Neighbors Magazine, November 2015 by Alabama Farmers Federation

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VOLUME 40, NUMBER 11

A Membership Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

NOVEMBER 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

In This Issue

Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.AlfaFarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A.

NOVEMBER 2015

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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.

On The Cover 32

Bullock County poultry farmer David Scroggins loves living history as a Civil War reenactor. For him, authenticity is everything. Photo by Caleb Hicks. Composite by Mike Moody.

Misconceptions About Agriculture — True or False? Cows cause global warming accounts for 3.1 percent of total U.S. FALSE! Livestock greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers and ranchers have reduced their overall carbon footprint by 16 percent between 1977 and 2007.

Source: American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture 3

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Headed To Harvest Farmers Expect Average Yields, Low Prices

By A.J. Watson

s farmers reported average or above average yields this year, low commodity prices could cast a shadow on 2015, and forecasts for a wet fall have farmers hurrying harvest along. Corn and peanut farmer Charles Turner said he was happy after digging his peanuts in late September. “The peanuts graded well and yielded good,” said Turner, Geneva County Farmers Federation president. “We had some disease problems, but I’m elated with my peanut crop.“ Turner said despite his strong peanut yields, other fields looked spotty in the Wiregrass. He said cotton appeared strong throughout the area. Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady said most commodity prices are down from their highs. “In July soybeans reached $10 a bushel, but now they’re trading in the $8 range,” said Hornady, Federation Cotton, Soybean Wheat & Feed Grains Divisions director. Hornady said cotton is level at 61-cents pound while corn is fluctuating at or below $4 a bushel. Summer provided favorable weather for many hay farmers who

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From the top; it was a good year for most hay farmers in the state. Charles and Sharon Turner inspect peanuts grown in south Alabama. Farmers in the state planted more grain sorghum than in recent years.

NOVEMBER 2015

produced better quality and higher yields than last year, said Federation Hay & Forage Division Director Nate Jaeger. Dry conditions occurred in many areas of the state in late summer, followed by days of rain from weather systems moving in from the Gulf of Mexico. Barbour County farmer Walt Corcoran agreed with Turner’s assessment but said a combination of rain and lingering humidity brought his harvest to a screeching halt in early October. “We were completely stopped for a while,” Corcoran said. “Overall, we’re looking at a pretty good harvest. It won’t be the best, but it’ll be one of the better ones.” Farmers are keeping a close eye on the weather as researchers like Auburn University’s Brenda Ortiz predict one of the strongest El Niño climate phases in decades. She said it could make for a tricky fall harvest in Alabama and the lower Southeast. “The strongest El Niño on record occurred in 1997, and the forecast for this year could top that,” said Ortiz, an associate professor in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences. She said

climate prediction models forecast a record El Niño for October, November, December and January, which could mean higher than average rainfall and lower than average temperatures. “They might see significant yield losses if they delay harvesting,” she said. “It also could prove challenging to find a suitable window of good weather to dig peanuts and defoliate cotton before harvest.” Limestone County farmer Stuart Sanderson said strong crops and timely showers helped his north Alabama family farm. “We got ahead of schedule thanks to the weather. This time of year you still have long days so you can get several more hours of har-

vest time,” he said in early October. “We try to get as much done as we can before the days get shorter.” Sanderson said weather was favorable, breakdowns were few and problems with their newly expanded grain facility were covered by warranties. Regardless of the challenges, Sanderson said harvest is about more than reaping a profit—it’s about reaping God’s blessings. “There’s so much in the Bible about reaping what you sow, and that’s what so special about harvest time to me,” he said. “Our farm has been built in a model that has been around for five generations. Our faith in God is first, our family second and our farm comes third; and we put it in that order.” n

Right, Stuart Sanderson inspects his soybean crop in Limestone County. Cotton farmers were urged to get their crop in early. Washington County farmer David Richardson, bottom right, said corn yields were good on his farm.

Photo by Allie Corcoran NOVEMBER 2015

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Federation, ALEA Partnership Expands Fatal Vision Program Statewide

very two minutes, someone in the U.S. is injured in a drunk driving accident, and every day, these accidents claim the lives of 28 people. The Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) hope to change these statistics through the Fatal Vision Program, which educates high school students on dangers of driving under the influence. ALEA public information officers (PIOs) will be in charge of scheduling Fatal Vision events at high schools across the state. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, at podium, announced the statewide expansion The Federation donated of the Fatal Vision program at the home office in Montgomery Oct. 6. The Federation donated trailers, ATVs and simulation goggles for the program. Parnell is pictured with Alabama Law Enforcement over $50,000 to purchase Agency public information officers, who will schedule and administer Fatal Vision events. equipment for the program, including seven trailers, seven utility vehicles and 14 and must text responses while driving the course. sets of simulation goggles. Fatal Vision started in 2010 in Baldwin, Escambia “Far too many people know the devastation and and Monroe counties. sorrow of losing a loved one because of drunk Since then, more than 9,000 students at public driving,” said Jimmy Parnell, Federation high schools in those three counties have compresident. “With the statewide expansion pleted the program. of Fatal Vision, the ultimate goal is to “A program like Fatal Vision leaves a save lives. We want to do whatever lasting impact on high school students we can to help the young people of who often think they are invincible,” this state understand the realsaid ALEA Secretary Spencer Colity of drunk driving, which lier. “This first-hand experience Someone is injured in a will hopefully lead to them lets students see just how making better decidangerous driving while drunk driving crash every sions.” intoxicated is and the two minutes In the program, extreme threat these supervised studrivers present to Drunk driving costs the U.S. dents drive a others on the $199 billion a year. small utilroad. We are ity vehicle proud to be On average, 67 percent of people will be involved through a taking on this in a drunk driving crash in their lifetimes. course lined program and are by traffic cones thankful to the FedEvery day, 28 people in the U.S. while wearing special eration for supporting it goggles that simulate the financially.” die as a result of drunk impaired vision of someone Visit AlfaFarmers.org for driving crashes. who is drunk. The drivers are information on how to schedrated on the number of cones ule a Fatal Vision program in your struck by the vehicle. area. n Recently, Fatal Vision added an “CAUTION” information provided by studies from the element to teach students the dangers of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the distracted driving. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The drivers are asked simple questions

