Neighbors Magazine, December 2023

Toy Tractors Make

Spirits Bright Christmas Cookies to

Spice up the Season

December 2023 | Volume 48 | Number 11 Marlee Jackson | Editor Laura Unger | Graphic Designer

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan | Executive Director Jeff Helms | Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Dorman Grace | Jasper Jeff Peek | Athens John Bert East | Leesburg Steve Lake | Vinemont Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Tommy Martin | Moundville Bill Cook | Montgomery Trip Horne | Louisville Mark Kaiser | Daphne Thomas Adams | Newville Ann Whatley | Opelika Jonathan Edgar | Wetumpka Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices.

Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001

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In This Issue 4 | Covington County Farmer Honored for Service to Ag 6 | Ag Law & You: Limiting Agritourism Liability 10 | Alabama-Made Cabinets Have Global Impact 14 | Lack of Rain Hampers Hopes for Hefty Harvest 16 | How to Pick the Perfect

Christmas Tree

MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org

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ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com

John Paul Scott of Cullman County joins the legion of tiny tots — and their parents — who collect toy tractors that mimic full-scale machinery. The 2-year-old follows in the footsteps of his father, Adam, and grandfather, Todd.

Photo By Marlee Jackson

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.

32 | Simple Christmas Cookies to Spice up the Season

10

On The Cover

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www.AlfaFarmers.org

A member of American Farm Bureau Federation

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December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 3

Wiggins to Receive Service to Agriculture Award

By Marlee Jackson Family. Farming.

FRickyaith.Wiggins Those ideals have influenced for seven decades.

Ricky Wiggins grows cotton and peanuts around the Carolina community in Covington County.

4 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

It’s fitting the humble, hard-working farmer will receive the Alabama Farmers Federation’s highest honor during an annual meeting bearing that same theme, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

“Ricky is one of those men you can sit with and just talk about farming and life,” Parnell said. “He’s a deep thinker and a man of even deeper faith. That shows. Ricky has a desire to do what’s right, whether on his farm in Covington County or in the nation’s capital fighting for farm policy reform. I’m pleased to present Ricky this Service to Agriculture Award.”

Since 1965, the Service to Agriculture Award has honored Federation leaders, politicians, agricultural icons and innovative researchers for work impacting farmers and rural Alabama. Wiggins will be presented the award during General Session II Dec. 4 in Montgomery.

A former Federation Southeast Area alfafarmers.org

vice president, Wiggins has a strong moral compass and sharp business sense honed through success and struggles on his family farm outside Andalusia.

Wiggins partnered with his father, Gene, on the diversified family farm in the Carolina community shortly after marrying wife Sharon in 1971. Within a decade, the farm included peanuts, soybeans, corn, custom harvesting and hogs, plus children Heather, Russell, Shonna and Kristen.

The early ‘80s brought devastating local drought, debilitating interest rates and declining commodity prices. Farms across the U.S. were in foreclosure, including Wiggins’.

“I was sitting in my office one night, and it was fixing to happen,” said Wiggins, now 73. “I was crying and praying and figuring. I finally said, ‘Lord.

Thank you. I don’t know where I’ll be down the road, but wherever I am, I will be a better man, a better husband, a better father, a better Christian, and I will definitely be a better businessman, whether on this farm or wherever I am.’”

The next day, a good Samaritan offered to help save the farm. It was a gracious gift from God, Wiggins said.

“We still have struggles, and we have trying times, but the Lord has been good to us,” he said.

Following the crisis, Wiggins

streamlined the farm to its current rotation of cotton and peanuts, plus stocker cattle. He also partnered with Russell once the younger Wiggins earned a degree from Auburn University (all three sisters studied at the land-grant school, too).

The Wigginses firmly believe in conservation tillage, first implemented on their farm in 1993 via cover crops and strip tillage.

“The main reason at the time was erosion control,” Wiggins said.

“Everyone was saying, ‘No till, no yield.’

Nobody believed in it around here back then.”

After a few years, it was clear: Their soil wasn’t washing away.

A subsequent move to high-residue cover crops made field work more difficult but built soil quality and improved organic matter. Yields increased, too.

“We are proponents, even advocates, of conservation tillage,” Wiggins said. “I think it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

In addition to on-farm improvements, Russell’s return allowed Wiggins to grow involvement in the Federation, where he’d previously served on the State Young Farmers Committee. He joined the Covington County Farmers Federation board, served as District 10 director and assumed leadership roles

Ricky and Sharon Wiggins’ family is close-knit. Their children — Heather, Russell, Shonna and Kristen — have given the Wigginses 13 grandchildren, who are now adding in-laws and great-grandchildren to the Covington County farm family. alfafarmers.org

The Wigginses raise stocker cattle on their Covington County farm and maintain ownership when the calves are shipped to feedlots out West.

through commodity organizations.

Wiggins was elected Southeast Area vice president in 1998.

Wiggins simultaneously cultivated a passion for farm policy. Sharing his ideas built from personal experiences spanned testifying on Capitol Hill as well as farm bill discussions with decisionmakers knee-high in Covington County cotton.

Wiggins was a key player, too, as the Federation rejoined the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2004, citing Alabama farmers’ need for a national voice.

Today, Wiggins intentionally invests in the interwoven tenets of faith, family and farming. A small grin breaks across his face when mentioning his and Sharon’s “fiercely independent” children and 13 grandchildren, a close-knit crew that prioritizes dinners, vacations and worship at Carolina Baptist Church.

That’s in addition to farm work and agricultural community involvement.

Wiggins chairs the Alabama Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, though he’s stepping back from other roles to encourage younger generations to serve.

A man of few words, Wiggins is quick to praise his peers.

“There’s a world of people who are really great leaders that I’ve had an opportunity to be associated with over the last 50 years,” he said. “Anyone you talk to or visit, you can learn from.”

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 5

Agritourism Liability Law Helps Farmers Reduce Risk

gritourism operations are A increasingly popular, especially in areas where urban expansion has

resulted in a melting pot of rural and urban communities. What began mostly as fall season activities like pumpkin patches and hayrides has blossomed into a year-round industry of U-pick farms and other exciting on-farm experiences.

Despite the benefit activities like pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms provide farmers and their guests, welcoming the public onto a farm invites risk and incites caution.

Thankfully, farmers are provided some protection under Alabama’s Agritourism Liability Law, Ala. Code § 6-5-347. Through this law, agritourism professionals are exempt from certain liability from injuries that might occur on their farm — if specific signage is posted at the entrance or place of payment. The sign must have black lettering at least 1 inch high.

The law defines an agritourism professional as someone who is “engaged in the business of providing agritourism activities.” This includes employees or authorized agents of the agritourism professional.

The law further notes an agritourism activity is “an activity at an agricultural operation…including but not limited to, farming, ranching, historic and cultural agricultural activities, self-pick farms or farmers markets, provided that the agritourism professional is selling his or

her own product (at the) location.”

The agritourism liability law recognizes conditions, dangers or hazards integral to an agritourism activity. These include: a. Natural conditions of land, vegetation and water. b. Behavior of wild animals or insects. c. Behavior of domestic animals or insects and the possibility they may act unexpectedly and in a way that may cause sickness, injury or death. d. Ordinary dangers of structures or equipment used on a working farm.

