Neighbors Magazine, November 2022

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION

Paul Pinyan Executive Director

Jeff Helms

FEDERATION

Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton

Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville

Jon Hegeman Vice President | Central, Anniston

George Jeffcoat Vice President | Southeast, Gordon

Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden

Steve Dunn Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen

DIRECTORS

Dorman Grace | Jasper

Mark Byrd | Danville

John Bert East Leesburg

Steve Lake | Vinemont

Joe Anders Northport

Phillip Hunter | Birmingham

Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka

Jimmy Holliman Marion Junction

Bill Cook Montgomery

Trip Horne | Louisville

Mark Kaiser | Seminole

Thomas Adams Newville

Lydia Haynes | Cullman Mitchell Henry | Moulton

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.

Send address

P.O. Box

Alabama 36191-0001

By Marlee Moore

Marlee Moore

Unger

Farmers Federation Awards $140,000 To Outstanding Auburn Students

The Alabama Farmers Federation honored more than 80 Auburn University (AU) students with Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) scholarships Sept. 26. From left are AU College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson, AU College of Agriculture Associate Dean Amy Wright, AU sophomore Kameria Doss of Pickens County, Federation President Jimmy Parnell, and Federation Central Area Vice President and AFAF Scholarship Committee Chair Jon Hegeman.

By Maggie Edwards

The Alabama Farmers Federation cultivated future leaders as it awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry and related fields at Auburn University (AU).

Eighty-two students were recognized during the organization’s annual scholarship reception Sept. 26 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn, where Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised the students’ achievements.

“We are committed to the next generation,” Parnell said. “We believe these students are the future of this state, this nation and this organization.”

Scholarship Recipients

Name Major Classification County Noah Carter Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman Autauga Garrett Springs Agricultural Science

Senior Baldwin Regan Smart Environmental Science Junior Baldwin Hunter Cochran Wildlife Enterprise Management Sophomore Barbour Taylor Edwards Agricultural Communications Junior Bibb Corley Williams Agricultural Communications Sophomore Blount Justin Jacobsen Horticulture Senior Bullock Tanner Dunkin Agricultural Business & Economics Senior Butler Will West Agricultural Science Sophomore Calhoun Kayleigh Scarborough Agricultural Communications Sophomore Chambers Michael Pigg Biosystems Engineering Senior Chambers Wesley Rogers Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Senior Cherokee Anna Cleckler Horticulture Freshman Chilton Mary Beth Hall Pre-Biosystems Engineering Freshman Chilton Kalie Lindsey Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industries) Senior Choctaw Maggie Vick Horticulture Junior Clarke Tanner Denney Forestry Senior Clay Kristen Mays Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Senior Cleburne Summer Parker Horticulture Senior Coffee Robert Ahlstrom Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Colbert Abby Dunn Agricultural Business & Economics Senior Conecuh Alli Broom Pre-Biosystems Engineering Sophomore Coosa Anna Kate Courson Biosystems Engineering (Ecological) Junior Covington Branyon Clarke Environmental Science Senior Covington Dawson Jernigan Pre-Biosystems Engineering Sophomore Covington Laura Syler Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman Covington Kyndal Staley Poultry Science (Production) Senior Crenshaw Drew Conway Pre-Biosystems Engineering (Forestry) Freshman Cullman

During the reception, Parnell charged the students to work hard, think deeply and make connections — advice given to him during his time as an AU College of Agriculture student in the ‘80s.

A special partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations helps provide $1,750 scholarships to land-grant university students.

County Farmers Federations honored separate scholarship recipients during the reception, while three other students were awarded special scholarships honoring individuals or organizations integral to Alabama agriculture. Maggie Holloway of Cullman County received the R.W. Donaldson Memorial Scholarship, and Will Jordan of Clay County won the Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship. Will Cowan of Lee County was awarded the Alabama Catfish Producers Scholarship.

AU sophomore Kameria Doss of Pickens County spoke on behalf of fellow honorees during the reception. Doss thanked the Federation for its financial support throughout her college career.

Doss is a biosystems engineering major who plans to focus on environmental issues and design equipment to aid agriculture.

“I desire to discover and improve upon new ways to sustain our natural resources,” Doss said. “Growing up, I would spend summers with my grandparents on their farm. I want their farm, and farms across Alabama, to be a place generations can enjoy.”

Chambers County Farmers Federation President Chris Langley congratulated recipients on their success and encouraged them to think boldly — and make a plan.

“My goal is for y’all to see through a crystal ball and look out to your future,” Langley said. “You have to have faith in the Lord and your family. That will carry you through.”

Scholarships from the Federation have been awarded to AU students since 1983. AFAF was founded in 2009 as a platform to support agricultural education and is funded through Ag Tag sales.

The 2023 scholarship application opens Nov. 1 and is available at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships.

View county group and individual recipient photos on the Federation’s Facebook and Flickr pages.

Blake Carroll Animal Sciences (Meat Science) Junior Dale Ethan Brown Agricultural Business & Economics Senior Dale Caroline Thomas Agricultural Business & Economics Sophomore Dallas Maddie Jackson Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman DeKalb Abigail Luster Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Junior Elmore John Rhodes Biological & Agricultural Technology Management Freshman Escambia Emma Stough Applied Biotechnology Junior Etowah Cole Saunders Agricultural Science Sophomore Geneva Miranda Gajdos Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Sophomore Hale Becky Bass Poultry Science (Production) Junior Henry Caitlin Falkner Agricultural Business & Economics Sophomore Henry Cole VanScyoc Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Henry Hayden McWaters Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Henry Annaleigh Poland Fisheries & Allied Aquaculture (Pre-Vet) Senior Houston Jacob Sizemore Biological & Agricultural Technology Management Senior Houston Jenna Holley Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Senior Houston Landon Erbrick Horticulture Senior Jefferson Abigail Crosby Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industries) Junior Lamar Tori Spry Agricultural Communications Freshman Lauderdale Tanner Hood Agricultural Communications Senior Lawrence Carter Freeman Pre-Biosystems Engineering Freshman Lee Claudia Jackson Horticulture Freshman Lee Emily Moore Pre-Biosystems Engineering Sophomore Lee John Hixon Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman Lee Julia Bush Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Lee Megan Woodall Pre-Agriscience Education Senior Jackson Susan Iott Environmental Science Senior Limestone Abigail Lane Biological & Agricultural Technology Management Senior Lowndes Bennett Givhan Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Madison Hunter Rials Animal Sciences (Animal/Allied Industries) Junior Madison Jay Moore Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Junior Madison Reese Stogner Wildlife Ecology & Management Senior Madison Will Yates Biological & Agricultural Technology Management Senior Marengo Madelyn Seaman Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Junior Marion Garrett Royster Poultry Science (Production) Sophomore Marshall Stuart Cherniak Horticulture Senior Mobile Nicholas Boone Horticulture Senior Monroe Mason Belcher Pre-Biosystems Engineering Junior Montgomery Lee Murray Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman Morgan Kameria Doss Pre-Biosystems Engineering Sophomore Pickens Lawson Scarbrough Agricultural Business & Economics Senior Pike Emery Norred Agricultural Business & Economics Sophomore Randolph Will Johnson Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Junior Russell Mallory Nabors Agricultural Business & Economics Freshman Shelby Rece Gleason Animal Sciences (Pre-Vet) Sophomore St. Clair Jessica Hazel Wildlife Enterprise Management Junior Talladega Laura Thames Wildlife Enterprise Management Freshman Tallapoosa Jackson Elsberry Crop & Soil Science (Turfgrass) Junior Tuscaloosa Morgan Aldridge Biosystems Engineering Senior Walker William Hill Environmental Science Senior Washington Wood Hollinger Agricultural Business & Economics Junior Wilcox

Special Scholarships

Alabama Catfish Producers Will Cowan Lee R.W. Donaldson Memorial Maggie Holloway Cullman Mike Henry Memorial Will Jordan Clay

Alfa Health Yields Big Savings For Families

By Brooke Foster

Awelcome relief.

