n Third and $75: Jackson Belcher, Bagley Elementary School, Jefferson County
n Fourth and $60: Reason Rutherford, Holly Pond K-8, Cullman County
n Fifth and $40: Everlie Harrison, Clanton Elementary School, Chilton County
n Sixth and $25: Canaan Murphy, Sand Rock School, Cherokee County
Poster Contest, Fourth-Sixth Grade
n First and $200: Addi Waldrop, Bagley Elementary School, Jefferson County
n Second and $100: Ariana Sullivan Le, Prattville Intermediate School, Autauga County
n Third and $75: Corbitt Dyess, Mulkey Elementary School, Geneva County
n Fourth and $60: MarLee Whitehead, Holly Pond K-8, Cullman County
n Fifth and $40: Skylynn Smith, Sulligent Elementary School, Lamar County
n Sixth and $25: Millie Henderson, Ohatchee Elementary School, Calhoun County
Essay Contest, Seventh-Ninth Grade
n First and $300: Olivia Gregory, Pike Liberal Arts School, Pike County
n Second and $200: Cheyanne Johnson, Billingsley School, Autauga County
Essay Contest, 10th-12th Grade
n First and $300: Maeleigh Gray, Geneva High School, Geneva County
Exceptional Counties
In addition to selecting student winners, judges pored over exceptional entries from county Farm-City committees. Division winners scored $300 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, while runners-up received $200. Each category win netted the committee $100. Division I is
n Second and $200: Emma Rambo, Phil Campbell High School, Franklin County
Video Contest, Ninth-12th Grade
n First and $300: Isabel Arriaga, Lawrence County High School, Lawrence County
n Second and $200: Jake Webb, Hamilton High School, Marion County
for larger population counties, while Division II includes those with fewer citizens.
Division I
n Dale County: Best Farm-City Committee; Innovative Idea Award
n Lee County: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee; Scrapbook Award
n Coffee County: Best Farm-City Tour
n Houston County: Best Farm-City Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
n Chilton County: Best Media Coverage/Proclamation
n St. Clair County: Best Civic Club Programs
n Cullman County: Best Special Activities
n Walker County: Target Award
Division II
n Geneva County: Best Farm-City Committee; Scrapbook Award; Best Civic Club Activities; Target Award
n Franklin County: Runner-up Best Farm-City Committee; Best Farm-City Tour
n Clay County: Innovative Idea Award
n Fayette County: Best Farm-City Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
n Randolph County: Best Media Coverage/Proclamation
n Cherokee County: Best Special Activities
Additionally, Dan and Pat Presley of Coffee County were honored as the Volunteers of the Year, while Landon Marks of Cherokee County received the Service Award.
From left are Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms; Dale County Farm-City Committee Co-Chairs Monica Carroll and Melissa Voynich; Geneva County Farm-City Committee Chair Nikki Dyess; and Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation board member Mahlon Richburg.
Olivia Gregory, Pike County
Scan to read her essay. Maeleigh Gray, Geneva County Scan to read her essay.
Isabel Arriaga, Lawrence County Scan to view her video.
Prospective Planting: Farmers Face Uncertain Markets
By Tanner Hood
Planting season is a guessing game for farmers trying to predict which crops will perform best amid volatile markets and soaring costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prospective Plantings Report, Alabama farmers are expected to plant more acres in corn, up 22% from 2024.
Dallas County farmer Randall Beers said he believes the report is correct as corn seems to have more profit potential compared to his other crops — cotton and peanuts.
“I made a great corn crop in 2023 but sat on it all year and didn’t make a profit,” said Beers, who serves on the Alabama Cotton Commission. “Last year, all the markets were bad, but this year, it’s cotton. It’s not profitable for us like corn will be, so we’re reducing our cotton acreage.”
The report predicts state cotton acreage will decrease 10% alongside fewer soybean acres, down 14%.
“A lot of things go into deciding
what we plant every year,” Beers said. “We look at fertilizer, fuel and seed prices, but we also consider the time it takes to produce certain crops and how labor-intensive they are. Everyone is in the same boat, and they’re reducing cotton acres because it’s just not as profitable.”
Beers said row crop farmers are facing tough times, with some possibly planting their last crop if markets don’t improve. Many are praying for improved markets.
“We’ve got to tighten our belt and just do as best we can to try and survive,” Beers said. “Some farmers can’t pay their bill from last year to afford the seed for this year. There is nothing out there that looks profitable right now — and not just here but nationwide.”