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Turner Named Small Farmer Of The Year

.B. Turner of Madison County was recently recognized as the 2016 Small Farmer of the Year by the Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He received a plaque and clock commemorating the distinction at the Federation of Southern Cooperative’s 48th annual meeting in Epes, Alabama. In an increasingly urbanized county, J.B. Turner is holding Photo courtesy of Wendy Smith, NRCS on to the roots of his home community of Top photo, J.B. Turner of Madison County relaxes on his cattle farm near Harvest, Alabama. Above, Alabama NRCS North Area Conservationist Greg Dansby, Turner and Madison County NRCS Conservationist Blake Garner Harvest, Alabama, where he farms 152 congratulate Turner at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Banquet. acres. He grows it in better condition than when I adopting Conservation Stewards vegetables, raises registered Angus acquired it.” Program (CSP) practices starting and Hereford-Simmental cattle and Turner has implemented NRCS in 2005. CSP practices on his farm produces hay. and Soil and Water Conservation include pasture planting, improved “The land was entrusted to District (SWCD) programs on his water facilities, cross fencing, pipeme,” Turner said. “I want to be a land since the 1980s, including lines, nutrient management and good steward of the land and leave installing a hoop house in 2010 and heavy use areas.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Recent Small Farmer of the Year Award Recipients 2014: Joe and Patty Lambrecht of Elmore County 2013: Thomas Freeman of Colbert County 2012: Richard Smith of Marengo County 2011: Earl and Charisse Snell of Dale County 2010: John Luther Clay of Madison County

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“Mr. Turner is a very deserving recipient of the Alabama NRCS 2016 Small Farmer of the Year Award,” said Ben Malone, Alabama’s newly appointed state conservationist. “He is a stellar example of a committed conservationist, and his stewardship ideals help make our mission possible. We can’t do our job of helping people help the land in Alabama without dedicated partners who assist us on the front line.” Turner is also active in numerous agricultural organizations. He is a member of the Madison County Farmers Federation, Madison County Cattleman’s Association, Alabama Ag and Industries Board, North Alabama Bull Evaluation Committee, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and minority adviser for the Farm Service Agency county committee. He often hosts farm tours and field days and has participated in local educational programs including the SWCD Environmental Teacher Workshop. n

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Living Both Sides Of The Battle By Marlee Moore

haos. Dirt. Duty. Shoulder to shoulder, brother to brother, charging forth to defend their rights. This is how the American Civil War was fought from 1861-65 and

why David Scroggins participates in what he calls “living history.” Scroggins’ great-great-grandfather, Pvt. James Edward Scroggins, fought for the Confederate States of America, but today David Scroggins dons either Rebel gray or Union blue uniforms. For he and other reenac-

Whether he’s wearing Union blue or Confederate gray, David Scroggins pays close attention to detail to portray the soldiers he honors in an authentic manor. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

tors, history must be portrayed accurately — right down to the number of soldiers wearing blue and gray. “We wear both uniforms to honor both sides,” said Scroggins, Bullock County Farmers Federation vice president. A 62-year-old poultry farmer from the Smuteye community near Union Springs, Scroggins is a selfproclaimed history nut who began reenacting 25 years ago. His fascination began after his son’s school trip to the Battle of Selma and flourished with time. “I’ve been in battles as infantry when it felt real, except that bullets weren’t flying,” said Scroggins. “You can really move into another world.” Scroggins’ wife of 41 years, Cathy, attends reenactments, too. The children, son, Dave and daughter, Ruth, grew up around the hobby and occasionally still attend as do the Scroggins’ grandchildren. Scroggins’ unit, the 53rd Alabama Cavalry, has seven reenactors, including him, whose ancestors fought alongside each other. Others are Scott Chandler, Danny and Seth Clemmons, Russell Johnson, Bob McLendon and Joe Murphy. McLendon’s great-grandfather, Jonathan D. McLendon, was from Pike County. After retiring from a Florida sheriff’s department in 2002, McLendon moved to the Henderson community near his family’s homestead. “These are my roots,” said McLendon, a 34-year reenactor. “That’s why I came back here.” Scroggins said he couldn’t fathom sacrifices made by his ancestors, much less surviving four years of bloody, dirty warfare. “We can’t figure out how they did it; how they survived,” Scroggins said. “When charging the Union fortifications at Franklin, Tennessee, which were about a mile long, NOVEMBER 2015

Above, Bob McLendon of Pike County prepares his canon for an upcoming event. Above right, Scroggins makes saddles used by reenactors, including his own saddle and the one used by Russell Johnson (left) of Troy.