That’s how Kristen Wiggins of Andalusia described Alfa Health, a program that helps Alabama Farmers Federation members secure quality, affordable health insurance.

With six kids, insurance they can count on is a must for Kristen and her husband, Russell, a third-generation Covington County farmer and longtime Federation member.

After learning of yet another insurance price hike headed their way in 2021 through a previous insurance provider, the Wiggins family decided to investigate other options.

“Saving money was my first priority,” Kristen said. “Our premium was already high, and for us to receive a notice saying it was going up even more, I

knew I had to get a second job or find another health insurance option. Thanks to the relationship we have with the Farmers Federation, Alfa Health quickly stepped in and gave us the same coverage at a fraction of the cost. That was huge.”

Kristen said maintaining essential coverage options they already enjoyed was a plus. The personal care she received working with Alfa Health was the cherry on top.

“It’s simple and doesn’t require a lot of legwork or paperwork,” she said of the process. “It’s definitely for families and busy people who don’t have the time or knowledge to deal with insurance on your own.”

Russell said the initial process of self-assessing needs in the health insurance marketplace was intimidating.

“We talked to so many other providers in the marketplace, and once you start asking about coverage and

limits, there was always something that seemed like a catch,” he said. “As a farmer, I’m self-employed, and the Alfa Health team really understands how to help folks in our situation. They went above and beyond to let us keep the coverage we needed at an affordable rate, and we will forever be grateful for that.”

Alfa Health Manager Ryan Stanford praised his team for making a difference in the lives of Federation members and other health insurance seekers.

“It’s about providing exceptional full-disclosure service, and our team works hard to do just that,” Stanford said. “Our job is to make sure customers know what’s going to happen each step of the way, including exactly how much it will cost them in the end. We’re extremely grateful to work with families like Kristen and Russell — to be just a small part of keeping their life happy and healthy.”

For farmers, navigating tax situations and projected income that could impact

The Wiggins family raises row crops and cattle in Covington County and saves big on family health care plans provided through Alfa Health. Russell and Kristen Wiggins have six children — Riley Grace (not pictured), Maggie Ruth, Jack, Mollie Jae, Pitt and Ella Grae.

their health insurance qualifications can be stressful — until they call Alfa Health.

“Transitioning to Alfa Health was the easiest experience I’ve ever had,” Kristen said. “With the same coverage, copays and deductible, Alfa Health has made our life easy and affordable.”

Adding ease to their busy lifestyle is a gift, Kristen said. From helping Russell on the farm to managing family finances, time is precious. So is protecting their children — Riley Grace, 22; Maggie Ruth, 15; Jack, 13; Mollie Jae, 11; Pitt, 10; and Ella Grae, 4.

“I was 12 minutes from my house when I called Alfa Health to inquire about insurance,” Kristen said. “As soon as I got home, I couldn’t get to Russell fast enough to tell him just how much we could benefit in savings going through Alfa Health. The very next day, I sent my information in. Within 24 hours, we were covered.”

Kristen credited God’s grace for the journey that led them to call Alfa Health.

“What a blessing it’s been,” she said. “Even now, if I have a question or issue, I know the Alfa Health team is just a phone call away. I’m comforted knowing

I’ll be talking with someone who knows insurance, knows us and has our best interests in mind.”

Federation members may qualify for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Alabama health insurance plans at substantially lower rates through Alfa Health, including subsidies for

farmers, self-employed individuals and employees who aren’t offered coverage by an employer group plan. Alfa Health also sells BCBS dental plans, as well as Medicare supplement and Part D prescription drug plans. Contact the Alfa Health team at 1 (800) 392-5705 to learn more.

Alfa Health’s team of professionals, including Manager Ryan Stanford, right, helps families like Russell and Kristen Wiggins navigate the health care marketplace. The Wiggins family saves thousands annually through their Blue Cross Blue Shield plan coordinated through Alfa Health.

800-955-1722 | FirstSouthLand.com

Melson Melds Love For Ag, Education In Classroom

By Marlee Moore

Competing on his high school’s livestock judging team planted the seed for Josh Melson’s career as an agriscience education teacher and FFA adviser.

Cultivating a similar passion for agriculture in the next generation fuels Melson’s work at A.P. Brewer High School (APBHS) and helped the Morgan County young farmer win the Alabama Farmers Federation Excellence in Agriculture contest this summer.

“This is what I’m called to do,” said Melson, 33, motioning to his agriscience classroom and shop filled with students.

Melson, who was raised on a small horse farm in Danville, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University (AU). Pit stops in the poultry industry, at the Federation and with Alabama Extension grew his real-world agricultural experience with farmers and pointed Melson back to the classroom.

“My ag teacher, Mr. Sandy Fields, was still giving me advice as an adult, just like good ag teachers do, and told me, ‘Josh, you’re not doing what you’re called to do, and you’re called to teach,’” Melson said. “Because of my former jobs in the industry, I’m able to give students real-life scenarios of the career paths they’re looking at.”

Josh Melson served three years as Morgan County Young Farmers Committee chair and passed on the mantle this fall. During his tenure, he helped grow the committee and amped up community involvement, in addition to state contests participation.

to have their own little farm projects along the way,” Melson said. “We’re small, but we’re teaching our kids the value of hard work.”

McBrayer said. “He’s uniquely positioned to bring ag students into the fold as new members. Josh understands our mission, and we appreciate his servant leadership.”

Melson also serves on the local town council, is a member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, has helped organize benefit rodeos and is an AU College of Agriculture mentor.

Melson takes an interactive approach to lessons, like when students developed a livestock facility to see how animals move through equipment.

“It makes them think on a large scale,” he said. “We may have a future cattle producer sitting in the class, so my hope is after they design the facility at school, they can take that information to the farm.”

After the final bell rings, Melson beelines it to the 40-head cattle farm he operates with his wife, brother-in-law and father-in-law.

“Our whole plan is to inspire our kids

Melson and wife Mary have three children — Ellie, 15; Sawyer, 8; and Fynnley, 2. Between juggling his full-time job at APBHS and shepherding youth at Grace Point Baptist Church, Melson is involved in Morgan County Young Farmers, where he served as chairman for three years.

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer commended Melson for growing the local Young Farmers Committee.

“Josh and his committee really focus on reaching out and growing involvement in the organization,”

This was Melson’s third year competing in Excellence in Agriculture, where contestants are 18-35 years old; receive less than half their income from production agriculture; and submit applications delving into their background, Farm Bureau involvement and views on agricultural issues. They also present before a panel of judges.

As the state Excellence in Agriculture winner, Melson will receive a zero-turn lawnmower and will compete during American Farm Bureau Federation’s national contest in January.

“Even in college, I knew I wasn’t going to be a full-time farmer,” Melson said. “My question has always been, ‘What can I do to make an impact on agriculture?’ Receiving this award is humbling and helps me know I make a difference in our industry.”

Josh Melson won Alabama’s 2022 Excellence in Agriculture contest. He and wife Mary are raising Ellie, Sawyer and Fynnley on their family’s cattle farm in Morgan County.