This excludes a dangerous condition on structures or equipment ordinarily used on a working agricultural operation that is known by an agritourism professional, is not obvious to visitors and is not made known to the participant. e. Negligent acts of a participant that may injure others, including failure to follow instructions given by an agritourism professional.

The law protects agritourism operators by granting immunity from liability related to those inherent risks.

However, it does not give blanket immunity from lawsuits. Agritourism operators should always exercise caution and care on their farms.

That includes properly displaying the required liability sign. Each sign must say: “WARNING. Under Alabama law, an agritourism professional is not liable for injury, sickness, or damage to, or the death of, a participant in an agritourism activity at this location if the injury, sickness, damage, or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity.

“Inherent risks of an agritourism activity include risks of injury, sickness, damage, or death inherent to land, equipment, and animals as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury, sickness, damage, or death, or for another participant to act in a manner that may cause your injury, sickness, damage, or death.

“You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.”

To help members, the Alabama Farmers Federation in 2012 advocated for the agritourism liability law.

Members who own agritourism operations can access liability signs, with the exact legal wording, from the Federation. For more information on obtaining a sign, contact Blake Thaxton at (334) 613-4309.

The material presented above is for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice. If readers require specific advice or services, a lawyer or other professional should be consulted.

6 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

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December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 7

Gin Overcomes Odds, Serves Farmers after Storm Milstead Farm Group’s gin was destroyed during a tornado March 27. They beat the odds to rebuild in time for the 2023 ginning season. Above left: From left are Manager Joey Scarborough, President Shep Morris and Superintendent Leo Vasquez. Above right: The gin was mangled following the storm.

By Marlee Jackson he steady rumble of ginning cotton T accompanied a flurry of activity as Milstead Farm Group started its season

Oct. 19.

It was business as usual — and a modern miracle, considering a tornado tore through the gin seven months earlier.

“Failure was not an option,” said Milstead Farm Group President Shep Morris. “Our customer base has really been pulling for us.”

The Shorter facility annually gins 50,000-60,000 bales. It’s a critical hub for farmers across central Alabama, said Morris.

The Macon County farmer lives just two miles from the gin and heard the storm as it ripped across the region

March 27 at 2:57 a.m. He checked in with family (son Shep Morris Jr. lives a mile from the gin and was OK, minus needing a new roof) before calling Milstead Farm Group Manager Joey Scarborough, who lives in nearby Tallassee.

Downed, hot power lines prevented Morris and Scarborough from crossing the railroad to check out the gin. They shined a spotlight across the pavement and brush, expecting minor damage.

The gin was crumpled.

Steel beams were torn from the ground, walls were down, ductwork was smashed, and metal roofing was mangled.

But there was hope. The three gin stands, which separate fiber from seed, were intact. So was the press — and an unexpected item.

“In the men’s break room, there was a picture of Jesus on a shelf,” Morris said. “On both ends, steel beams were ripped out of the concrete. The shelf with Jesus was fine.”

Just two weeks earlier, eight H-2A guest workers frequented that break

room while cleaning post-season.

Scarborough said the storm timing was a windfall.

“If it was going to happen, it happened at the best time,” he said.

“No one was here. If it happened later, it would have been even harder to get up and running.”

The gin’s executive committee met at 5 p.m. the day of the storm to plot a path forward. Within days, farmercustomers received a letter saying the gin would function that fall — a bold but believable goal made possible by a series of blessings, Morris said.

These included visiting Doerun, Georgia, where a gin was rebuilding after a similar storm in December.

Another blessing came when three critical motor control centers (MCCs) Milstead needed were found in Arkansas, where funding had fallen through for a project that had already received the MCCs. There’s usually an 18-month wait time.

Companies from India to Clanton, Florence and Salem, Alabama, fabricated parts for the gin, which invested in updates to increase efficiency, including the burner system, electrical controls, operating system and an extended, enclosed loading dock.

While workers smoothed a few expected kinks once ginning began Oct. 19, the gin was rolling by November.

“Last year, we ginned a thousand bales before the first of November,” Scarborough said. “This year, it’s been a little more than that. We’d have loved to start sooner, but all things considered, we’re very happy.”

Above left: A tight timeline and unexpected blessings helped move along construction at Milstead Farm Group this summer. Above right: The facility ginned its first bale in the rebuilt, improved structure Oct. 19.

8 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

alfafarmers.org

Clay County Cabinets Fill Homes across America

By Marlee Jackson abinets crafted in one tiny Alabama town form the heart C of homes across America — and

those kitchens come together thanks to the heart of Wellborn Cabinet.

“You can’t beat the people here in Clay County,” said Paul Wellborn, who founded the company in 1961. “It makes us feel good that we can achieve a quality product, put it on a truck and send it all over the country.

Each element of Wellborn’s cabinet-making process is carefully overseen. In Ashland, logs become lumber at the on-site sawmill before planks are sorted according to size. Employees use a keen eye to sort and match wood for doors. Quality control is key as parts are sanded, examined and sanded again before painting and assembly. The facility includes a showroom featuring styles through the years.

10 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

We attribute that to our people.”

Wellborn’s thousand-plus workers fashion 100% American-made cabinets in Ashland. Its sprawling 2-millionsquare-foot facility just off Highway 77 houses each step of the woodworking process, from sawing lumber to cabinet construction to transportation.

While Wellborn also makes cabinets with other materials, wood towers above the competition. Most wood is sourced from a 60-mile radius of Wellborn’s on-site sawmill. Specialty lumber like maple and cherry is trucked in from out of state.

Once hewn, the lumber is stacked, graded and processed in a kiln, where it dries to a low-percent moisture, with steam occasionally added to increase board flexibility.

Similar-grain boards are matched by hand. Those boards are glued, dried and cut to size. Molding, framing and other details follow.

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Wellborn workers use skilled hands, keen eyes and years of experience to inspect, sand and review again each piece as wood gradually becomes doors, drawers and cabinet frames.

Attention to detail is critical, said John Wellborn.

He’s one of Paul and wife Betty’s five children. Tammy, Angela, John, Stephen and Jason all work at Wellborn, where they carry on a woodworking legacy begun by Paul’s father, Morgan.

Grandchildren are learning the business ropes, too.

Wellborn’s multi-generational heritage extends beyond the founding family. From the sawmill to the sanding floor, dedicated employees walk in the sawdust steps of their mothers, fathers and grandparents. Their loyalty is anchored in pride of work well done and a family atmosphere reflected in tangible benefits, such as an on-site daycare, cafeteria and wellness center.

Dozens of designers who visit for weeklong workshops experience workers’ enthusiasm. The intense training hones familiarity with Wellborn Cabinet product lines, in turn helping customers achieve dream kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms and more.

Those dreams come to life thanks to custom features like stains, paint, pulls, sliding drawers, stove hoods, specialty lighting and more.

Visits include a tour of the factory floor, where designers are greeted with grins, “good mornings” and the light whir of sanding equipment, as craftsmen on bicycles zip from one part of the facility to another.