death was eminent and they did it anyway.” Scroggins began reenacting in the infantry, but his true love is cavalry. Unsatisfied with merely riding in the mounted unit, he started making replica saddles five years ago. Self taught, Scroggins buys the saddle foundation (tree) and covers it in leather, which usually takes 15 hours. To date, he’s made 10 handsewn saddles used by others cavalry members. Reenactments require authenticity, said Scroggins. His authenNOVEMBER 2015

tic uniform of heavy wool fabric includes bone buttons and handstitched buttonholes. Tack for his horse is authentic, too, with a handforged bit and buckles plus his own hand-stitched saddle. Soldiers’ supplies consisted of what they could carry and were government issued. Guns, horses, boots and food were sparse during the war. Survival was day-by-day, hour-byhour. McLendon said three levels of reenactors exist – mainstream, progressive and campaigners. The intensity and eye for detail increases with each level. Die-hard reenactors eat, drink and sleep as their ancestors of the era did. For McLendon and other campaigners, there isn’t a Coca-Cola can, iPhone or gas grill found at their campsite. “If it wasn’t done in 1864, we don’t do it,” said McLendon, 72. To Johnson, 35, reenactments represent heritage, sacrifice and his ancestors’ courage. “We represent not just Civil War history, but Southern history,” said Johnson, who portrays a courier or 11

messenger – just like his ancestor William Youngblood. “At the Battle of Chickamauga reenactment, I did exactly what he did 150 years ago to the day.” Countless hours researching history and genealogy for reenactments impacts all of Johnson’s life, including his year-old son, James Youngblood Johnson, named for a Civil War ancestor. “We immerse ourselves in all of the facts whether we like them or not,” said Johnson, an owner of Coastal Plain Land & Timber Co. in Pike County. “When I take to the field reenacting, I owe it to the men in my family to portray it exactly as it was.” McLendon and Scroggins said they feel the same. “I’m as Southern as anyone you’ll find, but when I put on that blue uniform, I act like a Yankee,” McLendon said. Immense passion for their heritage causes Scroggins, McLendon and Johnson to give time to historical preservation. That greatly impacts their feelings about the United States. “It’s 2015. I’m an American. I’m proud of this country and the service my family did,” said Johnson, whose ancestors fought in every American war since the Civil War. “Part of my heritage is that my family fought for what they believed in. I owe my ancestors the truth of how they acted and why they fought.” n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

Annual Coastal Cleanup Event Gets Trash Out of Splash By Jeff Helms

utumn isn’t usually peak season for beachgoers, but on a recent Saturday morning about 5,000 people put their toes in the sand for Alabama’s 28th Coastal Cleanup. Organized by Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Lands Division, the event mobilizes volunteers from Dauphin Island to Perdido Pass to “Get the Trash Out of the Splash.” State Coordinator Angela Underwood said the annual cleanup has removed more than 1.8 million Alabama PALS Executive Vice President Spencer Ryan, right, visits with Coastal Cleanup pounds of trash from Alabama’s Coordinator Angela Underwood, left, and Zone Captain Kara Lankford during materials coastline and waterways since distribution the day before the 2015 cleanup. 1987. “We’ve known for a gloves, T-shirts and data cards while that marine debris is so volunteers can report the an ever-increasing problem amount of litter collected. Local — especially with so many governments and waste disposal new plastics and disposable companies assist with trash colconsumer goods coming on lection. Supply costs are covered the market,” Underwood by state and local sponsors, said. “We are seeing some including Alfa Insurance. really adverse effects on the The sponsors and volunteers environment and also on see their time and money as an wildlife. It is a navigation investment in the future, said problem and a human health Underwood, as her four-year-old 28TH problem. We do this not only daughter, Evi, leaned against her ANNUAL to clean up the environment, mother’s leg. but also to educate people “She knows mommy is on ways to prevent this from working really hard, and we’ve happening in the first place.” talked to her a little about it,” Alabama’s anti-litter iniUnderwood said. “I think about Saturday, 19, 2015 | 8AMall - Noon her and all the kids and what I envitiative is part of Ocean ConservanrangeSeptember of volunteers, and they cy’s International Coastal Cleanup, contribute so much. A lot of the sion our environment being like for held worldwide the third Saturday Boy Scouts and high school groups them. I really want it to be as good of September. Kara Lankford, who get involved. It’s great to educate as it can be, and that’s part of what works for Ocean Conservancy, them when they are young about drives me.” serves as a volunteer zone captain the importance of keeping our enviIn addition to Coastal Cleanup, for the Alabama cleanup. ronment clean.” Alabama PALS administers other “No one is paid to do this. It’s Individual cleanup zones are anti-littering programs including just a volunteer event and a great organized by churches, civic clubs Adopt-A-Mile, Clean Campus and educational event,” Lankford said. and communities. Zone captains, Spring Cleanup. For more about “We get anyone from a kid in a like Lankford, identify areas with Coastal Cleanup and PALS visit stroller who’s helping his mom a litter problem and send teams to alabamacoastalcleanup.com or along the way to someone who is pick up trash. Alabama PALS and alpals.org. n 85 years of age. We have a wide the DCNR provide garbage bags,

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NOVEMBER 2015

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President Lowndes County When Lowndes County veterinarian Harold “Hal” Pate isn’t operating on animals or working cattle, he’s probably with his family. “My mom has 27 grandchildren,” Pate laughed. “We come from a big family, so it’s important when we’re all together. We enjoy being a family.” Pate is a 1979 Auburn University Veterinary School graduate. He opened his animal clinic in Lowndesboro shortly afterwards. Along with his three sisters and brother, Pate has about 40 head of registered Charolais cattle and 400 acres of timber. Pate and his wife, Mary, and their five children—Trent, Brandon, Hunter, Gray and Mary Claiburn—attend Lowndesboro Baptist Church. What he doesn’t get from God, Pate said his family provides. “God does not keep me humble and poor —my wife and family do that,” he joked.