Historic Market Looks For Bright Future During Difficult Days

said the requirement ensures decisionmakers understand the market’s greatest needs.

By Tanner Hood

Fresh produce, friendly faces and a family oriented environment await visitors at the Alabama Farmers Market in Jefferson County.

Incorporated by the Jefferson County Truck Growers Association (JCTGA) in 1921 but operating before then, the Alabama Farmers Market has been a Birmingham staple for over 100 years.

Flavor Pic Tomato Co. founder and market member Leon Johnson is the second generation to set up shop at the market, which now boasts covered stalls for vendors, warehouses for wholesalers and parking for customers in its current location northwest of downtown.

“I started in 1957 and went to the old downtown market with my dad,” he said. “We would sell something and have to carry it several blocks to the buyer’s vehicle.”

The market began when mules and buggies were the preferred methods of transportation. Now, 18-wheelers waiting to be loaded with fresh produce from across the South are a common sight.

However, being deeply rooted in history isn’t the Alabama Farmers Market’s only unusual characteristic.

“Farmers own the market,” said JCTGA President Wade Whited, who farms in Blount County. “They’ve got the vote on how this market runs.”

A nine-member board made up of active Alabama Farmers Market producers leads the market. Whited

“A majority votes on ideas and situations,” Whited said. “We’ve got a board that runs it, but it all comes back to the membership.”

Whited said the Alabama Farmers Market is one of a handful of farmerowned markets in the U.S. It’s a source

Wade Whited of Blount County is president of the Jefferson County Truck Growers Association,which operates the farmer-owned Alabama Farmers Market.

Vendor Walter Postell Jr. said he remembers visiting the Alabama Farmers Market as a child and considers fellow vendors family.

of pride — and challenges.

“Because we’re member-owned, we don’t receive federal or state funds,” Whited said.

Without those funds and with decreasing membership numbers, he said it’s difficult to update market infrastructure and appearance.

“At one time, there were over 200

members, but now it’s closer to 100,” Whited said. “Our youngest board member is 28 years old, so we need a younger generation to take over and see the importance of the market.”

Despite scattered, empty stalls, there is still a buzz of pride and joy from vendors who serve customers with smiles and a firm handshake. For many, the people of the Alabama Farmers Market have become a tight-knit community.

“I remember coming up here every summer as a child,” said vendor Walter Postell Jr. “The people of the Alabama Farmers Market are my family.”

That concept is important to the market’s farmers, who said they’d enjoy seeing more families spend their time at the market learning about agriculture and buying fresh produce.

To help farmers and customers, the Alabama Farmers Market is open 24/7, year-round. Whited said this was implemented to help farmers who were traveling from all parts of the state by giving them access to the market whenever they could arrive.

Members span from Limestone to Houston counties.

Although some vendors have set operating hours, Whited said the best time to buy fresh produce is early in the morning when most farmers pick and deliver their products to the market.

“When you have more people selling here, you get more people to buy,” said Postell. “The biggest thing is getting fresh fruits and vegetables to the people who we’ve become family with over the years.”

Visit AlabamaFarmersMarket.org to learn more.

The Alabama Farmers Market has been a staple in Birmingham for over 100 years. To help farmers move products and customers purchase the freshest goods, the market is open 24/7.

Pod Blasting Prepares Peanut Farmers For Harvest

By Maggie Edwards

Choosing the perfect time to harvest peanuts can seem daunting, but pod-blasting programs allow farmers like Thomas Adams to bring hand-dug peanut samples from the field to a test site, helping them zero in on tentative dig dates.

“We’ve used this pod blast on and off for the past 15 years,” said Adams, the Alabama Farmers Federation District 12 director and Alabama Peanut Producers Association board member who farms in Henry County. “With the results of the blast and our planting dates, we know when to get the crops out of our fields.”

Pod blasting uses the simple approach of pressure washing to spray off the outer coat of the peanut.

“The goal of this process is to see the inner coloring of the peanut,” said Henry County Extension Coordinator Jimmy Jones. “That tells us the maturity level.”

Once washed, the legumes are

placed on a chart that codes them by maturity and tells the farmer when it’s time to dig. Key factors are color and oil spots. When the peanut is brown-black, it’s harvest time.

“This chart is a tool for us to use scientific data to determine the peanut’s optimum maturity,” Jones said. “This year, farmers are looking at an average of 137-142 days after planting.”

Getting peanuts out of the field at the perfect time can help save farmers from loss. If a farmer is too late or too early digging, Jones estimates up to 500 pounds of peanuts could be left in the field.

Higher-quality peanuts also means a higher grade at the shelling facility, which impacts farmers’ bottom lines.

“We are trying to help put more money into growers’ pockets,” said Assistant Extension Professor Kris

Balkcom, who focuses on peanut agronomy. “We want to help them find the best time to dig so we can get them the highest value for their crop. As Extension agents, it is part of our job to help the producers. Farmers have a very important decision to make, and we can help them do that by using the pod-blasting tool.”

While the Wiregrass Region is the traditional stomping ground for peanut production, farmers in 31 counties across Alabama grow peanuts. Farmers use the pod-blast method — plus factors like weather, field issues, disease and more — to determine prime digging time. Half the peanuts grown in the U.S. are planted within a 100-mile radius of Dothan.

Learn more about peanuts at alpeanuts.com.

Once washed to remove their outer layer, peanuts are placed on a chart coded by maturity. A brownblack color means it’s time to harvest.

Henry County peanut farmer Thomas Adams, Assistant Extension Professor Kris Balkcom and Regional Extension Agent Sedrick Mack place pressure-washed peanuts on a chart to determine the best time to harvest.

To help determine the best time to harvest Alabama’s official state legume, freshly dug peanuts are cleaned and pressure washed to remove the outer coat. Pod-blast programs are held across the state each year to help farmers get the most bang for their buck.

Picking Up The Pieces: Alabama Pecans’ Past, Present And Future

Farmers like Bran Futral of Randolph County are planting new pecan orchards, determined to keep this year’s expected harvest of 3 million pounds the state’s low. Bran said Alabama farmers harvested 60 million pounds of pecans annually in the late ‘60s.

By Marlee Moore

Nearly a decade after nestling 60 pecan transplants into rolling Randolph County pastureland, Bran and Karla Futral eagerly advocate for a declining industry poised for resurgence.

“We will always be planting more trees,” said Bran, whose orchards near Woodland now number 600-plus pecan trees. “If we had to do it over again, we

would have started earlier.”

Alabama pecan growers, including the Futrals, are slated to harvest around 3 million pounds of the official state nut this year. That’s a sharp contrast to 60 million pounds Bran said were annually harvested in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s before devastating storms toppled thousands of trees near Alabama’s coast. Many farmers didn’t

Bran and Karla Futral planted 60 pecan transplants nearly a decade ago. Today, they’re continually planting more trees on rolling former pastureland in Randolph County.

The Futrals and fellow Alabama Pecan Growers Association (APGA) members are determined to make 3 million pounds Alabama’s low point.

“We’ve got to help growers sell their product in retail stores or work better with big buyers of wholesale pecans,” said Bran, APGA’s president. “Our neighbors in Georgia have crushed it. We’ve got to figure it out.”

Mentoring small and beginning pecan growers is an avenue Bran believes will work.

“If someone is interested in growing pecans, we’ll do whatever it takes to help them,” he said.