“When designers come here, they get to experience Southern hospitality and meet the people who make our cabinets possible,” John said. “They see the genuine care people put into each

alfafarmers.org

Betty and Paul Wellborn have built a business that crafts consistent, high-quality cabinets in rural Clay County. The sprawling facility houses each part of the cabinet-making process, from sawing lumber to shipping custom cabinets across the U.S.

step of what they’re doing.”

And Wellborn staff members are diligent — whether making simple, square, Shaker-style cabinets or fulfilling orders with intricate insets.

Once an order is placed, pieces are sanded, primed and topped with five coats of paint.

Cabinets are assembled by hand, inspected again and boxed for delivery to a network of dealers and customers across the country. Wellborn’s reach includes Southern Living magazine Idea Homes and the Homes for Heroes program, which provides veteran housing free of charge.

The Wellborn family’s influence extends to Washington, D.C., too. In 2020, they fought to restrict imports of low-quality, foreign cabinets. Their work saved 250,000 American jobs.

“A lot of people look at the bottom line trying to make stockholders happy,” John said. “We believe in keeping everything in America.”

To further that goal, Clay County’s largest employer is expanding.

Wellborn’s new, nearby facility will add 300 jobs to the economy and reflects the family’s goal: Craft Americanmade cabinets while investing in their workforce, customers and country.

That commitment and its impact isn’t lost on their family, Stephen said.

“I think about that every now and then — about how many kitchens are going out and will be the gathering place for the family,” he said. “We need more of that in this country.”

Scan to learn more at wellborn.com.

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 11

Alabama Shines as Sunbelt Ag Expo’s

Spotlight State

Inviting outdoor displays, including a vintage 1940 Ford truck, provided the perfect backdrop for selfies and encouraged visitors to venture inside the Spotlight State building where Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson greeted guests.

By Mary Wilson the coast’s greenhouses and Frowrom sweet potato fields to the bountiful crops of the Wiregrass and

northwest to the forests, pastures and poultry houses scattered throughout, Alabama agriculture shined brightly as Sunbelt Ag Expo’s 2023 Spotlight State.

The state agricultural marketing brand provided a cohesive theme as more than 10,000 visitors to the Spotlight State building ventured on a “Road Trip through Sweet Grown Alabama” during the expo Oct. 17-19 in Moultrie, Georgia.

“It’s a great privilege to showcase Alabama agriculture at the Sunbelt Ag Expo once every 10 years,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. “This has truly been a group effort to spotlight our great farmers and the economic impact agriculture has on the state of Alabama.”

The three-day extravaganza started with a ribbon cutting where Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock applauded Spotlight State volunteers,

12 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

sponsors and committee members who contributed to the expertly designed exhibit.

“The Spotlight State concept came about in 1983, and this is Alabama’s fifth time shining in the Sunbelt spotlight,” Blalock said. “This year, they’ve done a great job depicting the diversity, variety and quality of Alabama agriculture — from north to south, east to west.

Alabama’s got it going on when it comes to agriculture.”

Flanked by Spotlight State platinum-level sponsors, Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Farmer of the Year representatives Darrel and Lydia Haynes of Cullman County snipped the red ribbon and welcomed guests into the building.

Covering 3,000 square feet, the rectangular building mimicked regions of the state with 10 exits, or displays, that highlighted commodities produced in each area, like peanuts and cotton in the Wiregrass and catfish in west Alabama. Each exit included informative backdrops, interactive games and Sweet

Grown Alabamainspired giveaways.

The road trip theme included rest areas with benches and picnic tables built by the Elmore County High School FFA. On the demonstration stage, food bloggers shared recipes featuring Sweet Grown Alabama ingredients while three Alabama Extension experts presented on gardening and decorating with outdoor materials.

Sweet Grown Alabama goodies also graced tables during the annual Southeastern Farmer of the Year Luncheon, where Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate introduced Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson, the keynote speaker. The Byrd Family, a bluegrass and gospel band from Geneva County, entertained the audience.

More than 60 volunteers staffed the building and helped in planning. Plus, more than 40 organizations, businesses and farms supported the effort through monetary sponsorships and in-kind donations. alfafarmers.org

alfafarmers.org

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 13

Street Farm in Baldwin County harvested peanuts Oct. 24. Since farmers faced a year of dry weather, harvest season came quickly as conditions allowed farmers to get tractors in the fields.

Alabama Farmers Overcome Adversity during Harvest

By Maggie Edwards arvest season brought a whirl of H emotions for Alabama farmers — as some celebrated their best yields,

while others endured the impact of late-season drought.

“Corn will be our only really good crop this year,” said Baldwin County’s Eric Street, who operates Street Farm with brother Tobin. “We had a hard struggle getting our corn planted. The first field froze during late March, and then it wouldn’t stop raining in our part of the county. I had to replant one corn field three times.”

Weather patterns settled soon after the continuous rain, and the Streets planted cotton and peanuts.

They harvested wheat, too, before rain returned.

“June got here, and we went through more weeks of endless rain, which slowed our soybean planting,” said Eric, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee.

“Soon after our last seed went into the ground, the rain shut off. From the end of June until now (October), we haven’t had any good rainfall.”

While lack of rain can be an obstacle for crop growth, it also allows farmers to get in their fields and work, Eric said.

“The dry weather helped us get our spraying done and the corn harvested,” Eric said. “This is the first time in 10 years I didn’t get rained out during my corn harvest.”

Eric estimates their fields are 10-15 inches deficient from normal rainfall.

“To have been abused by dry 14 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

weather, the peanuts are pretty,” Eric said. “But they aren’t perfect. We spray for diseases, but if the chemical doesn’t get rain, it doesn’t work properly.”

On a good year, they harvest about 2

million pounds of peanuts, said Tobin.

“Peanut yields and prices are low because of the drought,” Tobin said. “A typical peanut yield is a 5,400-pound average, but this year, we will be lucky

Top: Street Farm in Baldwin County is operated by Eric and Tobin Street, with help from their father, William.

They farm 1,500 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, wheat and oats. Bottom from left: Compared to 2022, this year’s peanut crop was down 25%, cotton was down 30% and soybeans were down about 30%. alfafarmers.org

to make 4,000 pounds an acre.”

In a year where farmers are battling rising interest rates amid a fluctuating economy, the pocketbook strain is tough, said Federation Commodity Director Carla Hornady.

“Things were unpredictable for farmers this year,” said Hornady, who works with cotton, soybean and wheat and feed grain farmers. “Rainfall really depended on where you were, so yields are all over the place. I’ve heard some farmers are opting out of winter wheat because of the lack of rain. We say this every year, but it’s true: Farming is challenging, but we have to stay optimistic for next year.”

To help track drought conditions — and potentially trigger disaster assistance — Hornady suggests farmers use the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports system to self-report local drought. (See QR code below.)

Even with its struggles, the current weather pattern has benefits, Eric said.

“The dry weather has been devastating for the crops and the growing season,” Eric said. “I’d rather dig peanuts in dry weather any day over wet. I will celebrate dry weather for harvest every time.”

Eric, Tobin and wife Laura, along with patriarch William, farm 1,500 acres of row crops including cotton, corn, soybeans, peanuts, wheat, oats and hay. This year, the farm averaged 200 bushels of corn per acre. Eric estimates cotton will be 30% less than normal, with peanuts down 25% and soybeans about 20-30% down from average yields.