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Alfa Cares Campaign Raises Money, Awareness For Cancer Research By Mary Johnson

lfa Insurance honored fighters and celebrated survivors of all types of cancer in October with its Alfa Cares campaign. Throughout the month, employees participated in numerous events and memorials at the corporate office and at more than 320 Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, center, announced the Alfa Cares Campaign at the home office in service centers in three Montgomery, including up to a $25,000 donation match from the Alfa Foundation for the American Cancer states to raise money for Society. From left, standing behind Parnell, are Cassandra Gifford of Eufaula; Julia Meyers of American Cancer the American Cancer Society; Carol Golsan, Alfa Senior Vice President of Marketing Services; Al Dees, Alfa Executive Vice President of Marketing; and Steve Rutledge, Alfa Executive Vice President of Operations. Society® (ACS). Alfa Insurance has pledged to match up to $25,000 in donations Parnell said. “My father is a cancer honor wall, pink Alfa Insurance through the Alfa Foundation. survivor, but we’ve also lost family merchandise sales, Caps for a Cure “As a cancer survivor, I am members and friends to this horDay, Pink Out Day, a lunch and proud to work alongside others who rible disease. That’s why I’m proud learn about cancer and Pray in Pink recognize the struggles of fighting to be a part of the Alfa Cares camDay. cancer and who are willing to suppaign to raise awareness and money The Little Alfa Day Care also port the ACS,” said Carol Golsan, in the fight against cancer.” participated in fundraising by sellAlfa’s senior vice president of Julia Meyers of ACS said the ing pink lemonade to home office marketing services. “The donations Alfa Cares campaign would fund employees, Oct. 14. from our co-workers, customers research and programs. Incorporating the company’s and the company itself will be a tre“We appreciate everyone at agricultural roots, a pink tractor mendous help in funding research Alfa for having such big hearts and was displayed at the home office and providing resources for cancer wanting to help their local commu- through Oct. 1-9. Eufaula High patients.” nities,” Meyers said. “Alfa’s graSchool graduate and former FFA Alfa Insurance President Jimmy ciousness will help ACS continue student Cassandra Gifford restored Parnell announced the fundraising searching for a cure to this terrible the 1952 tractor, painted it pink commitment Sept. 30 in front of disease while also offering services and named it Hope. Gifford makes pink-clad employees during a news to lift up those who face the overspecial appearances with the tractor conference outside the company’s whelming diagnosis of cancer.” to increase breast cancer awareness. home office in Montgomery. The Alfa Cares campaign Alfa Insurance leaders also “Cancer touches everyone,” included the second annual “Pink participated in other community Out” at service centers in projects during October to raise Alabama, Georgia and Mismoney for breast cancer awareness sissippi. Agents and custhrough ACS. tomer service representatives Executive Vice President of decorated offices in all shades Marketing Al Dees was an ambasof pink, including blush and sador in the Real Men Wear Pink bashful, while accepting of Montgomery project, while donations for the ACS. Alabama district managers Laine October events at the Wooden and Chris Burgreen were home office included an ambassadors in the same program in South Alabama and the Shoals, respectively. Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, left, presents $1,500 to Online donations can be made Cassandra Gifford to help fund her at tinyurl.com/AlfaCancerDonatrip to the National FFA Convention in tion. n Louisville. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

NOVEMBER 2015

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Study Shows Great Opportunities For Drones In Agriculture

he American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and Measure, an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) advisory company, produced the first-ever study that identifies and quantifies drone technology benefits in precision agriculture. The Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator quantifies the economic benefits of Measure’s drone as a Service for three applications: field crop scouting, 3D terrain mapping and crop insurance. It initially covers three of the largest production crops—corn, wheat and soybeans—allowing a farmer to quickly and easily determine if UAS technology will be beneficial to his or her farm. “This study and the ROI Calculator will help make drones a reality for farmers and ranchers,” said Julie Anna Potts, AFBF executive vice president and treasurer. “Every year we must feed more people on the same fields while protecting the

environment we all share. Precision agriculture and drones in particular will be an important part of executing on that mission.” The findings show the ROI is $12 per acre for corn, $2.60 per acre for soybeans and $2.30 per acre for wheat when a farmer uses Measure’s Drone as a Service. “While lots of drone hardware have been sold to farmers, until now no tool existed to help growers actually quantify whether the benefits exceed their costs, especially when farmers want to outsource these types of services,” said Justin P. Oberman, Measure president. “Working with the Farm Bureau and our partners, we have created the only ROI Calculator for drone use in precision agriculture. This tool will help farmers understand how drone technology can improve their performance for the benefit of consumers in the U.S. and around the world.”

While solid rules are up in the air, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released businessfriendly proposals February 2015. Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady said farmers currently aren’t allowed to use UAS technology, but the FAA has allowed university research programs such as Auburn University to use the technology for agriculture research. “Farmers are constantly looking for the safest and most affordable ways to increase their bottom lines,” said Hornady, Cotton, Soybeans and Wheat & Feed Grain divisions director. “This study shows the huge benefit to not only farmers, but domestic and international consumers.” Auburn University received the nation’s first FAA approval to operate a new UAS Flight School. Visit measure32.com for more information about the program. n