In Baldwin County, the Bertolla family has nearly a century of experience producing pecans. They and other families along the Gulf Coast planted extensive acres in the early 1900s.

Today, A.A. Bertolla Farms has just

replant thanks to pecans’ long establishment time. It takes inaugural crops five-plus years to bear after planting.

350 trees, a fraction of its original count following hits from Hurricanes Frederic, Ivan and, most recently, Sally.

And the Bertollas aren’t planting back.

“This was thick with trees before Sally,” said Ray Bertolla, walking through a shaded orchard with gaps in its rows of towering trees. “But we’re not planting more trees. This business isn’t the most profitable of our crops. We’ve dealt with hurricanes, and now we’re dealing with urban sprawl. You’re losing years of revenue when you lose a tree.”

Cracking The Code

Bertolla serves with Bran on APGA’s board. Despite differences in geography, topography and background, the farmers said they’re excited to partner with organizations like the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) to crack the code on the future of Alabama pecans. AFVGA is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farm organization serving 340,000 member families.

“We all realize pecans aren’t the easiest crop to grow,” said AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton. “But with a little education and a lot of hard work, any landowner can benefit from planting pecan trees.”

To help farmers, APGA is helping host pecan-specific seminars during

AFVGA’s Annual Conference Feb. 9-10 in Gulf Shores.

“If taken care of properly, pecan trees can produce a crop that fetches a premium price for decades,” Thaxton said. “We want to help new and long-term pecan farmers learn, so we’re excited to welcome APGA to our conference.”

Answering The Call

The Futrals, Bertolla and other APGA board members answer producers’

SOS calls — from homeowners whose backyard trees are battling pecan scab to fledgling growers to farmers looking to diversify their operations.

“Every farm needs to be diversified,” said Bertolla, whose family grows row crops and cattle, too. “It may not work for us forever, but I’m glad more folks are getting into the pecan business.”

Bertolla and Bran said the future is especially promising for growers farther inland, who are less susceptible to fall tempests that can fell pecan trees with nut-laden canopies and shallow roots.

As growers invest in the industry, Bran counters calls with his favorite question: “What’s your endgame?”

That dictates decisions like pecan rootstock and graft selection, choosing grass for the orchard floor, pest management, irrigation opportunities and spacing.

Those decisions and learning from trial and error take time, Bran said.

“If you’re not fully into this and prepared to take the bumps and the bruises, you’re in the wrong business,” he said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If I had to do it all over again, I’d still plant the orchard.”

For more information, visit AlabamaPecanGrowers.com or contact a local Alabama Extension agent at aces.edu. Register for the AFVGA Annual Conference at AFVGA.org.

Fresh pecan transplants are nestled in the ground at Futral Farms in Randolph County. Farm owner Bran Futral is an eager advocate for helping beginning producers.

Ray Bertolla’s family has grown pecans in Baldwin County for nearly a century — and has seen the effects of hurricanes like Frederic, Ivan and Sally on the trees’ productivity. Bertolla, left, is pictured with Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Blake Thaxton.

American SpiritComes AliveAt Sullivan Creek Ranch

By Maggie Edwards

ANavy pilot with a dream of ranching and a passion for horses found Sullivan Creek Ranch in Vinemont in 2016. There, he lives out his “Flying A” motto highlighting service, sacrifice and the American spirit.

“I always wanted to be a rancher,” said Greg Anderson. “I was the kid who always played with farm animals. Professionally, I wanted to be a pilot, but I spent time around horses during my childhood in Georgia.”

Greg purchased the Cullman County ranch in 2016 and originally focused on raising commercial cattle with future goals of expanding their operation.

In 2020, he and Emily, a professional artist from Kentucky, married. In Greg’s five-year business plan, he dreamed of having a store on the ranch. Emily’s creativity and experience traveling and painting murals around the Southeast brought this plan to life.

During early days of the pandemic, they transformed an old shop and deep freezers into the Trading Post, where they sell Sullivan Creek Ranch beef and have Emily’s Cattle and Canvas art studio.

Walking into the Trading Post is like stepping into the Wild West as Emily’s large paintings of cattle, horses and cowboys fill the room.

“It’s one of those careers where people ask me what I really do for a living,” Emily said. “God has really blessed it.”

The operation focuses on quality beef and transparency. The cattle are Wagyu Akaushi, a Japanese breed. Greg said he finds value in the animal’s genetics and frame.

Sullivan Creek Ranch sells animals

Emily Anderson is a professional artist who finds joy in painting largescale canvases. Her art studio, Cattle and Canvas, is housed in the Trading Post at Sullivan Creek Ranch.

for processing in quarters, halves and whole; retail cuts go directly to consumers from the Trading Post and to local restaurants.

“Because we are small-batch beef, we want to make sure we serve our local market first,” Greg said. “It keeps people coming here. We don’t want to starve the market here.”

Emily and Greg Anderson of Cullman County raise Wagyu Akaushi, a Japanese breed of cattle, at their Sullivan Creek Ranch in Vinemont.

Emily’s artistic mindset helps take their ranch’s social media marketing to the next level.

“I try to do different things and look at social media like artwork,” Emily said. “I want to capture people’s attention and bring different layers to the story we tell online.”

That story is rooted in traditional

ranching where cattle are worked on horseback. Sullivan Creek Ranch also hosts a cattle branding event each year, which helps the public put boots on the ground.

In 2023, they hope to incorporate hospitality events and add a mini art gallery to the Trading Post.

The Andersons were both raised around agriculture and combine their interests to create a ranch fueled by passion and purpose, whether painting brush strokes on a canvas, flying a plane or roping cattle.

“There is a lot of freedom in being able to step away from society,” Emily said. “As the world gets crazier, we built a small sanctuary here on the ranch.”

Greg echoed his wife.

“I have a passion for the way this country was settled,” he said. “Think about the colonists coming over and launching into the new world and pressing west. That American spirit is what I love.”

Greg, an avid outdoorsman, credits his work ethic to his father, who

was a farmer.

“God put us on earth to be the steward of something,” he said. “There is nothing more rewarding than working with animals and raising food for the world.”

Visit SullivanCreekRanch. com to learn more.

Sullivan Creek Ranch sells retail cuts of beef directly to consumers at its Trading Post farm store in Vinemont.

Sullivan Creek Ranch has around 130 head of cattle, which rancher Greg Anderson often works on horseback.

The opportunity to vote is among Americans’ most valued rights and most important civic duties. Each election cycle, county Farmers Federation leaders interview candidates and recommend endorsements.

provide this guide as a tool for members and encourage you to study

positions of all candidates and vote

exercise

right to vote in the general election Tuesday, Nov. 8.

DISTRICT RACES BY COUNTY

CALHOUN

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Mark A. Gidley, HD29

■ Evan B. Jackson, HD32

■ Kelvin J.