While the Streets have faced adversity this season, the Isbells in Colbert County are reaping benefits of a great cotton crop.

That’s the difference in weather conditions 360 miles apart.

“We’ve made the best cotton crop of all time, and I’ve been farming 54 years,” said Neal Isbell of Isbell Farms. “Our beans and wheat were just average, and corn was a pretty good crop.”

Isbell Farms got enough rain to make a good corn crop but needed more rain toward the end of their bean season, Neal said.

“Our beans came up short because we didn’t have the moisture,” said Neal, who serves on the Alabama Cotton Commission. “We made a good cotton alfafarmers.org

Clockwise from top: Hollis and Neal Isbell of Isbell Farms in Colbert County met with Alabama Farmers Federation Commodity Director Carla Hornady and Federation Area 1 Organization Director Barrett Gilbert to recap harvest; Hollis and Neal founded Cotton Producers Co-op Inc. in 1996; Drier conditions escalated the harvest timeline, creating a shorter-than-normal ginning season. They expect to gin about 15,000 bales.

crop. It was thanks to the good Lord.”

Farming is all about timing and water, said Neal’s father, Hollis.

“We’ve been working and increasing our irrigation system,” Hollis said. “There has never been a year when there wasn’t a return to irrigation. Sometime during the year, you will need it. We are 30% irrigated. This is the difference between a great crop and an average crop.”

Corn yields for Isbell Farms averaged 250 bushels per acre on irrigated land and 190 bushels per acre on dry land.

Off the farm, the Isbells operate Cotton Producers Co-op Inc., founded in 1996. There, the farm is facing another challenge as an early harvest triggered an early ginning season.

“One of our biggest challenges is labor,” Neal said. “Prices and marketing are tough, too.”

Farming has risks, but passion and faith drive farmers from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast as they feed the world, Hornady said.

Eric agreed.

“We have been blessed in my 34 crops on this farm,” Eric said. “We’ve made money on the farm every year for 20 years. It’s not always about what’s happening today, this week or this month. I look back at how good it’s been. God has blessed us more than I ever dreamed of. We look at our family’s history and know that God blessed them during the hard times. He will bless us, too.”

Scan to report weather conditions in your area.

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 15

Top Tips to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree

By Cole Sikes here is nothing quite like the scent T of real Christmas trees. These natural living room centerpieces are beloved and provide an aesthetic that perfectly fits the season. However, choosing and caring for the right tree can be daunting.

Industry Hurdles

A recent survey from the Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB) indicated 25% of members would increase prices by 5% to 15% in 2023. This is a decrease from last year, when approximately 71% of members increased wholesale prices by the same percentages. The RCTB is a national research organization funded

by North American Christmas tree growers.

Input costs from labor, fertilizer, equipment and other expenses have increased by 10% annually. More than half of RCTB tree farmers indicate this happened again in 2023.

Though Christmas trees are more expensive to grow this year, most farmers are choosing to marginally raise prices so families can still afford to pick their perfect tree.

Pickens said. “Growers are selling out earlier and earlier each year due to a rapid increase in demand.”

Tree Care

The best insurance policy for a healthy Christmas tree is keeping the water reservoir full.

“I check my tree daily until I get a feel for its water use,” Pickens said. “If you are unable to bend down to check, construct a dip stick. Just take any rod

Disposal

When it’s time to finally take down Christmas decorations, there are options for disposal.

“Check with your local municipalities, as some have tree collection points,” Pickens said. “These trees are often turned into mulch, and sometimes the mulch is free.”

A popular method of tree repurposing is to place them in ponds or lakes to serve as fish bed structure.

Spent trees are also used to start bonfires during the winter. Pickens encouraged caution when burning a dry Christmas tree. The hot fire can get away quickly.

Tree Choice

According to Alabama Cooperative Extension System Commercial Horticulture Assistant Professor Jeremy Pickens, Christmas tree farms typically open the day after Thanksgiving.

However, many are now opening earlier to ensure families have abundant opportunities to purchase a tree.

“If you want to get an Alabamagrown tree, you should go early,”

16 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

(broom handle, pool stick, fishing rod, etc.) and mark the depth of the water bowl on the side. Check the water level by dipping the stick in the water bowl to reveal a water mark. It’s similar to checking your automotive oil.”

Keep the dip stick as vertical as possible when checking. This practice ensures the most accurate water level reading. If the tree is placed in an area exposed to heat, like the HVAC or fireplace, consider moving the tree or closing appropriate vents. While not completely necessary, keeping the room temperature slightly lower and reducing direct sunlight exposure can also lessen the tree’s need for daily water.

Discover More

Choosing a Christmas tree can be a fun outing for the entire family. Once the tree is back home and decorated, the most important aspect of care is to make sure it is properly watered.

To find a farm or retailer, explore SweetGrownAlabama.org or RealChristmasTreeBoard.com/find-aretailer. To learn more about Christmas trees, visit aces.edu.

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December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 17

Toy Tractors Make Spirits Bright

John Paul Scott gets his love of toy tractors honest. His father, Adam, has an affinity for amassing small-scale equipment similar to that on his family farm in Cullman County.

Two-year-old John Paul Scott has a special love for toy tractors, like this combine, which is similar to equipment on his family’s row crop and cattle farm in Cullman County.

By Marlee Jackson oy lights up John Paul Scott’s face Jsoybeans as he carefully harvests imaginary on the family room floor

before augering them into a grain cart — all under the glow of a Christmas tree.

The 2-year-old is part of a veritable army of collectors enamored with toy tractors. He follows in the bootsteps of his father, Adam, and grandfather, Todd, both Cullman County farmers and avid toy tractor enthusiasts.

“John Paul’s three first words were Daddy, Mama and tractor,” said the toddler’s mother, Kelsey. “Anytime we’ve been out to the field, we come home, and he immediately gets his toys and does what they did. Whatever Dad and Pawpaw Todd do, that’s what he’s obsessed with.”

It’s a green-and-yellow-tinged story Mark Hogan hears often. During his seven years managing TriGreen Equipment’s Cullman store, he’s picked up on a pattern. Customers across ages flood the John Deere dealership from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve searching for the perfect gift.

The proof is in the purchases.

TriGreen’s Cullman branch makes a third of all toy tractor sales in November and December. A quarter are sold in December alone. alfafarmers.org

“At Christmas, parents and grandparents aren’t looking for smaller items,” Hogan said. “They want the bigger, newer toys.”

Take the Big Farm R4023 Sprayer. It’s 1/16 the size of an actual rig and allows kids to unfold the boom, fill the tank with water and “spray crops.”

Other petite offerings range from hay balers (small-scale bales included) and flatbed trailers to tractors with front loaders.

There’s the perennial-favorite pedal tractor, too, that’s popular beyond Christmas. Hogan said the tyke-sized tractors often earn high bids during silent and live auctions benefiting nonprofit organizations.

They’re also passed down to the next generation. Back in the Goldridge community outside Cullman, John Paul wheels around on the pedal tractor his father, now 29, received on his first birthday.