Reagan To Address Members at Annual Meeting

ith America’s 2016 presidential campaign heating up, Alabama Farmers Federation members can hear from a nationally recognized expert about the presidency as an author, commentator and member of the first family. Michael Reagan, son of America’s 40th president, will be the guest speaker at the Federation’s 94th Annual Meeting Dec. 7 in Montgomery. Federation President Jimmy Parnell said he thinks members will enjoy Reagan’s insight on issues that will shape the election and nation’s future. “Michael Reagan is more than Ronald Reagan’s son, he’s a veteran of American politics with more than 30 years as a commentator,” Parnell said. “He shares our members’ values and works to make the world a better place through chariw w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

ties and efforts to change public policy.” Members of FarmPAC 2018, who’ve contributed more than the suggested $2 a Reagan year to the Federation’s political action committee, will be invited to meet Reagan at a 6 p.m. reception in the Montgomery Convention Center prior to his keynote address at 7:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Reagan, who is the adopted son of President Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, hosted a live radio show for 26 years. It was the first long-form political talk show presented by Premier Radio Networks. He is the author of several successful books, including his autobiography, On the Outside 16

Looking In. His latest book, “The New Reagan Revolution” reveals new insights into the life, thoughts and actions of his father. He serves as president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation and serves on the board of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation. In 2005, he established the Michael Reagan Center for Advocacy and Research in partnership with Arrow Child and Family Ministries. The Christian organization conducts research to advocate for public policies that benefit the safety, stability and well-being of children and families, particularly those served by public and private child welfare systems. For more information about Federation’s 94th annual meeting, visit alfafarmers.org. n

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Federation Announces New Farm Safety Initiative

afety can easily be overlooked during harvest season when farmers work long hours, often in less-than-ideal weather conditions and use large machines to harvest crops. The Alabama Farmers Federation is working to reduce on-farm accidents and continue its mission of serving farmers by implementing a Farm Safety Program available to all county Federations. Brad Cox of the Federation recently took the new safety program to Crenshaw County, where 220 sixth-graders attended an event sponsored by the county’s Young Farmers committee. Stations around the Tom Harbin Ag Center near Luverne included safety topics from livestock handling to controlled burning. Crenshaw County Young Farmers Chairman Jessica Jones said the program was a hit with students and teachers alike. “The students really paid attention during the safety camp, especially to Brad because his demonstrations with the animals included hands-on lessons,” Jones said. “But we also had a (emergency medical service) helicopter that was fascinating to them. It was our first program like this, but it was a success.” While the Crenshaw County program was aimed at a young audience, Cox said the new safety program includes material to help farmers and loggers, too. “Having grown up in agriculture, I realize it’s easy to lose sight of how dangerous working on a farm can be,” said Cox, who is the Federation’s Area 2 organization director. “Whether it’s feeding

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Above, Federation Area Organization Director Brad Cox discusses livestock handling safety with sixth-graders at the Crenshaw County Farm Safety Program. Left, students also learned about food safety, fire prevention and equipment safety.

cows, driving a tractor or simply being out in the sun, we want farmers and farm kids to exercise caution.” Cox, who is directing the Farm Safety Program for interested county Federations, said skin cancer prevention, distracted driving

and tractor safety demonstrations are primary pillars of the program. Future demonstrations could include chain saw, first-aid, pesticide and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety. “County Federations, especially Young Farmers, can use this as a resource to help educate farmers and increase their profit margins by decreasing farm accidents,” Cox said. Counties interested in hosting a Farm Safety program can contact Cox at bcox@alfafarmers.org. n

Safety Facts

• 374 workers die annually from a farm-related injury, resulting in a fatality rate of 20.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. • Tractor overturns are the leading cause of death. • Each year, about 113 youth under 20 years old die from farmrelated injuries. • About 167 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury each day. Five percent of these injuries result in permanent impairment. Source: Centers for Disease Control. 18

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1st Place K-3rd Logan McNiel Heard Magnet Sch ool Houston County Third Grade

Farm-City Week Celebration Connects Rural And Urban Families

Helms said the sustainability of farming reaches far beyond the farm gate. “Farmers play key roles in the sustainability of natural resources. Modern agricultural practices reduce erosion, create wildlife habitats, conserve water resources and preserve wetlands,” Helms said. “Farming also sustains the economy. Agriculture and forestry have a $70 billion-ayear impact on Alabama’s economy, and related industries account for more than 20 percent of all jobs.” Winning entries of county FarmCity poster, essay and multimedia contests will compete at the state level for $4,700 in cash prizes from the Alabama Farmers Cooperative. State winners, along with outstanding county volunteer efforts, will be recognized at the Alabama Farm-City Awards April 7 in Birmingham. State poster and essay winners will be featured in the 2017 Alabama FarmCity Calendar. Copies of the 2016 Alabama Farm-City Calendar are available now. To order, send $1.25 each, plus $7 shipping for a minimum order of 20 copies, to: Alabama Farmers Federation, Attn: Paula Culver, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191. For more information, visit alabamafarmcity.org. n

armers, business leaders and students across Alabama will honor and strengthen the connections between urban and rural residents this month during Farm-City Week. Celebrated the week before Thanksgiving each year, Farm-City Week is a chance to recognize the contributions farmers and their city counterparts make in delivering food and fiber to the world. Alabama Farm-City Chairman Jeff Helms said this year’s theme of “Sustaining Future Generations” speaks to the heart of what farming is all about. “Farming sustains life by providing food, shelter and clothing,” Helms said. “Without agriculture, everyday life would be like popular survival shows on television. While the idea of making primitive fire, setting traps to catch game and gathering berries for food might sound appealing for a week, with a film crew and safety team nearby, few of us would choose that lifestyle permanently.” Thousands of students will interpret the theme in posters, essays and multimedia presentations, while adults will highlight the interdependence of farmers and city residents at tours, banquets, festivals and other events. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