Van Smith,

Clyde Chambliss

■ Donna Givens, HD64

Brett Easterbrook, HD65

Alan Baker, HD66

■ Jennifer Fidler, HD94

■ Francis Holk-Jones, HD95

■ Matt Simpson, HD96

■ Greg Albritton, SD22

■ Chris Elliott, SD32

■ Berry Forte, HD84

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Curtis L. Travis, HD72

■ Russell Bedsole, HD49

■ April Weaver, SD14

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Randall Shedd, HD11

■ David Standridge, HD34

■ Clay Scofield, SD9

■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17

■ Berry Forte, HD84

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

BUTLER

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

■ Chris Sells, HD90

■ Steve Hurst, HD35

■ Randy Wood, HD36

■ Chad Robertson, HD40

■ Keith Kelley, SD12

CHAMBERS

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Bob Fincher, HD37

■ Debbie Hamby Wood, HD38

■ Randy Price, SD13

CHEROKEE

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Ginny Shaver, HD39

■ Andrew Jones, SD10

CHILTON

■ Van Smith, HD42

■ Russell Bedsole, HD49

■ April Weaver, SD14

■ Clyde Chambliss Jr., SD30

CHOCTAW

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

■ Brett Easterbrook, HD65

CLARKE

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

■ Brett Easterbrook, HD65

CLAY

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Steve Hurst, HD35

■ Randy Price, SD13

CLEBURNE

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Chad Robertson, HD40

■ Randy Price, SD13

COFFEE

■ Chris Sells, HD90

■ Rhett Marques, HD91

■ Matthew Hammett, HD92

■ Josh Carnley, SD31

COLBERT

■ Kerry “Bubba” Underwood, HD03

■ Ernie Yarbrough, HD7

■ Jamie Kiel, HD18

■ Larry Stutts, SD6

CONECUH

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

■ Chris Sells, HD90

COOSA

■ Ben Robbins, HD33

■ Clyde Chambliss Jr., SD30

COVINGTON

■ Matthew Hammett, HD92

■ Josh Carnley, SD31

CRENSHAW

■ Chris Sells, HD90

■ Will Barfoot, SD25

CULLMAN

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Randall Shedd, HD11

■ Corey Harbison, HD12

■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14

■ Garlan Gudger, SD4

DALE

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Marcus Paramore, HD89

■ Steve Clouse, HD93

■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29

■ Josh Carnley, SD31

DALLAS

■ Prince Chestnut, HD67

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

DEKALB

■ Wayne Reynolds, SBOE8

■ Nathaniel Ledbetter, HD24

■ Ginny Shaver, HD39

■ Steve Livingston, SD8

■ Andrew Jones, SD10

ELMORE

■ Troy Stubbs, HD31

■ Reed Ingram, HD75

■ Will Barfoot, SD25

■ Clyde Chambliss Jr., SD30

ESCAMBIA

■ Alan Baker, HD66

■ Matthew Hammett, HD92

■ Greg Albritton, SD22

ETOWAH

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Mack N. Butler, HD28

■ Mark A. Gidley, HD29

■ Craig Lipscomb, HD30

■ Andrew Jones, SD10

FAYETTE

■ Kyle South, HD16

■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

FRANKLIN

■ Jamie Kiel, HD18

■ Larry Stutts, SD6

GENEVA

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Jeff Sorrells, HD87

■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29

GREENE

■ Yvette Richardson, SBOE4

■ Curtis L. Travis, HD72

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

HALE

■ Yvette Richardson, SBOE4

■ Curtis L. Travis, HD72

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

HENRY

■ Dexter Grimsley, HD85

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

HOUSTON

■ Dexter Grimsley, HD85

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Paul W. Lee, HD86

■ Jeff Sorrells, HD87

■ Steve Clouse, HD93

■ Donnie Chesteen, SD29

JACKSON

■ Wayne Reynolds, SBOE8

■ Ritchie Whorton, HD22

■ Mike Kirkland, HD23

■ Steve Livingston, SD8

JEFFERSON

■ Yvette Richardson, SBOE4

■ John W. Rogers Jr., HD52

■ Neil Rafferty, HD54

■ Ontario J. Tillman, HD56

■ Rolanda Hollis, HD58

■ Juandalynn Givan, HD60

■ Rodger M. Smitherman, SD18

■ Merika Coleman, SD19

■ Linda Coleman-Madison, SD20

■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14

■ Leigh Hulsey, HD15

■ Kyle South, HD16

■ Danny Garrett, HD44

■ Susan DuBose, HD45

■ David Faulkner, HD46

■ Mike Shaw, HD47

■ Jim Carns, HD48

■ Allen Treadaway, HD51

■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

■ Dan Roberts, SD15

■ J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, SD16

■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17

LAMAR

■ Tracy Estes, HD17

■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

LAUDERDALE

■ Phillip Pettus, HD1

■ Ben Harrison, HD2

■ Kerry “Bubba” Underwood, HD3

■ Tim Melson, SD1

LAWRENCE

■ Ernie Yarbrough, HD7

■ Larry Stutts, SD6

LEE

■ Pebblin Walker Warren, HD82

■ Jeremy Gray, HD83

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Bob Fincher, HD37

■ Debbie Hamby Wood, HD38

■ Joe Lovvorn, HD79

■ Chris E. Blackshear, HD80

■ Ed Oliver, HD81

■ Randy Price, SD13

■ Jay Hovey, SD27

LIMESTONE

■ Wayne Reynolds, SBOE8

■ Ben Harrison, HD2

■ Parker Duncan Moore, HD4

■ Danny F. Crawford, HD5

■ Andy Whitt, HD6

■ Phillip Rigsby, HD25

■ Tim Melson, SD1

■ Tom Butler, SD2

■ Arthur Orr, SD3

■ Larry Stutts, SD6

LOWNDES

■ Kelvin J. Lawrence, HD69

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

MACON

■ Pebblin Walker Warren, HD82

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

MADISON

■ Laura Hall, HD19

■ Anthony Daniels, HD53

■ Wayne Reynolds, SBOE8

■ Parker Duncan Moore, HD4

■ Andy Whitt, HD6

■ David Cole, HD10

■ James Lomax, HD20

■ Rex Reynolds, HD21

■ Ritchie Whorton, HD22

■ Phillip Rigsby, HD25

■ Tom Butler, SD2

■ Arthur Orr, SD3

■ Sam Givhan, SD7

■ Steve Livingston, SD8

■ Clay Scofield, SD9

MARENGO

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

MARION

■ Tracy Estes, HD17

■ Garlan Gudger, SD4

MARSHALL

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Brock Colvin, HD26

■ Wes Kitchens, HD27

■ Clay Scofield, SD9

MOBILE

■ Adline Clarke, HD97

■ Napoleon Bracy Jr., HD98

■ Sam Jones, HD99

■ Barbara Drummond, HD103

■ Mark Shirey, HD100

■ Chris Pringle, HD101

■ Margie Wilcox, HD104

■ Chip Brown, HD105

■ Greg Albritton, SD22

■ Jack Williams, SD34

■ David Sessions, SD35

MONROE

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

MONTGOMERY

■ Kelvin J. Lawrence, HD69

■ Patrice “Penni” McClammy, HD76

■ TaShina Morris, HD77

■ Reed Ingram, HD75

■ Chris Sells, HD90

■ Will Barfoot, SD25

MORGAN

■ Parker Duncan Moore, HD4

■ Ernie Yarbrough, HD7

■ Terri Collins, HD8

■ Scott Stadthagen, HD9

■ Arthur Orr, SD3

PERRY

■ Prince Chestnut, HD67

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

PICKENS

■ Yvette Richardson, SBOE4

■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71

■ Ron Bolton, HD61

■ Gerald Allen, SD21

PIKE

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Marcus Paramore, HD89

■ Josh Carnley, SD31

RANDOLPH

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Bob Fincher, HD37

■ Randy Price, SD13

RUSSELL

■ Jeremy Gray, HD83

■ Berry Forte, HD84

■ Billy Beasley, SD28

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Chris E. Blackshear, HD80

■ Jay Hovey, SD27

SHELBY

■ Leigh Hulsey, HD15

■ Corley Ellis, HD41

■ Arnold Mooney, HD43

■ Susan DuBose, HD45

■ Jim Carns, HD48

■ Russell Bedsole, HD49

■ Kenneth Paschal, HD73

■ Lance Bell, SD11

■ April Weaver, SD14

■ Dan Roberts, SD15

■ J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner, SD16

ST. CLAIR

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Craig Lipscomb, HD30

■ Randy Wood, HD36

■ Susan DuBose, HD45

■ Jim Hill, HD50

■ Lance Bell, SD11

■ Shay Shelnutt, SD17

SUMTER

■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

TALLADEGA

■ Marie Manning, SBOE6

■ Evan B. Jackson, HD32

■ Ben Robbins, HD33

■ Steve Hurst, HD35

■ Randy Wood, HD36

■ Lance Bell, SD11

■ Keith Kelley, SD12

TALLAPOOSA

■ Tracie West, SBOE2

■ Ed Oliver, HD81

■ Clyde Chambliss Jr., SD30

■ Jay Hovey, SD27

TUSCALOOSA

■ Yvette Richardson, SBOE4

■ Christopher John England, HD70

■ Artis “A.J.” McCampbell, HD71

■ Curtis L. Travis, HD72

■ Bobby Singleton, SD24

■ Kyle South, HD16

■ Ron Bolton, HD61

■ Bill Lamb, HD62

■ Cynthia Lee Almond, HD63

■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

■ Gerald Allen, SD21

WALKER

■ Matt Woods, HD13