Growers in north Alabama are experiencing the same issues, said Lauderdale County farmer James Walker.
“Most farmers are planting more corn this year, and some have cut soybeans completely out of their rotation,” Walker said. “When you break it down to a price-per-acre, I feel like I can make more money on corn than anything else. It just made more economic sense to reduce some of my
Alabama Prospective Planting
soybean acres.”
Although farmers are reducing certain acres, Walker said he doesn’t plan on abandoning soybeans in case the markets shift.
“Typically, one of the crops I produce will hit because I diversify,” Walker said. “I’m trying to hedge my bet. We’ve just got to believe the good Lord will bless us with a good crop to produce the food, fuel and fiber needed in this country.”
Another potential bright spot for Alabama farmers is peanuts. The report predicts a 3% rise in acres of the legume, which has raised concerns about the increased production’s impact on prices.
Alabama Farmers Federation Commodity Director Carla Hornady said farmers are finding hope even though markets are down.
“Farmers across the nation, but especially in Alabama, have confidence in the new administration in Washington, D.C., and their commitment to agriculture,” Hornady said. “We’re hoping revamped trade deals will eventually work in favor of farm families.”
Scan to read the report.
Dallas County farmer Randall Beers is preparing to put more corn in the ground in 2025 while reducing cotton acres due to volatile markets — a reflection of USDA’s Prospective Plantings Report.
Women in Ag Encouraged to Communicate, Engage and Connect During Annual Conference
By Maggie Edwards
Communicate. Engage. Connect.
These three words left 200 women in agriculture inspired at the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference in Auburn April 16-18.
Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) Chair Rachel Chastain encouraged attendees to remember there is a place for everyone in agriculture — and the state’s
largest farm organization.
“That is what makes the Federation so special,” said Chastain, a Talladega County farmer and agriscience educator. “You can come here and not have to be bashful of your relationship
with Jesus. It is a true foundation of our organization.”
Keynote speaker Megan Smalley, author of “Give Grace” and owner of Scarlet & Gold in Auburn, reinforced the value of living a faith-forward life. The message resonated with Blount County’s Kesha Holoway.
“Megan encouraged us to give grace and embrace the beauty of life’s brokenness through faith,” Holaway said. “She took time to speak with me afterward, and we shared personal struggles with each other. Everyone has a story, and this conference has opened my eyes to that.”
Chastain said Smalley’s comment about groups like this being “cup-filling” was exactly the feeling with which the three-day event left her.
“When we are on our own farms, we feel isolated and try to juggle so much,” Chastain said. “This conference serves as a reset for all of us as we engage and
Speaker Megan Smalley, left, discussed her book with Chambers County’s Elizabeth Langley.
Over 200 attendees focused on leadership and education during breakout sessions.
The Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee, above, hosted an impactful conference April 16-18 in Auburn. The theme encouraged attendees to communicate, engage and connect with fellow women in agriculture. From left are Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood, Cherokee County’s Shelley East, Tallapoosa County’s Vickie Watkins, Montgomery County’s Amy Belcher, Mobile County’s Debbie Miller, Butler County’s Dixie Black, Calhoun County’s Carla Trantham, Dale County’s Monica Carroll, Talladega County’s Rachel Chastain and Cullman County’s Lisa Lake.
Farms, Forests Part of Space Center Weather Exhibit
Students and families can learn how weather impacts agriculture, forestry and more thanks to a new exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance.
The Farms and Forests interactive display is part of “How We Know the Weather,” an exhibit created by the Baron Critical Weather Institute (BCWI). The 2,300-square-foot space inside Alabama’s top tourist destination features 30 meteorological marvels aimed at supporting STEM education.
Alfa provided $100,000 over four years for the Farms and Forest section.
“No one is more in tune with the weather than farmers and timber landowners,” said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell. “For generations, farm families have watched the skies, collected data and developed innovations to harness water and reduce the impact of drought. Similarly, Alfa Insurance is committed to helping protect its customers from devastating
financial losses caused by storms. We are proud to partner with the Space & Rocket Center to educate the next generation about weather.”
“How We Know the Weather” was designed by Bob Baron, who became famous as a TV meteorologist in the Tennessee Valley before establishing Baron Weather to develop better weather detection technology.