NOVEMBER 2015

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Bee & Honey Committee Member As owner of Eastaboga Bee Co., Calhoun County farmer Justin Hill’s honey products can be found online or in grocery stores throughout Alabama. “Technology makes marketing more accessible,” Hill said. “It gives even the smallest of farmers a voice. Blogs and social media give us a chance to connect with people, which in turn helps educate consumers about what we do.” In addition to serving on the Federation State Bee & Honey Committee, Hill is Calhoun County Young Farmers Committee vice chairman, Equine Committee chairman and Bee & Honey Committee chairman. With locations in Calhoun, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Hill’s hives make about 80 pounds of honey annually. He said honey sells itself. “Honey alleviates allergies, and it’s an all-natural sweetener,” he said. “Not to mention it keeps me outside working in nature.”

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Winning Off The Track By A.J. Watson

Elaine Bodine Carroll talks with Alabama Farmers Federation Equine Division Director Nate Jaeger at her farm near Hope Hull where she retrains racehorses for a second career. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

s an army of workers clock in and out to assemble Hyundai vehicles in south Montgomery County, a few miles down the road an army of one is rewiring a different kind of horsepower. Barely cracking five feet, Elaine Bodine Carroll, owner of Bar-El Farm, is quick with a smile, firm with a handshake and passionate about horses. Carroll started conditioning horses for yearling sales in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, but ultimately transitioned to taking racehorses from the track and retraining them for a second career in jumping, NOVEMBER 2015

eventing, dressage and trail riding. “I made a circle where I went from providing racehorses to bringing horses back and giving them a second career,” she said. “What made me fall in love with what I do now is watching the overall transition of the mindset of these thoroughbreds.” Step No. 1 when retraining horses is getting back to the basics. Something as simple as going to the right takes time, Carroll said. “We do a lot of boring stuff,” she said while describing the re-training process. “A lot of them don’t know what a pole on the ground is, so we’ll slowly start teaching them how to pick their feet up (and go over the pole).” Carroll’s farm has space for four horses that typically stay six to eight months on her 26-acre

spread before being sold. She said her relationships, connections and horsemanship helps her bring back the best to Montgomery. “When buying a horse, I always tell people it’s like buying a used car,” she laughed. “I’ve built my reputation on the quality of horses I have. I bring back knowledge of everything I know about these horses, but I always recommend a pre-purchase exam.” Carroll said, to date, all her horses have passed pre-purchase exams, with most of her horses ending up in Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. One recent buyer, Sarah Spitzer from Dawsonville, Georgia, said her horse purchased from Carroll is among the most levelheaded horses she’s ever owned. “Elaine also has enough expe-

rience to know how people and horses will match up,” Spitzer said. “She knows if it’s not a match, it’s not a match. She’ll tell you if you need to keep looking.” Carroll said the connection she feels with horses is what drives her to give them a second career when their lives in the fast lane are finished. “When people see the Kentucky Derby, what about the unsung heros behind the track?” she asked. “Not the big winners, but these horses that aren’t in the spotlight. They have hearts just as big, but they just couldn’t run as fast.” Carroll said her horses are reasonably priced, and most of the money she makes from the business is used for feed, care and travel expenses. To contact Carroll, visit her website at barelfarm.com. n

Carroll leads a former racehorse she’s rehabilitating at her farm that could one day be used for jumping, eventing, dressage or trail riding. She said her favorite part of retraining former race horses is observing the changes in their mindsets. NOVEMBER 2015

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Grab A Spoon — It’s Peanut Butter Lovers Month By Teresa Mays

ovember is Peanut Butter Lovers Month, a time for food lovers to spotlight the creamy, crunchy, proteinpacked goodness of peanut butter. November was chosen because John Harvey Kellogg applied for the first patent for peanut butter Nov. 4, 1895 when he made it as a healthy meat substitute for elderly Michigan patients. Now consumed in 94 percent of American homes, the National Peanut Board reports peanut butter is an American favorite. Besides being a good source of protein that offers good mono-unsaturated fat, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet, it’s also delicious. Laura Hixon, a teacher at Banks Primary School in Pike County, has a closer connection to peanut butter than most consumers. As the wife w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

of a peanut farmer Billy Hixon of Banks, Alabama, she knows firsthand the hard work that goes into growing healthy, safe food. Hixon said she understands the importance of peanuts from the field to the grocery store, to the kitchen table. “Billy takes a lot of care to ensure he grows the highest quality peanuts,” Laura said. “We are proud to grow a food that is loved by our own three children as well as people across America.” There is a large selection of peanut and peanut butter recipes in the Hixon’s kitchen, but the recipe she ranks among her favorites is Peanut Butter Delight. “It tastes great as a cool dessert and makes more servings than a peanut butter pie,” she said. For more peanut and peanut butter recipes, visit alpeanuts.com. n 26

PEANUT BUTTER DELIGHT Laura Hixon, Pike County Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, about 24 squares 1/2 cup chopped peanuts 1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted 2 tablespoons peanut butter Filling: 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (soft) 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 16-ounce carton frozen whipped cream 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup

Crust: Combine crackers and peanuts in bowl. Stir in butter and peanut butter. Set aside 1/2 cup to use as garnish. Press crust in a 13’ x 9’- inch dish, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Filling: Mix together cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon over crust and drizzle with syrup and extra crust. Can be prepared ahead of time. Freezes well. NOVEMBER 2015