■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14

■ Greg J. Reed, SD5

WASHINGTON

■ Brett Easterbrook, HD65

■ Greg Albritton, SD22

WILCOX

■ Thomas E. “Action” Jackson, HD68

■ Kelvin J. Lawrence, HD69

■ Robert Stewart, SD23

WINSTON

■ Tim Wadsworth, HD14

■ Tracy Estes, HD17

■ Garlan Gudger, SD4

Voter Guide 2022

 Amendment #1

“Proposing an amendment to Section 16 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 16 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama 1901, as amended, to create Aniah’s Law, to provide that an individual is entitled to reasonable bail prior to conviction, unless charged with capital murder, murder, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, domestic violence in the first degree, human trafficking in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, terrorism when the specified offense is a Class A felony other than murder, and aggravated child abuse of a child under the age of six.”

 Amendment #2

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the state, a county, or a municipality to grant federal award funds or any other source of funding designated for broadband infrastructure by state law to public or private entities for providing or expanding broadband infrastructure.”

 Amendment #3

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to require the Governor to provide notice to the Attorney General and to the victim’s family prior to

Endorsed

Paid for and distributed

granting a reprieve or commutation to a person sentenced to death, and to void the reprieve or commutation if the Governor fails to provide notice.”

 Amendment #4

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended; to provide that the implementation date for any bill enacted by the Legislature in a calendar year in which a general election is to be held and relating to the conduct of the general election shall be at least six months before the general election.”

 Amendment #5 “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to delete a provision giving the probate court of each county general jurisdiction over orphans’ business.”

 Amendment #6

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, each municipality authorized under Amendment No. 8 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing Section 216.01 of the Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to levy and collect the ad valorem tax pursuant to Amendment No. 8 for the purpose of paying bonds and the interest thereon, and may also levy and collect such ad valorem tax and utilize such funds for capital improvements on a pay-as-you-go

basis at a rate not exceeding the rate then lawfully permitted for the municipality to directly pay the costs of public capital improvements, as well as to pay the principal and interest on bonds, warrants, or other securities issued to finance or refinance the costs of the improvements; and to ratify, validate, and confirm the levy and collection of such tax levied and collected for any of these purposes prior to the ratification of this amendment.”

 Amendment #7

“Proposing an amendment to revise Amendment 772 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to specify that all counties and municipalities may exercise the authority and powers granted by Amendment 772 to provide for economic and industrial development; to permit notice for Amendment 772 projects to be published in any newspaper in circulation in the county or municipality; and to ratify all actions and agreements of any county or municipality done under Amendment 772 unless subject to pending judicial proceedings on the date of adoption of this amendment.”

 Amendment #8

“Relating to Shelby County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads under the

jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission under certain conditions.”

 Amendment #9

“Relating to Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads in the city limits of Lake View under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2027.”

 Amendment #10

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the Code Commissioner, contingent upon the ratification of an official Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to renumber and place constitutional amendments ratified before or on the same day as the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, based on a logical sequence and the particular subject or topic of the amendment, and to provide for the transfer of existing annotations to any section of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to the section as it is numbered or renumbered in the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.”

BALLOT PROPOSAL: CONSTITUTION OF ALABAMA 2022

 “Proposing adoption of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, which is a recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, prepared in accordance with Amendment 951, arranging the constitution in proper articles, parts, and sections, removing racist language, deleting duplicated and repealed provisions, consolidating provisions regarding economic development, arranging all local amendments by county of application, and making no other changes.”

Alabama Farmers Federation, PO Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191.

HAYLEY WALTERS

MICHAEL FREEMAN

CHASE HAMMOCK

REBECCA HENRY

WENDY YEAGER

KELSEY LEAR

CAITLYN SEYMORE COURTNEY COX

CHELSEA DAVIS

Blake Thaxton: This is an exciting time for Alabama produce farmers. Tell us about some of these things. Where is the vegetable industry going?

Dr. Andre da Silva: I visit growers to try and understand their challenges. We have a lot of potential. Our growers are doing good. Our biggest challenge is inputs. We need to learn how to manage our inputs so we can increase our production area. Doing the right thing at the right time is key to our growers. They

know what they are doing; we just need to finetune when to do it. This will increase productivity and their revenue.

BT: We have a lot of new growers in the state. When we talk, I really try to hit on the importance of planting at the right time.

AS: You need to find when to plant and when to harvest. You don’t want to match the same harvest time as large-scale production states. Fertilizer and irrigation are also issues.

We need to educate our growers.

BT: Let’s switch gears here. Tell me what excites you about some of your team’s research projects.

AS: We are a big team. Our first project focuses on variety selection. We want to promote and help growers. We do a variety evaluation across the state to identify the best variety to plant in a particular location and for a particular crop. The second is related to irrigation and fertilization. I like to put these two together because irrigation management and fertilization management impact each other. The third part is working in collaboration with plant pathologists and entomologists on disease and insect issues.

Catch the entire interview on the Alabama AgCast. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit AlfaFarmers.org/agcast. New episodes available every Wednesday.

Enjoy this excerpt from an Alabama AgCast featuring Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Blake Thaxton and Auburn University Assistant Professor and Alabama Extension Vegetable Specialist Dr. Andre da Silva.

Thaxton da Silva

Sponsored By Alabama Ag Credit

Down To Earth:

Alabama Landowners Conserve Natural Resources

By Marlee Moore

Alabama landowners’ roots run deep when it comes to conservation.

“My job is to do what’s best for the land ecologically and environmentally,” said timber consultant Brian Agnew, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Forestry Committee.

Agnew and fellow forest-focused Alabamians use a mix of voluntary and mandatory conservation programs to wisely steward the state’s natural resources. These programs preserve green spaces (grasslands, forests and wetlands), which absorb greenhouse gases and filter Alabama’s abundant water resources.

Alabama has more than 23 million acres of timberland — and plants 1.56 trees for every tree harvested. The state’s timberland also produces enough oxygen for 214 million people to breathe every year.

Keep in mind: Alabama has just over 5 million citizens.