Today, Baron systems are used by meteorologists across the country to predict storms and inform viewers. The nonprofit BCWI was established in 2018 to research how weather impacts the transportation industry. The institute is implementing a statewide weather observation network that provides real-time data to improve safety.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
The exhibit opened to visitors March 31 and includes a broadcast corner for aspiring meteorologists, walk-in tornado shelter, real-time radar images, live cameras of current conditions and more.
Above: The interactive display is part of the center’s “How We Know the Weather” exhibit.
Top: Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored a new Farm and Forests exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Jeff Helms, second from right, represented the company at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Diversifying the farm came with challenges, but taking the leap of faith turned out to be a sign from the Lord, Sheryl said.
“Everything we faced, God made a way in the next breath to accomplish what needed to be done,” Sheryl said. “We agree the Lord wanted us to do this because it truly is the only way we could’ve gotten it done. We had family members and friends out in the fields helping us. It was all God’s grace.”
Once Sidney and Sheryl decided to plant, it was off to the races with research and finding resources. That’s when they discovered neopestalotiopsis (Neo-P), a disease that negatively impacts strawberry plugs.
Because of Neo-P, the McKathans were encouraged to purchase bareroot plants from California, said Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Executive Director Blake Thaxton.
“Retired Auburn University professor Dr. Jeff Sibley and staff from Alabama Extension were instrumental in helping find the best plants for their situation,” said Thaxton, also the Alabama Farmers Federation Bee & Honey Division director. “The threat of Neo-P has been tough on strawberry growers in Alabama this season. It’s a relief to see farmers able to pick good berries.”
More challenges came with preparing ground, laying plastic, fertilizing, irrigating and spraying, but connections with fellow Federation members helped, said Sidney, a Covington County Farmers Federation board member.
“The strawberry community and AFVGA have been so good to us,” Sidney said. “We went to the AFVGA Annual Conference & Trade Show knowing nothing. We came out with so many contacts and people offering to help us. Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging.”
Sidney got his start in the Federation through the State Bee & Honey Commodity Committee.
“I always wanted to be a farmer,” said Sidney, an Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) Class VI member. “I didn’t know the possibilities. I honestly thought I could only raise row crops or be an ag teacher. I didn’t want to be a teacher, and row cropping just didn’t work for me.
He added, “I went to brainstorming ways to make a living in agriculture and found bees. Specialty crops have
allowed us to get our foot in the door.”
He and Sheryl established Pleasant Pastures in 2019. Currently, they manage 200 colonies and sell honey retail and wholesale.
The farm had to diversify to keep providing for the family, Sidney said. He and Sheryl have two children, Elish, 9, and Ashley Nix, 6.
“It’s huge to have our kids on the farm,” Sidney said. “They want to plant the strawberries and be involved. They are learning work ethic at a young age. It’s teaching them they must work for what they get. There’s nothing more valuable.”
Visit SweetGrownAlabama.org to find local products.
Listen to the McKathans’ story.
Sidney McKathan has found sweet success while working with bees. His 200-colony farm produces goods sold via wholesale and retail.
Sidney and Sheryl McKathan said they find joy in raising their children — Elish, 9, and Ashley Nix, 6 — on the farm. Whether honey or strawberries, the family strives to provide quality, delicious Sweet Grown Alabama products for their community. From left are Ashley Nix, Sheryl, Sidney and Elish.
PUBLIC NOTICE
By Alabama Pork Checkoff and National Pork Board
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2026 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place May 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. CDT, in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Alabama Pork Checkoff at the Alabama Farmers Federation Home Office at 2108 E. South Blvd., Montgomery, AL, 36116. All Alabama pork producers are invited to attend.
Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due, may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted.
Farmers can select the crop (or crops) they’d like to view information on in the dashboard.The program includes around 20% of research conducted at 17 Alabama experiment stations.
By Katie Nichols
Farmers can’t choose their soil type, but they can choose their seed variety. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and Auburn University College of Agriculture researchers are taking the guesswork out of variety selection, one trial at a time.
Henry Jordan, variety testing manager for the Auburn Official Variety Testing (OVT) Program, said variety selection is the most important decision a farmer can make. In 2024, researchers planted more than 10,000 test plots.
“The main purpose of the program is to provide data to our stakeholders, so they can make informed decisions
On-farm variety trials allow for representation of each Alabama growing region and yield sound data growers
Take the Guesswork Out of Crop Variety Selection
about what variety will work best for their situation,” Jordan said. “Now, there are a lot of things that factor into that decision, including seed treatments, soil type and location in the state — among others.”