The Scotts continue adding to the hundreds-strong collection patriarch Todd began decades ago. John Paul’s

first collectible was John Deere’s special 4020, a 1/16-scale die-cast tractor featuring yellow-and-white bunting and “Happy Birthday” lettering.

The collection will grow this Christmas as John Paul unwraps a to-be-determined toy. (A batterypowered tractor is on the short list.)

TriGreen’s Ryan Miles will likely help Adam and Kelsey select the surprise.

Miles is the Cullman parts manager and stocks the shelves, display tables and store floor with gifts for all ages and price ranges. That includes books, hats, bikes and pocketknives, in addition to smaller Replica Play and larger Big Farm toys. There’s the higher-value Prestige Collection, too.

Those options draw collectors like Gerald Crafts. The Limestone County landscape professional and farmer started his collection a decade ago, though its roots reach deeper.

“One of my favorite memories as a kid was going in a local produce stand and seeing the toy tractors lined up on the shelf. It was like Christmas each visit,” said Crafts, 59, whose collection has nearly 100 tractors across makes and models. “I just love anything green with John Deere on it.”

That’s a sentiment many customers share, Hogan said.

“Everybody has hobbies, and people literally love John Deere,” he said. “It’s a passion for a lot of people.”

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 19

2023 annual Report AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org

Alabama Farm Center

In September, the Alabama Farmers Federation and AFAF announced plans to begin due diligence on a site selected for the Alabama Farm Center at iconic Hallmark Farm in north Jefferson County.

The Federation entered into a real estate contract with Hallmark Farm Cooperative District to purchase the 500-acre property, located along I-65 in Warrior. The contract allows the organization to take next steps regarding due diligence and fundraising for the proposed project. The Federation has identified potential sources for about 70% of the $158 million budget needed to complete the project. Those plans call for an indoor livestock arena, covered outdoor arena, two livestock barns and an exhibit hall. AFAF board members, Federation leaders and other officials attended a BBQ luncheon celebrating the site selection.

Young Farmers Raise Funds for Foundation

Fundraisers for AFAF included a live auction at the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Conference, which raised over $23,000, and the State Young Farmers Committee Golf Tournament, which netted over $10,000. Other fundraisers included the Skeet Shoot and Annual Meeting Silent Auction.

board of directors

Jimmy Parnell • Rhonda Hughes • Phillip Johns • Lester Killebrew • Keith McCurdy Cheryl Mitchell • Paul Pinyan • Mahlon Richburg • Thomas Ellis

Our Mission

“To support and advance agriculture in the state of Alabama through education and research; increase awareness of agriculture in Alabama through public programs and activities; improve and expand agricultural services and products for the benefit of all citizens and to establish and maintain high standards in agriculture.” alfafarmers.org

Support ag education.

Purchase an Ag Tag today!

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 21

income statement

Income Ag in the Classroom $222,234.36 Ag Tag Revenue 331,230.88 Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo 127,701.74 Alabama Rural Economic 200,000.00 Center (Farm Center) Donation Down to Earth 1,485.00 Event Fundraising 137,734.03 Interest Income 95,268.03 Realized Gain 16,675.67 Scholarships 61,500.00 Sunbelt Spotlight State 63,500.00 Unrealized Gain 45,681.34 Unrestricted Contributions 189,388.75 Total Income $1,492,399.80 Operating Expenses Ag in the Classroom $179,601.69 Ag Tag Advertising 1,800.00 Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo 187,291.50 Alabama Rural Economic 346,646.11 Center (Farm Center) Contributions 14,900.00 Down to Earth 6,728.50 Event Fundraising 66,064.56 Investment Fees 8,218.22 Legal & Audit Fees 2,700.00 Miscellaneous Expense 8,667.14 Scholarship Expense 79,669.89 Sponsorship Expense 126,381.28 Sunbelt Spotlight State 47,031.25 Youth Leadership Conference 13,616.93 Total Operating Expenses $1,089,317.07 Net Income 403,082.73 Total Assets $3,879,408.07

The Alabama Jr. Livestock Expo was expanded in 2023 with the addition of a Dairy Show.

Mason Patterson of St. Clair County exhibited the Senior Grand Champion.

22 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

in memoriam James “Doug” Balkcom 1940-2023, Dale County

William “Mike” Boswell 1949-2023, Russell County

Allen Bragg

Honoring Alabama Farmers Federation leaders we lost, with prayers of healing and strength for their loved ones.

Mildred Grimes

1920-2023, Marshall County

Richard Guthrie

1941-2023, Lee County

Jimmie Harrison

1939-2023, Madison County

1939-2022, Chilton County

James William Bray

Charles “Mike” Hines

1936-2023, Franklin County

William “Bill” Collier 1954-2023, Lee County

Earl Culpepper

1933-2023, Dale County

Wayne Davis

1955-2023, Coffee County

Harold Loyd Jordan

1928-2023, Coffee County

Shawn Keel

1986-2023, Calhoun County

Jimmy Norred

1937-2023, Elmore County

1936-2023, Talladega County

Dr. John French

Marlon “Marge” Pounders

1930-2023, Lee County

Donnie Garrett

1951-2022, Cherokee County

Sammy Gibbs

1962-2023, Escambia County

Rita Glenn

1936-2023, Lawrence County

1938-2023, Franklin County

Charlene Powell

1965-2023, Butler County

John Melvin Sandy

James “Jimmy” Shaver 1941-2023, Pike County

James “Billy” Smith

1938-2023, Escambia County

William “Rick” Smith

1962-2022, St. Clair County

Bob Spears

1929-2023, Sumter County

Thed Spree

1947-2022, Greene County

Homer Tate

1928-2023, Madison County

Ted Donald Tyus

1934-2023, Autauga County

John “Jack” Vandiver

1934-2022, Madison County

Roger Walters

1935-2023, Etowah County

Bob Whittenburg

1935-2023, Lauderdale County

1938-2023, Lee County

Gregory Schrand

Milton “Buzz” Wendland

1933-2023, Coffee County

1932-2023, Autauga County

AFAF Contributions & sponsorships Across the Top Heifer Show AGR Christmas Classic Alabama 4-H Foundation Alabama Agribusiness Council Alabama Association of Conservation Districts Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents & Specialists Alabama Association of Extension 4-H Agents Alabama Beekeepers Association Alabama Farm Credit — Together We Grow Foundation Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association Roundup Alabama Junior Rodeo Association Alabama Little Britches Rodeo Alabama Natural Resources Council Alabama Pecan Growers Association Alabama Quarter Horse Youth Association Alabama Trucking Foundation Alabama Turfgrass Association Auburn University Bee Lab Auburn University Collegiate Cattlemen & Cattlewomen Auburn University Drone Research & Demos Auburn University Foundation — Ag Roundup Auburn University Horse U and Beef U

Auburn University Rittenour & Duncan Awards Brooklyn FFA Chapter Ag Tour Burritt on the Mountain Spring Farm Days Calhoun County Fair Hog Show Candace Powers, Barrel Racer Chilton County Chamber of Commerce Strawberry Festival Ducks Unlimited Friends of Pike Road FFA Alumni Foundation International Leadership Seminar for State FFA Officers Lee County Master Gardener’s Tour National Agriculture Law Center Scholarship North Alabama Agriplex North Alabama FFA Panhandle Youth Expo Pleasant Valley FFA Prattville Rotary Club River Region Rodeo Sand Rock FFA Southeastern Livestock Exposition Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture Conference Storybook Farm The Bridge Builder Friendship Foundation The Rolling Pumpkin Patch Thorsby High School FFA alfafarmers.org

aitc mini grants Alabama Ag in the Classroom awarded 36 mini grants for agricultural education totaling $15,124.71 Hatching Egg to Make Chickens / We are Eggcited!