Multiple-use stewardship is at the forefront of many forest landowners’ minds. That concept forms the basis of the TREASURE Forest Certification — Timber, Recreation, Environment, Aesthetics, Sustainable, Usable, REsource. Meanwhile, some landowners receive higher prices when they sell timber thanks to the Tree Farm seal, which promotes sustainable practices.

“Most of the landowners I help are either members of the TREASURE Forest or Tree Farm programs,” Agnew said. “Every contract notes the Best Management Practices (BMPs) required by the state of Alabama.”

More than 60% of Alabama’s surface water flows through privately owned forests. BMPs help protect, maintain and improve that water quality and include correctly planning and constructing forest roads, log landings, stream buffers and stream crossings.

“When setting up a timber sale, we want to maintain a distance from any body of water,” Agnew said. “We have a boundary on either side of a stream to not degrade water quality.”

Like forestry BMPs, farmers follow Nutrient Management Plans when fertilizing crops and managing animal manure. These plans specify how much fertilizer, compost or other nutrient sources may be applied to

crops to achieve higher yields while preventing excess nutrients from impacting waterways.

Chicken farmers minimize water runoff, too, by planting buffers between chicken houses, while cattle farmers like Laslie Hall use techniques like rotational grazing to support biodiversity — and help transform grass into powerful protein.

“Conservation means I’m going to leave it better than I found it, and my daddy did a pretty good job himself,” said the Montgomery County farmer. “You try what’s popular now and learn from what you’ve done. I’m proud of what we’ve implemented on our farm.”

Visit DownToEarthAL.com to learn more.

Down To Earth Definitions

Best Management Practice: Ensures equipment used when harvesting timber doesn’t push sediment or brush into nearby waterways or erode stream banks.

Voluntary conservation program: A non-compulsory program landowners sign up for that helps protect green spaces (grasslands, forests and wetlands). Examples include the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nutrient Management Plan: Specifies how much fertilizer, manure or other nutrient sources may be applied to crops.

TREASURE Forest: A certification rewarding landowners for multiple-use forest stewardship. The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Alabama landowners like Brian Agnew are focused on conserving natural resources through voluntary programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program or mandatory matters like Best Management Practices.

Choosing And Caring For The Perfect Christmas Tree

selection area damp from regular irrigation?

o Is the tree heavy? (Weight indicates moisture content.)

o What color are the needles? (If a rich dark green, the tree has received the water it needs.)

Want to guarantee the tree is as fresh as possible? Cut your own!

There are numerous choose-andcut Christmas tree farms throughout Alabama. This supports a local farmer and helps your family make memories combing the field to find the perfect tree.

Choosing the right type of tree is as important as choosing a fresh one. Options vary depending on pre-cut or self-cut trees. Needle shape, color, texture, branch structure and scent differ. Varieties typically found at local retailers are Douglas fir, Frasier fir, white pine, Scotch pine and Colorado blue spruce. Virginia pine, Eastern red cedar, white pine, Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress are common at choose-and-cut farms.

Once home with your selection, these steps keep your tree merry and bright:

o Make a fresh cut, removing 1/2 inch from the bottom of the trunk. This helps the tree absorb water.

By Bethany O’Rear

As Thanksgiving becomes a fond memory, the focus shifts to Christmas — and the pinnacle of Christmas decorating is finding the perfect tree. If the goal is to find a tree even Lucy is proud of (forgive the “Peanuts” reference), there are a few points to consider.

First, look at timing. Most commercially available fresh-cut trees are harvested in early November. For the consumer, this may seem quite early,

posing the challenge of keeping the tree looking its best until the last present is unwrapped.

If the tree was properly handled and placed in cold storage before shipping, freshness will not be an issue. However, if the tree was harvested and subjected to wind and sun exposure, it will dry out. This decreases shelf life dramatically and poses a fire risk.

The key to freshness is moisture. Ask the following questions:

o Are the trees displayed in water?

o Is the ground in the tree

o If not ready to trim the tree, place it in the shade in a container of fresh water.

o For those with allergies, a quick spray from the garden hose removes residual pollen or dust.

o Make sure the tree stand holds at least 1 gallon of water. Check the water level daily.

o Fresh water is all the tree needs; no additives are necessary.

o If the tree isn’t taking up water, drill several holes in the trunk below the water line.

Simply Southern Spotlight

Infantry Museum Honors America

From the Revolutionary War to present day, the brave men and women of the U.S. Army infantry have risked their lives to protect Americans and their deep-seated belief in freedom. That legacy is preserved at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, where Chris Lewis serves as director of education and volunteer services.

Stations and Times

Saturday, Central Time

Market Station Time

Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time

Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM

Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM

Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM

Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM

Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM

RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central

ALWAYS ON: SimplySouthernTV.net

The Last 100 Yards Exhibit is stunning. What’s the story behind it?

CL: In infantry terminology, the last 100 yards is the hardest part of the fight. The museum exhibit highlights eight key battles from the Revolutionary War through the Global War on Terror — where 18-, 19- and 20-year-old infantry soldiers closed those last 100 yards and made the difference by not only winning those battles but writing a chapter of our country’s history at the same time.

What is the mission and purpose of the National Infantry Museum?

Chris Lewis: It’s to honor and preserve the legacy and history of the U.S. Army infantry through interactive exhibits and artifacts. We tell this story because it’s interwoven with the history of our country itself. A lot of pivotal moments can be directly attributed to events or battles fought by U.S. Army infantry, soldiers and units around the world.

What can people expect to see when they visit?

CL: Numerous interactive exhibits detail specific battles, and galleries take you through different time periods. The Hall of Valor honors every infantry Medal of Honor recipient from the Civil War till now. With virtual reality simulators, visitors experience an actual mission on a Humvee or Blackhawk helicopter or experience what it’s like to shoot at targets with an M4 carbine or a 9 mm pistol. We offer things that will entertain and fascinate everybody — from our youngest visitors to our oldest generation of veterans.

Simply Southern TV’s segment about this story airs on broadcast stations Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 and on RFD-TV Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. Central. For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV.net.

Simply Southern TV is sponsored by

Why do you think it’s important to honor the contributions, specifically, of our infantry?

CL: It’s important because the infantry story is an Army story, and we are still an all-volunteer force. Times change and opinions sway. But our young men and women still understand there is a need to serve in a standing army. They put their right hands in the air, sign pen to paper, and come to Fort Benning to train. When you see those young soldiers and officers, it’s a reminder we’re still the great country we’ve always been because there are folks willing to stand up and stand in the way of tyranny and oppression, no matter where it is around the world.

What do you hope visitors take away from this place?

CL: I hope they gain a better appreciation for what our soldiers do on a day-to-day basis. There are a lot of unsung heroes who are out there guaranteeing the security we enjoy in this country. Those stories are told here in this building. These folks faced hardships and impossible odds and missions. This museum encapsulates what they did to preserve our democratic way of life here in the U.S. and to preserve freedom for other countries and other people around the world who didn’t have the means to defend themselves.

Wheat & Feed Grain Checko

Catfish Checko Soybean Checko

The rehabilitation center is a nice nursing home. Not fancy. The cafeteria is like any other. White walls. Fluorescent lights.

It’s bingo day. You can smell excitement in the air—or maybe that’s meatloaf. The residents in wheelchairs are ready to play.

There isn’t a single strand of brown hair in this room. Except for Railey’s hair.

Railey is calling bingo numbers over a microphone. She’s seventeen; your all-American high-school honor student.