Pain Formula Eases Farmers’ Aches And Pains

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Pursell Farms

Changing the Game One Link at a Time By A.J. Watson

ylacauga may be famous for Jim Nabors, white marble and a meteorite-strike survivor, but a family farm is edging its way into the conversation — Pursell Farms. To hear David Pursell comb through history and detail the birth of the world’s first and only research and demonstration golf course is a wonder in and of itself. The family business began in 1904 when Pursell’s great-grandfather started Sylacauga Fertilizer Co. About 50 years later, the business grew into commercial lawn and garden, but everything changed in 1992 when the company created a product to set it apart from competitors. “We developed a product called Polyon (which allowed fertilizer to be released over time),” Pursell said. “We developed it, and owned the patent. It wasn’t just a product; it was a technology. It was like rocket fuel compared to kerosene.” Pursell said there were two choices: sell the product internation-

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NOVEMBER 2015

Above: David Pursell stands at the entrance to FarmLinks, the world’s first and only research and demonstration golf course. The Sylacauga company built FarmLinks as a way to showcase its fertilizer technologies. The family farm now focuses on hospitality management and product demonstration.

ally, which meant investing millions of dollars to hire salespeople to market Polyon, or “build the Epcot of golf.” “The idea of building the Epcot of golf was to take the farm, which was used as a cattle farm at the time, and make it a destination resort for our customers,” he said. “This is the only research and demonstration golf course ever built. It was a way to educate superintendents for best management and maintenance practice for golf courses.” Their plans worked. Pursell Farms recently was rated by Golfweek as the No. 1 public golf course in Alabama. With that, the company moved from downtown Sylacauga to the 3,500-acre family farm a few minutes outside of town and opened FarmLinks in 2003. The golf course showcased Pursell Technologies Incorporated NOVEMBER 2015

(PTI) products and its competitor’s products on 25 to 30 types of grass to 1,000 superintendents a year. In 2006, PTI was sold to Canadian company Agrium, and Pursell Farms transitioned to hospitality management. Mark Langner, director of agronomy at Pursell Farms, started in 2003 and saw the evolution of the property. “In 2014, we engaged in a new program where we allowed a company to create its own program,” Langner said. “For example, John Deere will bring out about 150 golf superintendents, and our agronomists will go out with the equipment and showcase it. We’re great 29

at southern hospitality and peer-topeer reviews on how we’re utilizing equipment and how it works.” Even though the farm is evolving and changing, Pursell said the core of its mission is still the same. “Three generations before me have all had a stake in agriculture, and we think that’s the real difference maker,” he said. “The goal is to get people away from their technology. “If people can see what God has created, they should know that creation should speak for Him. The more people we can get outside, we want the ‘Wow’ factor to be a reflection on God, not us.” n w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

By Lois Chaplin

he idea of a living tree also being a fossil may be perplexing, but that’s the way it is for ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). The only remaining species of a prehistoric family of trees, Ginkgoaceae, this tree is literally recorded in stone. It also happens to be one of the most brilliantly colored leaves in fall. How’s that for a fossil? Perhaps you’ve seen ginkgo on an avenue, or in a park or cemetery because it is sometimes planted as a municipal tree. It’s also sometimes known for a negative quality: the rotten egg smell of fruit from female trees. Fortunately, that can be avoided by planting male varieties offered at a nursery. As a young tree, gingko has a lanky, awkward shape, but it matures into a large, full, long-lived shade tree with dependable, bright golden, fall color. They are a great tree for home landscapes where there is space. Ginkgo is ideal for lining long drives on country properties where the allée will serve as an outstanding welcome on the way to the house. It’s also a great specimen on the crown of a hill, where its youthful erratic branching is silhouetted against the sky. Ginkgo has a well-recognized fan shaped leaf, made famous in Asian art and as jewelry pendants. Interestingly, the leaves drop rather suddenly so the tree sheds all of its leaves within a day or two. Gardeners love this because there is only one clean-up. In spring and summer, the leaves are bright green. Although it takes decades, a mature tree may be 80 feet tall and about 30 or 40 feet wide. However, there are a number of smaller varieties, although they may not be easy to find. Autumn Gold is one

FALL

of the most common male cultivars selected for its bright golden yellow fall color. It grows to about 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide, and develops a broadly conical, symmetrical crown. Gold Colonnade is an upright cultivar introduced by the University of Georgia that’s a bit more narrow, about 45 feet tall by 25 feet wide. Princeton Sentry is another upright, narrow-growing male variety with an expected height of 60 feet and a spread of 25 feet. There are also dwarf cultivars that grow only a few feet tall and even cultivars with variegated leaves. To learn more about the many types available, do an internet search for ginkgo tree. Be sure to purchase a male variety. Ginkgo can be planted in just about any soil type as long as it is well-drained. It does not like wet soil. Plants are tolerant of tough

BARGAINS.

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urban conditions, either clay or sand, although they will grow faster in good soil with regular watering and spring fertilization. Because the trees are so longlived (1,000 years in their native Asia), you can count on ginkgo for the rest of your lifetime. The biggest threat to urban trees is the roots often get cut because of sidewalks, drives and underground utilities or the soil over their roots is compacted due to nearby construction. Plant trees where they will be free from these threats so they can be enjoyed in their beautiful forms and colors for a long time. n _______________________________

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

WWW.ALAFARM.COM 30

NOVEMBER 2015

THE BEAN OF A THOUSAND FACES. More than 800 soy-based products have been developed with checkoff dollars support since 1990. Biodiesel, NASCAR racing tires, insulation, printing inks, adhesives, solvents and wax are among hundreds of items developed with the help of farmer-supported research funded by checkoff dollars.