Paige Pearson Creek View Elementary School, Shelby County Community Seed Library Brooke Rawlins Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Madison County Greenhouse Start-Up Kenyah Smith Park Crossing High School, Montgomery County

Foley Elementary School has utilized Ag in the Classroom mini grants for an array of projects.

Lettuce towers, flying drones checking produce and raised bed gardens help the students get their hands dirty learning about the industry that feeds the world.

Brilliant Bio Tech Garden Ryan Adkins Brilliant High School, Marion County

Tower Garden to Table Rachel Ellsworth Orange Beach Elementary School, Baldwin County

Farm to Table Garden Doug Allen Pelham High School Culinary Arts, Shelby County

Wait! Is it Good or Bad? Terri Frank J.L. Newton School, Baldwin County

Chicks in the City Shelby Atwood Florence Middle School, Lauderdale County

Bio-Bucs Outdoor Learning Classroom Abby Gobbels Hoover High School, Jefferson County

Composting at MCAA Lisa Balazs Magic City Acceptance Academy, Jefferson County

Raised Bed Garden Supplies Brooke Hall The Lakeside School, Barbour County

Outdoor Butterfly/Sensory Garden Meredith Barker Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Jefferson County

School Flower Garden Carla Hall Walker County Center of Technology, Walker County

Growing Agriscience into the Future Bryan Blackmon Ragland High School, St. Clair County

Craighead Lions Grow Garden Antionette Hamilton Craighead Elementary School, Mobile County

CES School Garden Lori Blocker Central Elementary School, Coosa County

Chicken Coop/Animal Husbandry Rebecca Henderson Alexandria Middle School, Calhoun County

Hydroponic System and Garden Supplies Maggie Cornelius Lauderdale County High School, Lauderdale County

Tiny’s Ag Adventures Aimme Holland Hamilton Elementary School, Marion County

Outdoor Sensory Garden Caitlin Carpenter and Rachel Chastain Helen Keller School/AIDB, Talladega County

Environmental Science Chicken Coop Kim Johnson Crestline Elementary School, Morgan County

Ag Enrichment After School Program Jennifer Davis J . Alex Child Development Center, Jefferson County

OMS 1st Grade Farm Unit Makayla Key Oakman Middle School, Walker County

Many Hats of a Farmer Kathy DeFoor Eva School, Morgan County

Blooming Butterflies Kelly Knapp Spanish Fort Elementary School, Baldwin County

Hatching Science Bart Ellis J.B. Pennington High School, Blount County

Elementary Garden Amy Lacy Sulligent Elementary School, Lamar County

Growing and Learning School Garden Lindsey Ellis Providence School, Blount County

Highland Elementary Happy Harvesters Lori Moss Highland Elementary School, Etowah County

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Aluminating an Education Kirk Smith Susan Moore High School FFA, Blount County Dozier Chicken Coop Shannon Taylor Dozier Elementary School, Montgomery County Renaissance School Garden Jessica Vipperman Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore, Baldwin County Hydroponic Herb Garden Danielle Wilkins Florence Middle School, Lauderdale County Flock to Learning Heather Williams Swift School, Baldwin County Egg Hatching 101 Christy Wilson Prattville Elementary School, Autauga County Enhancing Agriscience Education through Hydroponics Matthew Wilson Dadeville High School, Tallapoosa County

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation partnered with Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) to donate the American Farm Bureau Book of the Year, “I Love Strawberries,” and educator guides to 1,100 school libraries across the state. In addition, 80 teachers attended the AITC Summer Institute.

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 23

DONORS Alabama 4-H Club Foundation Inc. Alabama A&M University Foundation Alabama Ag Credit Alabama Agribusiness Council Alabama Angus Association Alabama Association of Conservation Districts Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Inc. Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association Inc. Alabama Catfish Checkoff Alabama Catfish Producers Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Alabama Cotton Commission Alabama Farm Bureau Services Inc. Alabama Farm Credit Alabama Farmers Cooperative Alabama Farmers Federation Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Division Alabama Forestry Association Alabama FFA Foundation Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association Alabama One Credit Union Alabama Peanut Producers Association Alabama Pork Producers Alabama Poultry & Egg Association Alabama Power Alabama Rural Electric Association Alabama Sheep & Goat Checkoff Alabama Sheep & Goat Producers Alabama Soybean Producers Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers Alabama Wildlife Federation Alfa Foundation Alfa Mutual Insurance Auburn University Autauga County Farmers Federation Baldwin County Farmers Federation Baldwin County Young Farmers Barbour County Farmers Federation Beck’s Turf Bibb County Farmers Federation Blount County Farmers Federation Blount County Women’s Division Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Ribbon Dairy Bob Plaster Boyd Cattle LLC Bullock County Farmers Federation Bullock County Young Farmers Butler County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Farmers Federation Calhoun County Young Farmers Chambers County Farmers Federation Chambers County Young Farmers Cherokee County Farmers Federation Cherokee County Young Farmers Chilton County Farmers Federation Chilton County Young Farmers Chip & Mistie Burkes Choctaw County Farmers Federation Choctaw County Young Farmers Chuck & Katie Madaris Circle H Farm - Jimmy Holliman Clarke County Cattlemen’s Association Clarke County Farmers Federation Clay County Farmers Federation Clay County Young Farmers Cleburne County Farmers Federation Cleburne County Young Farmers Coffee County Farmers Federation Coffee County Young Farmers Colbert County Farmers Federation Conecuh County Farmers Federation Coosa County Farmers Federation Covington County Farmers Federation Crenshaw County Farmers Federation Cullman County Farmers Federation Cullman County Young Farmers Dale County Farmers Federation Dallas County Farmers Federation Dallas County Young Farmers DeKalb County Farmers Federation DeKalb County Young Farmers Doug Thompson Driskell Turf Farm Drury Catfish Farm Elmore County Cattlemen’s Association Elmore County Farmers Federation Elmore County Young Farmers Enterprise Leasing Escambia County Farmers Federation Etowah County Farmers Federation Etowah County Young Farmers Farm Bureau Bank Fayette County Farmers Federation Fayette County Young Farmers First South Farm Credit Frank Ellis Frank Johnston Franklin County Farmers Federation Geneva County Farmers Federation Goodway Refining LLC