The program includes approximately 20% of all research conducted across the 17 Alabama experiment stations. The OVT program’s variety selection tool encompasses everything from forage research to horticulture and row crops.
In addition to information for stakeholders, the program includes trial runs on new varieties. Jordan said variety evaluation is also critical to plant breeders from universities and other agricultural industries.
“Prior to releasing a new variety, these breeders typically evaluate their lines in independent variety trials,” Jordan said. “This ensures they have unbiased data from multiple years and locations to support the release of their new variety.”
Real-Time Results
Blake Lanton, an Alabama Extension crops agent, said variety selection makes a significant difference in a normal growing season. With the current market volatility, variety selection is more important than ever.
“One thing cotton agronomist Steve Brown always said was, ‘The seed is where it’s at,’” Lanton said. “While he knew the statement was not grammatically correct, Alabama is one of the most diverse states when it comes to crop regions. With on-farm variety trials, we try to represent each of those regions and obtain sound data growers can utilize.”
One hallmark of the variety selection tool is providing information in a timely manner. The success of the program rests on researchers’ ability to help Alabama producers provide a safe, dependable source of food and fiber for all families.
Jordan’s yearly goal is to share data with growers in time for them to get early season discounts.
“At this point, they’re able to see data as close to a real-time release as we can get,” Jordan said.
Variety Selection
The variety selection tool is a valuable addition to a farmer’s technology toolbox. Find the tool at auburn.medius.re/.
Visit aaes.auburn.edu/variety-tests/ for more information on the variety testing program.
can utilize.
GUMBO
MOBILE
— When you take in a deep breath, the salt air hits the back of your throat and you know you’re near the Gulf of Mexico.
I am eating a cup of gumbo, writing for you, spilling food on my shirt.
There’s a saying about gumbo: “The longer it sits, the better it gets.” I don’t know who said that. My wife, maybe. Or Abraham Lincoln or Engelbert Humperdinck.
I never knew what that meant until my wife made gumbo for a shower. It came out good. After sitting in the fridge two days, it became poetry.
Mobile and I have history. When I was younger, all my friends wanted to visit New Orleans to sow wild oats. Not me. Mobile was the siren that called.
I remember visiting for Mardi Gras when I was 17. I clocked out from work and stood on a curb, waiting for a truckload of my friends. My mother gave me $20 and told me to stay out of trouble. I promised. She made me look her in the eyes and promise again.
The city was full of things that kids from nothing towns haven’t seen.
For instance, Mobile was once a baseball town, the home of Satchel Paige and Hank Aaron. The old mansions are worthy of Margaret Mitchell’s words. Dauphin Street looks like an oil painting. And the azaleas.
One friend pointed out the truck window and said, “Look, a band!”
A brass band played “Oh When the Saints.” We saw old ladies with umbrellas strutting on the sidewalk. Their dance looked like a cross between the Funky Chicken and a seizure.
My friends and I split the cost of a grungy motel room. That night, I laid on the floor, listening to four sleeping teenage boys demonstrate early
symptoms of sleep apnea.
The next day, we explored. We found a joint that served gumbo. It was rich. Buttery. Spicy.
That night, while my friends snored, I digested six bowls of gumbo, reading a book with a flashlight. I found it in the nightstand beside the Gideon Bible. It was written by Winston Groom. I read the whole thing. It meant something. I still have that book somewhere.
The next morning, we woke late. We ate more gumbo. I was in hog heaven.
After the parade, we sat in the ugly motel, eating gumbo. Our conversation turned serious. We talked about where life would carry us.
One wanted to get married and move to Tennessee to buy a farm. Another was going to start a business. One was going to join the Navy.
I simply wanted to be found. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. And, maybe, I wanted to write a novel somebody might find in a motel nightstand and enjoy reading.
One kid said, “Let’s shake on it.”
“Shake on what?” another said.
“Let’s promise to follow our dreams, no matter what.”
Then he spit into his hand.
“Gross. What are we, 10?”
Over time, memories get hazy. But others blend together and become even more perfect.
One day, you wake up in Mobile and you get to relive them again over a cup of seafood and sausage. Only this time, you realize the lost kid you always thought you were was never really lost. He just needed time.
Life itself needs time.
Because the longer it sits, the better it gets. ■
beef | 2025 Showmanship
intermediate showmanship Top 5
senior showmanship Top 5
Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship
Annabelle Wesley of Pike County received the Louise Wilson Showmanship Scholarship from the Alabama CattleWomen’s Association (ACWA). She is pictured with ACWA representatives and past winners.