A DIVISION OF THE ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION

Paid for by Alabama Soybean Producers Checkoff.

“I’m doing my part to help discover new uses for soybeans by contributing to the Soybean Checkoff Fund.’’ Pat Buck, Sumter County Soybean Farmer

ANGELA’S QUICHE Start-to-finish: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 minutes active) 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust 1 cup diced ham ½ cup onion, diced ½ 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed 2 cups grated cheese 4 eggs 1 ½ cups half-and-half Salt and pepper

Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare pie crust as directed. Meanwhile, sauté diced ham and onions in a dry skillet, ensuring all excess moisture is removed, about 5 minutes. Place thawed spinach in paper towels and squeeze until all moisture is removed. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until well combined. Layer ham mixture, spinach and cheese in pie crust, reserving a handful of cheese. Pour egg mixture into the pie crust and sprinkle cheese over the top. Season with salt and pepper. Place piecrust on a jelly roll pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If desired, turn broiler to high and brown cheese for 1 to 2 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes. By Jill Clair Gentry

s Thanksgiving approaches and plans are made to celebrate with immediate family, extended family, in-laws and friends, tasty memories of delicious turkey, ham, dressing and cranberry sauce begin to surface. Thanksgiving, of course, is America’s most food-centric holiday, and tradition is king. But as much as traditions and turkey are cherished, modern-day families often bounce from gathering to gathering in a short span of time — some may have plans Thanksgiving Day for lunch, have a different celebration to attend at dinner and might even travel over the weekend to visit out-of-town family. That’s a lot of turkey and dressing. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving celebration this year, check with guests to see if they have other traditional turkey-centric meals to attend. If they do, consider a creative alternative — and share the Thanksgiving love with Alabama farm families who provide beef, pork, catfish, chicken and other meats. My family always celebrates together on Thanksgiving morning by cooking a huge, extravagant breakfast. After eating together that morning, everyone goes his or her separate way for other celebrations. This sweet time has always been one of my favorite traditions. I love the flexibility and fun of our Thanksgiving celebration. Please enjoy my dear friend Angela’s foolproof quiche recipe, and feel free to adjust it to your 32

family’s tastes. Add or subtract any of the other ingredients as long as you have eggs, half-and-half and cheese. If an even bigger event is planned and the weather is nice, as it often is on Thanksgiving in Alabama, host a backyard fish fry featuring Alabama catfish, a shrimp boil with Alabama produce and Gulf shrimp, or start an annual family barbecue competition. For small gatherings, try serving a fancy beef tenderloin, roast chicken or lamb shanks. (My husband makes the featured recipe for me on special occasions, and they are fabulous.) Whatever the choice, remember traditions don’t always have to be traditional. Experiment with one of these alternative meals or create an original feast! n NOVEMBER 2015

FRIED CATFISH Start-to-finish: 9 hours (1 hour active) Serves 6 1 ½ cups buttermilk 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce 6 (4- to 6-ounce) catfish fillets 1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal 1/3 cup masa harina (corn flour) or more yellow cornmeal 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Peanut oil

Whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Place catfish in a single layer in a baking dish; pour butter-

milk mixture over fish. Cover and chill 8 hours, turning once. Combine cornmeal and next 6 ingredients in a shallow dish. Let fish stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Remove from buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a deep fryer or large, deep cast-iron or heavy-duty skillet. Heat oil to 360 F. Fry fish, in batches, 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack on a paper towel-lined jelly roll pan. Keep warm in a 225

SHRIMP BOIL Serves 8 4 lemons, halved, plus wedges for serving 1 cup Old Bay Seasoning 16 cloves garlic, smashed 2 large red onions, quartered 2 pounds smoked sausage, cut into large pieces 2 pounds baby red potatoes 8 ears corn, husked and snapped in half 2 ½ pounds large shrimp, unpeeled 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Fill a large pot with 8 quarts of water. If possible, cook outside using a propane burner. Spread newspaper onto tables. Squeeze lemon juice into water

and add squeezed lemon halves. Add Old Bay, garlic and onion. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook about 5 minutes.

RED WINE BRAISED LAMB SHANKS Start-to-finish: 2 hours, 40 minutes. Serves 4

5 garlic cloves, peeled 4 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick 4 medium celery ribs, sliced 1/4-inch thick 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 1 bottle dry red wine 1 cup water 3 bay leaves 12 peppercorns

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 1-pound lamb shanks Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat oven to 325 F. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil to medium-high. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Brown on 3 sides, about 4 minutes per side. Add garlic, carrots, celery, onion and red wine and boil for 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a simmer. Add bay leaves and pepNOVEMBER 2015

F oven until ready to serve. Serve with coleslaw, chips and baked beans.

Add sausage and potatoes to the pot, and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes. Add corn and cook 10 more minutes. Meanwhile, slice along the back of each shrimp through the shells; remove the veins and rinse the shrimp. Add shrimp to pot, cover and cook shrimp 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Immediately remove shrimp and vegetables and place on newspaper. Serve with sides of melted butter and hot sauce for dipping if desired.

percorns. Cover tightly, transfer to oven and cook, turning once, for 1 1/2 hours, or until tender. Transfer lamb shanks to an ovenproof serving dish. Using a fine strainer, strain the braising liquid into a medium saucepan, pressing on the solids. Boil the braising liquid over high heat until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 20 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper and pour 1/2 cup over lamb shanks; keep reserved sauce warm. Cover lamb shanks with foil and reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes. Serve lamb shanks with reserved sauce. w w w. A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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

NOVEMBER 2015

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