Great Southern Wood Preserving Greene County Farmers Federation Greenpoint Ag Holding LLC Greenway Plants Inc. — Jon Hegeman Hale County Farmers Federation Henry County Farmers Federation Henry County Young Farmers Hicks Herefords Houston County Farmers Federation Houston County Soil Water Conservation District J & R Feed Service — Stephen Donaldson Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association Jackson County Farmers Federation Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. Jimmy & Robin Parnell Jane & Bradley Harper Jasper Lambert Jeff Helms Jefferson County Farmers Federation Jefferson County Young Farmers Joseph Forest Enterprises Inc. Kim Earwood Lester Killibrew Lamar County Farmers Federation Lauderdale County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Cattlemen’s Association Lawrence County Farmers Federation Lawrence County Young Farmers Lee County Farmers Federation Lee County Young Farmers Limestone County Farmers Federation Limestone County Young Farmers Little Mountain Growers Longleaf Wood Shop Lowndes County Cattlemen’s Association Lowndes County Farmers Federation Macon County Cattlemen’s Association Macon County Farmers Federation Madison County Farmers Federation Mahlon & Mary Richburg Marengo County Farmers Federation Margaret Evan Smith Marion County Farmers Federation Marshall County Farmers Federation Marshall County Young Farmers Max Bozeman Mobile County Farmers Federation Mobile County Young Farmers Monroe County Farmers Federation Montgomery County Commission Montgomery County Farmers Federation Montgomery County Young Farmers Morgan County Farmers Federation Morgan County Young Farmers

Donate by Mail: Make Checks Payable to: Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191 Name _____________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________________

Dell & Carolyn Hill Paul & Kristie Pinyan Perry County Farmers Federation Philip Paramore Pickens County Farmers Federation Pike County Farmers Federation Polly & Jay Marcy PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Priester’s Pecans — Thomas Ellis Randolph County Cattlemen’s Association Randolph County Farmers Federation Randolph County Young Farmers Rhonda Hughes Regions Richburg Cattle Co. Russell County Farmers Federation Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association Shelby County Farmers Federation Poarch Band of Creek Indians SmartBank Southeastern Livestock Exposition Southern Ag Services Southern Style Barns & Fencing St. Clair County Farmers Federation St. Clair County Young Farmers State Women’s Leadership Division Sumter County Farmers Federation Sumter County Young Farmers SunSouth Taber & Grace Ellis Tacky Farms Talladega County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation Tallapoosa County Young Farmers The Bridge Builders of Alabama LLC The Dairy Alliance The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Co. The Wendland Family Thomas Shelton Agency LLC Tommy & Debi Martin Trantham Farms Inc. Traylor’s Red Angus Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation Village Jewelry Walker County Farmers Federation Washington County Farmers Federation Wells Fargo Advisors — Bowman Bear Jr. and Mark Harris Wilcox County Cattlemen’s Association Wilcox County Farmers Federation Winston County Farmers Federation Winston County Young Farmers

scan to donate online alabamafarmersfoundation.org

Gifts to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Questions? Contact Amanda Butts In Memory / Honor Of: ______________________________________________________________________________ at (334) 612-5525 or abutts@alfafarmers.org.

City _______________________ State _____ ZIP __________Email________________________________________

24 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

alfafarmers.org

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December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 25

26 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

alfafarmers.org

Alabama National Fair Preserves Decades of Tradition

By Tanner Hood mells of fresh pine shavings and a buzz of excitement hung in the S air around Teague Arena as youth

showmen and their parents prepared for the 70th Alabama National Fair.

Exhibitors from across the state attended the annual event Oct. 6-15 to show off prize-winning livestock while displaying their hard work, practice and showmanship.

“Showing is an 80-year family tradition for us,” said Destinee Bearden Patterson, whose children participated in the Youth Dairy Show. “The smiles, family and camaraderie the Dairy Show bring make it like a big family event for us. We call this our dairy family reunion.”

Patterson said it’s essential the shows continue, even as popularity wanes.

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance annually sponsor livestock shows at the Alabama National Fair, one of many fairs supported by state and county Farmers Federations each fall.

The shows are months — or even years

— in the making. Many exhibitors raise animals from birth or purchase them at a young age. Exhibitors grow the animals into the appropriate size and train them to be shown around other livestock and properly presented before judges. Showmen, like Jackson Cleary, learn a host of life skills preparing for the showring. That includes animal husbandry, correct technique and sportsmanship.

“I’ve put blood, sweat and tears into this for two years, quite literally,” said Calhoun County’s Cleary.

Cleary exhibited the Supreme Champion Gilt, which was also the Commercial Grand Champion Gilt in the Youth Swine Show. A gilt is a female pig that has not had a litter.

Cleary is a senior at Weaver High School and is the Alabama FFA Central District treasurer.

“With showing swine, I’ve learned about patience, work ethic and determination. It teaches you life skills

Calhoun County’s Jackson Cleary and Madelyn Cone exhibited swine during the Alabama National Fair in October.

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Exhibitors begin showing sheep at an early age to spark interest and promote show values in younger generations. Kids as young as 5 years old can begin showing in the Youth Sheep Show.

and about agriculture,” Cleary said. “For everything to finally pay off after two years means a lot.”

Cleary’s passion for agriculture is reflected in Sarah-Jane French, a professor of practice for youth livestock programs at Auburn University. French’s position was created through funding from the Alabama Legislature in 2022 with support from the Federation.

“It’s important to exhibit livestock — but the main reason we’re here is for the kids,” French said. “Showing livestock teaches kids to be respectful, work hard and examine the details of what goes into taking care of animals, so it’s a necessity we preserve this industry.

The Alabama National Fair is a family focused tradition instilled in the kids and is where they come to make memories.”

Like French, Patterson believes livestock shows are about more than exhibiting animals.

“Whether it’s a dairy cow, chicken, pig or sheep, these kids are learning sportsmanship, how to win and lose gracefully,” Patterson said. “Livestock shows allow us to put the animals in front of the public and show them where their food comes from. It’s something we must preserve.”

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 27

A

GOOD

n interstate gas station. Christmas music is playing overhead. The place is busy. There is a 10-minute wait for the men’s room. I am here to buy boiled peanuts and fill up my truck. I have another hour left on the road.

I can’t believe it’s already Christmas.

The holidays come quicker each year.

It feels like yesterday we were shooting fireworks and waving little flags.

The line at the cash register is long.

I am standing behind a young man who looks exhausted. He is covered in sweat and dust. He is wearing work boots and a neon reflective work vest.

There is one cashier. She wears a Santa hat and calls everyone “sweetie.”

She is a cheery woman, with white hair and blue eyes. She sends every customer away with kind words and a smile. She says things like: “Take care, now,” or, “God bless,” or “Have a good day, sweetie.”

The young man ahead of me carries a Gatorade and a bag of potato chips.

When it’s his turn to pay, he digs into his pocket and places a handful of dollars on the counter.

He says, “Can I have $4 of gas on pump two, please?” “$4?” the woman says.

“Yes, ma’am.”

She doesn’t answer. Instead, she glances out the window. There is a red truck near the window, a family inside.

“You drivin’ that red Dodge, sweetie?” she asks.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her face breaks into a toothy smile.

“Well, you’re in luck. Some guy overpaid earlier on that pump. You can have 30 bucks of gas if you want.”

“Really?” the kid says.

“Yeah, really.”

She gives him a receipt. He heads for

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the door. Before he exits, she hollers: “Merry Christmas, sweetie!”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says. “Merry Christmas.”

We all see him through the window.

He is pumping gas. He is smiling, and he doesn’t look nearly as tired as he did. He kisses one of the children in the vehicle. He rubs the head of another.

