30 p.m. Doors Open
Tickets on sale Friday, September 11, at 10 a.m. Ticket Prices: $65, $55, $45, $35 (plus service charge) Call MPAC Box Office, 334-481-5100, M-F, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or Ticketmaster.com • 1-800-745-3000 Brought to you by
®
FIRST-PLACE WINNER FRIED STRAWBERRY PIES Felicia Dewberry, Clay County
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he Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division sponsored its 40th Annual Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 3 in Montgomery. Cooks who won their respective county contests competed in the state competition. This year’s contest was fried pies, a favorite Southern tradition. For a list of all the county winners and recipes, visit AlfaFarmers.org.
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2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, mashed ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup cornstarch 1 (15 oz.) package refrigerated pie crusts Vegetable oil Powdered sugar
Combine first three ingredients in a saucepan. Bring strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until thickened. Cool completely. Roll one piecrust to press out
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fold lines; cut into nine circles with a 3-inch round cutter. Roll circles to 3 ½ inch diameter; moisten edges with water. Spoon 2 teaspoons strawberry mixture in the center of each circle; fold over, pressing edges to seal. Repeat with remaining piecrust and strawberry mixture. Place pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze at least 1 hour. Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch into a large heavy skillet; heat to 350 F. Fry pies, in batches, 1 minute on each side or until golden. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
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THIRD-PLACE WINNER MINI FRIED PECAN PIES Brandy Abel, Blount County 1 cup light brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup 2 large eggs 5 tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 packages refrigerated pie crust Vegetable oil for frying Powdered sugar
SECOND-PLACE WINNER SOUTHERN PECAN FRIED PIES Angela Vollmer, Lee County Pastry: 2 cups self-rising flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour Salt ½ cup Crisco ½ cup ice cold water ½ cup cold milk
In a mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of self-rising flour and ¾ cup all-purpose flour. Add couple shakes of salt. Cut in ½ cup Crisco with fork or pastry cutter. Slowly add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of cold milk to flour mixture. Mix until no longer sticky — may have to add a little bit more flour. Form a ball and refrigerate until cold. Pecan Mixture: 1 cup light brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped pecans 1 tablespoon vanilla OCTOBER 2015
Combine first five ingredients of pecan mixture in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to simmer and add pecans. Cook for 8 minutes on low simmer. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pinch off a golf ball size of dough. Place down on floured surface and roll out to about 1/8 inch thick. Place a 6-inch saucer over the dough and using a knife cut out your circle. Brush cold water over bottom edge of dough. Put about ¼ cup of filling in center of dough circle and fold dough over. Crimp edges with fork. The cold water will help adhere the edges together. Heat cast iron skillet on medium heat and put 1-2 tablespoons of Crisco in to melt. Lay pie down to cook for about 3 minutes or until browned, flip pie over to cook other side. After both sides are browned, then flip pie up on end to brown the folded size. Drain on cooling rack or on paper towels. Serve warm or cold. 29
Combine first five ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the pecans. Simmer for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Unroll crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch circle, cut out pie crust. Place circles on wax paper. Continue to roll pie crust until all dough is used. (Approximately 24 circles.) Place 1 tablespoon of pecan filling in the center of each circle. Lightly moisten the edges of the circle with water then crimp the edges together with your fingers. Place two inches of oil in a Dutch oven and heat until 350 F. Fry pies in small batches for 1-to-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
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Fresh Ideas
for Your Holiday Cooking or Gift Giving A Collection of Recipes from Alabama’s Farm Families and Country Cooks.
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Farming Feed
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Alabama farmers represent one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, growing everything from soybeans to sweet potatoes and cattle to catfish. This cookbook, produced in hardback form, introduces you to these farmers who grow our food, along with 200 recipes and beautiful food photography highlighting some of Alabama’s best country cooks.
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Fa vo rit
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a cookbook from
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John Sudduth
Federation State Forestry Committee Member John Sudduth has grown timber, raised cattle and developed thousands of students by teaching agriculture for 34 years in Winston County. “I enjoy growing food and fiber that feeds our nation,” he said. “I especially enjoy promoting and educating people about agriculture.” Sudduth is a Winston County Farmers Federation director, Alabama TREASURE Forest Committee member, FarmPAC representative and the Winston County Republican Party vice president. Sudduth, 70, raises cattle on 105 acres and grows timber on about 290 acres. FFA livestock and land judging events and Federation state forestry and beef tours have been hosted at his farm. Sudduth attends Double Springs First Baptist Church where he is a deacon and trustee, sings in the choir, and teaches Sunday school. He and his wife of 47 years, Mary, have three children and six grandchildren. He holds degrees from Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g
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Animal agriculture adds $8.9 billion in the Alabama economy. That’s no bull.
Source: 2010 Promar Animal Ag Economic Analysis