She aced her ACT’s, plays volleyball, wants to be an engineer, and is sharper than a digital semiconductor. She’s going places.

Places like nursing homes.

“B-four,” Railey calls.

Folks inspect bingo cards. A lady cusses from her wheelchair.

“Railey comes here a lot,” her mother says. “Now that she’s got her license, she rides her truck up here all the time.”

She comes because she been coming here since she was a ten-year-old.

Railey has no relatives here.

The first time she visited, she was three-foot-tall, delivering Christmas gifts. It was her idea. She left an armful of packages for people she worried the world had forgotten.

By age eleven, Railey was speaking at local church services, suggesting that folks visit the elderly more often.

She was asking for donations.

“I pretty much guilt-trip them,” Railey said earlier. “Just trying to get’em to donate. I gotta do what works.”

It works. She’s been delivering holiday packages to five area nursing homes. Her gift-giving operation grew so big that her stepfather bought an enclosed trailer to stockpile all the presents.

I asked Railey’s mother what sorts of gifts she buys.

“You’d be surprised at simple things these folks want. Lipstick, perfume, DVD’s… Once, someone wanted Cheese balls.”

“N-forty-two,” says Railey.

“BINGO!” a woman yells.

False alarm.

Railey might be seventeen, but she is older than I am—at least inside. There’s something inside her that’s bigger than a run-of-the-mill seventeen-year-old. Bigger than Okaloosa County itself.

“There was this old lady once,” says her mother. “She was a Mickey Mouse fanatic. Her room was all Mickey stuff…”

Railey visited her a lot. They became friends. They talked about anything and everything. They exchanged smiles. Stories. Hugs.

Railey visited the woman on Mickey Mouse’s birthday. She made the woman’s day. She bought the woman a Mickey-Mouse watch. The lady nearly lost her mind.

“Railey loved her,” her mother goes on. “They just connected, you know.”

another bagful of Mickey gifts. But no

Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com.

Healthy Soils Essential For A Healthy Crop

take stock of growing conditions and prepare for next year. Soil sampling is a good first step to find out which nutrients are lacking or abundant.

“Different plants have different fertilizer requirements,” said Audrey Gamble, an Auburn University assistant professor in the College of Agriculture’s Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Department. “Soil testing ensures plants receive enough nutrients to optimize growth.”

The Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory offers this service to help growers make informed decisions about soil nutrients and soil composition. By supplying recommendations to help growers maintain plants and create a more sustainable growing environment, soil testing will help start spring gardens off on the right foot.

and nutrient content can vary widely throughout a lawn or garden. Sampling different areas to create a uniform soil sample is imperative.

“The only tools needed for soil sampling are a bucket and a soil probe,” Gamble said. “While many county Extension offices have soil probes that can be borrowed, a garden spade will also do the trick.”

Using a soil probe or garden spade, take 15 to 20 cores or slices of soil 3-4 inches deep for lawns and 6-8 inches deep for gardens. Get approximately 1 pint of soil for a good sample. Mix the sample in a bucket, then add to the collection box retrieved from a county Extension office or garden center.

Fill out information on the box and send samples to the Auburn Soil Testing Laboratory (the sample box includes the mailing address). Forms are available at county Extension offices and online. Each sample costs $10 with an added cost to perform a micronutrient analysis. Changes to the soil sample submission process are forthcoming from the Soil Test Lab in early 2023.

By Katie Nichols

Whether in the field, backyard or pasture, fertile soil is essential to a healthy crop. Soil provides food, fiber and energy to sustain human life. Soil also protects natural resources by filtering water and decomposing harmful substances.

The growing season may be winding down, but it’s the perfect time to

For plants to thrive, they need correct amounts of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and lime. Sometimes, the soil is stripped of these elements, and fertilizer corrects the deficiencies.

“Having the wrong soil pH or nutrient content can severely reduce plant growth,” Gamble said.

Most farmers have a soil sampling pattern they follow in fields and pastures to account for soil nutrient variability. However, soil acidity

Results are available by mail or electronically and determine if lime is required, as well as what type fertilizer will work best for the particular soil.

“Once you receive your soil sample results, apply fertilizer and lime according to soil test recommendations,” Gamble said.

Read more about soil sampling and learn how to submit a soil sample at aces.edu.

When mailing samples, enclose the filled soil boxes, the information sheet and a check or money order to cover service charges in a cardboard shipping box.

Easy Cranberry Sauce

Prep Time Cook Time Servings

5 mins 10 mins 8

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries

3/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

Salt Instructions

Rinse and drain cranberries.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine.

Allow to cool. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 10 days or freeze up to 6 months.

and easy recipe is done in about 10 minutes and produces a thick, rich, amazingly flavorful cranberry sauce that’s the perfect complement to all your favorite dishes. (I’m looking at you, dressing.)

Rounding everything out is our little bit of something sweet courtesy of Delle Bean from Calhoun County. Her Pumpkin Chiffon Pie is light as a cloud and elevates a classic to even greater heights. This recipe was originally published in the January 2008 Neighbors and is a family favorite for Delle and her husband, Ray.

W elcome back, family! My brain is already abuzz with menu ideas and dishes for our Thanksgiving table. Some things are a given, like sweet tea in our glasses and the prayer before the big meal, but I also like to add a twist to the menu, just to keep things special. With that in mind, I’m sharing several recipes I’ll be using and hope you’ll try them out, too.

When it comes to holiday dishes, most pale in comparison to the trusty green bean casserole. It’s just not

Thanksgiving without it. Crunchy Creole Green Bean Casserole takes the classic recipe and swaps bacon for andouille sausage. This adds an incredible pop of flavor. With a few extra seasonings and chopped pecans added to the fried onion topping, those who love the traditional version will still be satisfied, while any holdouts are sure to be won over.

I cannot imagine a Thanksgiving table without cranberry sauce. It’s so easy to make from scratch. My quick

We have so very much to be thankful for this year, and I’m grateful many of us are able to gather together again. Full plates are delicious, but full hearts are where the real blessing is found.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacey Little is a foodie, recipe developer and cookbook author whose Southern Bite blog helps families put simple, down-to-earth food on the table while preserving Southern cooking for future generations. See more recipes at southernbite.com.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

12 ounces andouille or Cajun sausage, thinly sliced

1/2 onion, finely diced

1 1/2 cups chopped button mushrooms

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of mushroom condensed soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 to 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning

4 (14.5-ounce) cans cut green beans, drained

1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained

1 1/2 cups French fried onions

1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large skillet over medium-high, heat oil. Add sausage and brown until starting to crisp around the edges. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are golden brown. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in undiluted mushroom soup till just combined. Add milk and cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Add Creole seasoning to taste. Fold in green beans and pimentos until coated in sauce.

Pour mixture into prepared dish. Top with fried onions and pecans. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

By Delle Bean, Calhoun County

Ingredients

3 large eggs, separated

1 cup sugar, divided

1 1/4 cups cooked pumpkin

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 envelope (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

2 (9-inch) pie shells, baked according to package instructions

Non-dairy whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Instructions

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick. Add pumpkin, milk, salt and spices; mix well. Add the mixture to a heavy saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

In a small bowl, soften gelatin in cold water. Pour into hot mixture, stir and cool thoroughly.

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat egg whites and remaining 1/2 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Add to cooled pumpkin mixture and gently fold to combine. Pour into baked pie shells and chill completely.

Spread whipped topping over pies before serving.

Crunchy Creole Green Bean Casserole