Before the cashier calls the next customer, she removes a pocketbook from beneath the counter. She takes a few bills and places them in the register.

Then she announces, “I can help who’s next, please.”

That would be me. I set my items on the counter. I am trying not to be too nosy here, but I can’t help myself.

“That was really nice of you,” I whisper. “What you just did.”

She blushes.

“Nah,” she says, waving a hand at me. She adds nothing more because anything else would be too much.

So I pay for my things. She hands me a receipt. Before I leave, she hollers, “Have a good day, sweetie!”

Soon, I am at the pump. The man is still getting his 30 dollars’ worth of gas.

A little girl is hugging him so tight they might as well be Siamese twins.

He smiles at me. And I can see something on his face.

I wish I knew how to describe his look. It’s magnificent. Maybe it’s pure youth. Or something bigger than that.

Maybe it’s the wonderful feeling that leads a body to believe that no matter what happens, there are unseen forces watching us, helping us, loving us. A feeling that, even if the universe falls apart tomorrow, it’s all going to be OK. Because we’re still here.

It’s going to be a Merry Christmas.

Sweetie. ■

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 29

is what scoring the right price looks like.

Meet Dave. Dave has Alfa Insurance, and he’s celebrating like he won it all. The truth is, when you save this much money on an auto policy, every day feels like game day. He’s not stressing from the sidelines. That’s someone else’s job. He’s in the zone, catching every play, cheering like there’s no tomorrow. Why? Because Dave’s undefeated on the road, that’s why.

AlfaSatisfaction.com

Protecting Plants from the Cold

By Mallory Kelley old damage to ornamental plants C can be a problem during winter.

Plants prepare themselves as cooler

temperatures and shorter days naturally occur. However, Alabama weather can have major temperature swings, even in the dead of winter.

Once trees, shrubs and vines have gone dormant, Alabama weather can change in an instant. It can go from winter temperatures one week to a span of warm, sunny days in the 70s the next.

This is what you need to watch for, as it will cause plants to wake up and think it is spring.

On the outside, you may not see change, but sap inside stems, branches and trunks will begin to flow — moving water and nutrients to leaves and buds.

If temperatures drop below freezing, sap under the bark’s surface will suddenly freeze. This causes cracking and splitting in stems and branches.

These open wounds allow insects, diseases and water to collect, causing rot. These factors weaken the plant, making it even more susceptible to problems.

Cold damage can occur on all parts of the plant. Preventing plant injury starts with plant selection.

alfafarmers.org

Choosing plants that tolerate average cold temperatures for your area is a great place to start. Site selection is also key in protecting plants with less work and worry for the caretaker.

During the winter, the coldest spots are often found on the north and northeast part of the property and in low areas where cooler air settles. The warmest areas are the southwest side of the property and near larger plants and structures.

Windbreaks, such as fences and buildings, will also protect plants from cold winds.

Providing proper nutrients to plants in spring and summer will help. Plants that receive appropriate nutrition are healthier, will tolerate cold temperatures better and recover from injury more quickly. Don’t fertilize too late into the fall. This could stimulate new growth that might not harden off before a big temperature change.

Protect plants in containers by placing them inside a protective structure, such as a house, garage, greenhouse or shed. Containerplant roots are above ground, so they are especially sensitive to lower

temperatures. Bunch together container plants left outside. Cover them with mulch or burlap to reduce heat loss from the containers’ sides. Covering plants with blankets (not plastic) or boxes will help protect them. However, remove the cover and provide ventilation during the day to allow trapped heat to release. If the cover is not removed, the heat can cause growth activity to begin.

If you think your plants have cold damage, you will likely have to wait until spring to see how they respond with new growth. Then, prune damaged tissue several inches below the injured area. Some injured plants recover on their own, depending on the damage.

Other plants may die and need to be replaced the following year.

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 31

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies Prep Time Cook Time 15 mins 10 mins

Makes 30 cookies

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup rolled oats 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts 2/3 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

he most wonderful time of year has arrived in my kitchen, and I’ve T already started turning out all manner

of treats. Of course, you can never go wrong with a good holiday cookie, so I thought I’d share a few creative takes fit for the Jolly Ol’ Elf himself!

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies are sure to be a new favorite at your house. If you know someone who may not be a big raisin fan (count me among them), subbing dried cranberries could be what it takes to win them over. If you have someone who is already an oatmeal cookie fan, you could pretty much just wrap up a box of these and make their entire season.

I love using fresh Alabama pecans in as many desserts as possible during the holidays. The richness of pecans takes every dish over the top for me.

This Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Pecan 32 | NEIGHBORS | December 2023

Cookie recipe combines a host of my favorite ingredients into an easy-tomake chewy cookie with a sweet and salty kick.

Rounding it all out is one more cookie that may be new to you but is sure to join your regular rotation — Sweet Potato Cookies. With all the flavors we love from this time of year in one delicious cookie, it blends the best of Thanksgiving and Christmas in each bite. This recipe comes from a beloved Alabama Farmers Federation member, Terri Gilley of Cullman County. Terri, a poultry farmer, originally shared the recipe in the October 2011 Neighbors, and we are so grateful to highlight this sweet (potato) treat again.

My heart is always so full during this season, and I know you, like me, enjoy every moment we have to spend time with family and friends. My prayer is you

Heat oven to 350 F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well.

Add half the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and mix well. Mix in the other half. Stir in dried cranberries, walnuts and white chocolate chips.

Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the lined cookie sheet about 3 to 4 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. and yours will have a season filled with joy, love, laughter, family and memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Until next time,

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

Sweet Potato Cookies

By Terri Gilley, Cullman County

Prep Time Cook Time 15 mins 12 mins

Makes 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes 2 eggs 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, mix sugars, baking soda and flour. Add remaining ingredients, and mix until just combined.

Spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake in batches 10 to 12 minutes.

Stacey’s Recipe Notes I used a cookie scoop to measure the dough out to 1 heaping tablespoon per cookie.

For the nuts, I used pecans.

Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Pecan Cookies Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 18 mins

Makes 16 cookies

Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, slightly softened 1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking power 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 cup dried cherries, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1/2 cup roasted pistachios 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Flake salt (optional)

Instructions Heat oven to 350 F, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and brown sugar — about 1 minute. Add egg and vanilla. Mix to combine.

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and mix on low. Add oats, and mix to combine. Mix in cherries, pecans, pistachios and chocolate chips.

Use a 1/4 cup dry measuring cup to portion dough into 16 to 18 equal portions. Roll dough into a 2-inch ball and place on alfafarmers.org

the baking sheet.

Space dough balls about 3 inches apart and press each to about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of flake salt, if desired.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are brown but the center of each cookie is still shiny and wet. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before sliding the parchment, with the cookies on it, to a wire rack to cool completely. Work in batches to bake all cookies. Store in an airtight container.

Stacey’s Recipe Note For a gourmet look, place an additional 1/2 cup each of pecans, pistachios and cherries in a small bowl. Once the dough balls have been formed, press them into the nut mixture, and place on the baking sheet — ensuring the dough is about 1 inch thick. Bake as directed.

December 2023 | NEIGHBORS | 33