Randy Owen Exhibitor Scholarship
Showmen attending a college or university in Alabama each received a $1,000 scholarship from Randy and Kelly Owen.
are
Junior showmanship Top 5
From left are Collins Cofield of Randolph County, champion; Harper Starnes of DeKalb County, reserve champion; Brooklyn Price of Lee County, third; Camden Upchurch of Clay County, fourth; and MJ Flowers of Pike County, fifth.
From left are Vivian Lou Thompson of Pike County, champion; Laura Landers Franklin of Blount County, reserve champion; Greer Jones of Pike County, third; Hudson Thornton of Geneva County, fourth; and Lillian Smith of Chilton County, fifth.
From left are Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County, champion; Annabelle Wesley of Pike County, reserve champion; Ella Grace Downs of Elmore County, third; Ashbee Norman of Montgomery County, fourth; and Hudson Manning of Autauga County, fifth.
Top Five winners are pictured with Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, right.
From left
Amelia Thrower, Marshall County; Ashbee Norman, Montgomery County; Evan Roden, Cullman County; Randy and Kelly Owen; Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell; Cameron White, Randolph County; and Shea McCain, Clay County.
2025 Breeding Heifer Show
Grand
Exhibited
third overall
Exhibited
reserve
Exhibited
fourth overall
Exhibited
Breeding Heifer Show Division Winners
Shorthorn: Exhibited by Cadie Norman of Montgomery County.
fifth overall
Exhibited by Ella Grace Downs of Elmore County. Also the champion Percent Simmental.
by Camden Upchurch of Clay County. Also the champion Commercial.
Champion
by Harper Starnes of DeKalb County. Also the champion Hereford.
Champion
by Laura Landers Franklin of Blount County. Also the champion All Other Breeds Continental.
by Harper Starnes of DeKalb County. Also the champion Angus.
Top Five winners are pictured with judge Breck Debnam of Georgia and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn: Exhibited by Autumn Boehmer of Lauderdale County.
Charolais: Exhibited by MJ Flowers of Pike County.
Mainetainer: Exhibited by Evan Roden of Cullman County.
Alabama Bred & Owned Red Angus: Exhibited by Ashbee Norman of Montgomery County.
Mini Hereford: Exhibited by Emmy Lovelady of Tallapoosa County.
Alabama Bred & Owned Shorthorn Plus: Exhibited by Rylie Maples of Lee County.
Red Angus: Exhibited by Paycee Sewell of Dale County.
2025 Bred & Owned Show
Winners are pictured with judge Breck Debnam of Georgia and Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
Grand Champion
Exhibited by Amelia Thrower of Marshall County. Also the champion Alabama Bred & Owned Angus.
third overall
Exhibited by Camden Upchurch of Clay County. Also the reserve champion Alabama Bred & Owned Angus.
reserve Champion
Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers
fourth overall
Exhibited by Collins Cofield of Randolph County. Also the reserve champion Alabama Bred & Owned Percent Simmental.
Morgan County. Also the champion Alabama Bred
Thank You, Ring Sponsors!
Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc.
of
& Owned Percent Simmental.
Chianina: Exhibited by Laura Landers Franklin of Blount County.
Simmental: Exhibited by Callie Rae Childers of Morgan County.
DAIRY | 2025 Showmanship
JUNIOR showmanship
From left are Mason Patterson of St. Clair County, champion; Gracelyn Bristow of St. Clair County, reserve champion; Asher Anderson of St. Clair County, third; Maggie Keener of Cullman County, fourth; and Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County, fifth.
INTERMEDIATE showmanshiP
From left are MaKenna Smith of St. Clair County, champion; Kendall Castleberry of St. Clair County, reserve champion; and Kylie Miller of Colbert County, third.
2025 Junior Heifer Show
grand champion
Exhibited by Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the champion Brown Swiss.
third overall
Exhibited by Kendall Castleberry of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.
Winners are pictured with judge Benjamin Newberry of Georgia and Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division Director Colton Christjohn.
RESERVE Champion
Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Jersey.
fourth overall
Exhibited by Travis Smith of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Holstein.
fifth overall
Exhibited by Steele Keener of Cullman County. Also the champion Commercial.
Gold Sponsors!
2025 Senior Heifer Show
Grand Champion
Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Jersey.
third overall
Exhibited by Gabriel Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Holstein.
Winners are pictured with judge Benjamin Newberry of Georgia and Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division Director Colton Christjohn.
reserve Champion
Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the champion Holstein.
fourth overall
Exhibited by Mason Patterson of St. Clair County. Also the reserve champion Jersey.
fifth overall
Exhibited by Gracelyn Bristow of St. Clair County. Also the champion Brown Swiss.
senior showmanshiP
From left are Irish Keener of Cullman County, champion; Harper Gurley of St. Clair County, reserve champion; and Travis Smith of St. Clair County, third.
Linda Seymore has always called east Winston County home. A stone’s throw from the Cullman County line, Linda and her late husband, Hershel, raised their family in Nesmith, just 2 miles from her home community of Hog Jaw.
The daughter of a cotton, corn and chicken farmer, Linda said it was fitting she married Hershel, who grew the same crops.
In 54 years of marriage, the Seymores built a legacy of faith, farming and family. Their close-knit crew includes three sons, three daughtersin-law, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (five of whom are under 3 years old!).
You’re sharing sweet treat recipes… but we hear your family makes fingerlickin’ barbecue, too.
Seymore’s Bar-B-Q is not open all the time, but once a week, we take orders. We do some catering, too. The kids pitch in and help with that. All the grandkids and all the great-grands are around up there at the café.
Everybody loves the smoked chicken. Of course, white sauce goes with it. We usually do baked beans and slaw and rolls. I’ve started making homemade rolls, and everybody likes
them. We do a lot of barbecue and baked potatoes with chicken or pork. One of the biggest sellers is chicken and dressing.
How did y’all get started? Hershel started the barbecue. One time, we went over to Ripley, Mississippi, to a flea market. There was a guy who had some barrels and had made smokers out of them. We bought one, and Hershel started smoking Boston butts for the church and other people.
Where did you first get the recipes you’re sharing?
I started making chocolate (and coconut) pies when I was a teenager. I don’t know where I got the recipe then, but I tweaked it to the way I do it. I got the strawberry pizza out of a telephone company cookbook. They suggested making it in a pizza pan. I had to come up with a way to do it and sell it more easily. I make it all the time in those half-pans you use in a restaurant. I’ve started in the last few months making individual pizzas. We usually take orders around Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. I’ve made nearly 30 whole strawberry pizzas one holiday before. I’ve made it using peaches and blueberries, too. People like that.
Can you really make pie filling in the microwave?
Yes! I cook my filling for pies in a big bowl in the microwave. I cooked them on the stove years ago, but coconut is easy to scorch if you don’t stand and keep it stirred. I found out you could cook them in the microwave. Just take them out and stir a couple of times. I take it out when it gets thick and stir in some butter.
You can turn chocolate pie into a coconut pie by leaving out the cocoa powder and adding 1 cup of coconut. Then, sprinkle coconut on top of your meringue before baking.
Tell us about your fried pies.
I usually try to put a bunch of apple pie filling in the freezer in the summer. I
peel them, cut them up and cook them for a good while. I put the sugar and cinnamon in once they start getting soft. You have to really keep them stirred or they’ll scorch. I use the Texas buttermilk biscuits to make the pies. You can’t get them everywhere. I’ve found Walmart doesn’t carry them.
We used to raise money at church and at the community center by making fried pies. To build our fellowship hall, women of the church quilted and made fried apple pies and sold them for $1 a piece. People would buy as many as they could get. We made as many as 1,000 in a couple of days.
What are some of your other talents?
I’ve made every one of the great-grands a quilt. I used Hershel’s old shirts and made them a quilt so they’d have something to remember him by. I’ve made several aprons from men’s shirts. You cut the back out, leave the collar and use the sleeves to make the ties.
Fried Apple Pies
Apples, peeled and chopped Sugar Cinnamon Texas-style buttermilk biscuits Oil or shortening
In a saucepan over low heat, cook apples until thick. Add sugar and cinnamon to taste when the apples start getting soft.
To make your dough, place biscuits on a paper plate with a little flour. Microwave around 10 seconds to make them easier to roll. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each biscuit until it is 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough. Using your finger, brush water around the edges of the dough. Fold the biscuit dough in half and seal the edges.
In a large saucepan or cast-iron skillet, heat oil or shortening to around 350 F. Fry pies a couple at a time, being careful not to crowd the pan. The pies should be light brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined pan.
