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In
This
| Farmers, Ag Pros Finish Elite Leadership Program
| Ag Law & You: Hunting Lease Agreements
| Alfa Foundation Awards $100,000 in Scholarships
| Tips to Share Roads Safely During Harvest Season 28 | Plant Salvia to Amp Up Pollinators This Fall 6
The Cover
Drew and Lauren Wendland are the 2025 Outstanding Young Farm Family, a title announced during the Farm & Land Conference Aug. 16. The Wendlands farm in Autauga County and have three sons — Mills, Smith and Rhett.
Photo By Marlee Jackson
| Recipes From
at Farm & Land Conference Friendships Flourish
By Jeff Helms
Farmers weighed down by weather and work found renewal as they made the pilgrimage to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Aug. 14-17 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s summer Farm & Land Conference.
More than 600 commodity producers and young leaders came to the Scenic City on the lookout for new ideas, old friends and encouragement. Former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black struck a chord with Federation members during Saturday’s luncheon.
Speaking on “Certainty in Uncertain Times,” he challenged the farmers to understand their motivation and be decisive as they strengthen relationships.
“When you get back to your farm
and you answer your ‘why,’ I hope you put on the other bookend that we GET to do this,” said Black, who leads OnPoint Strategies. “These are uncertain times, but I feel confident about the certainty of these particular principles and hope there’s one or two you can sink deep into your activities as you move forward.”
The unique bonds of the farming family were evident as the conference kicked off Thursday. The convention center transformed into a county fair atmosphere with red and white tents, children’s games, popcorn, ice cream and Southern cooking. Candidates vying for Federation endorsements in the 2026 elections bore witness to the organization’s grassroots clout by making the trek to mingle with members.
On Friday, farmers traded tractors for
tour buses as they explored ag-related sites in central Tennessee, northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia. Stops included nurseries, beef cattle farms, timber tracts, row crop operations, a
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell visited with farmer Jonathan Edgar of Elmore County.
Wendell Wilson of Calhoun County and Walter Prevatt of Wilcox County caught up during the Farm & Land Conference.
A family friendly, county fair-style welcome event heralded a successful Farm & Land Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black inspired farmers while encouraging them to remember their “why” during difficult times.
Mennonite farm market and country ham smokehouse.
The Women’s Leadership Division hosted a tour in lieu of its traditional commodity-themed contests. Dixie Black, who serves on the State Women’s Leadership Committee, said the tour to Sweetwater Valley Farm dairy and the Lodge Cast Iron factory was a time of camaraderie.
“I don’t know that we could love each other any more than we already do,” said Black of Butler County. “We all have a common goal of promoting our farms and industry. We just all want to do whatever we can for each other.”
Following tours, Federation members headed to AT&T Field for Ag Night as the Chattanooga Lookouts hosted Alabama’s own Montgomery Biscuits.
Saturday was dedicated to education and leadership development, with a jam-packed schedule featuring Young Farmers contests and seminars.
Seminar topics included the impact of inflation on agricultural businesses, farm labor, the ag economy and opportunities for farmers at the midpoint of their careers. The Women’s Leadership Division luncheon showcased farm-themed door prizes and a mini-market with local artisans.
Twenty-five agriculturalists ages 18-35 faced off in committee-style conversations as contestants in the Discussion Meet. Thanks to program growth, Alabama then held its first
Sweet 16 round of competition. Meanwhile, five individuals and one couple gave presentations on how off-farm work contributes to agriculture during the Excellence in Agriculture contest.
The Farm & Land finale Saturday night honored researchers and Extension personnel who make tangible contributions to farm productivity and profitability. Eddie McGriff earned the Duncan Award, while Rishi Prasad received the Rittenour Award.
The banquet included graduation for 18 members of Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A.) Class VI. Their two-year growth journey included a capstone project with specific recommendations for agricultural workforce development. In addition, the Young Farmers Division recognized Outstanding Young Farm Family and
Excellence in Agriculture winners, as well as Discussion Meet finalists.
The farmers’ visit to music-rich Tennessee concluded with entertainment by Pleasant Home FFA String Band of Covington County.
Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Mitt Walker said the Farm & Land Conference was a welcome reprieve for farmers hard pressed by challenges back home.
“Farming is tough, and it’s not getting any easier,” Walker said. “This week proved once again that farmers are resilient, innovative and trust in God’s provision. It’s an honor to provide them an opportunity to learn, share ideas and renew friendships.”
View conference photos! u
The State Women’s Leadership Committee hosted a farm tour in leiu of its traditional commoditythemed contests.
Blount County’s Josh McCutcheon and his son, Will, enjoyed new sights and time with friends during farm tours.
Farmers toured operations in central Tennessee, northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia during the Farm & Land Conference.
Farm tours helped producers like Scott Poague of Elmore County soak in techniques and technology they can implement at their operations back home.
During registration, Faye and Roger Sightler of Covington County visited with Donny Bodiford of Crenshaw County.
Alabama Young Farmers Claim Victories in Chattanooga
By Maggie Edwards
Alabama Young Farmers earned accolades during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 16 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Federation members from Autauga and Tallapoosa counties claimed victories in the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture competitions, respectively, while a Final Four rose to the top in Discussion Meet.
Drew and Lauren Wendland were named the OYFF. They grow row crops, cattle and hay in Autaugaville, where they’re also raising sons Mills, Smith and Rhett.
As the OYFF, the Wendlands will receive over $80,000 in prizes including $40,000 toward a new Ford truck compliments of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 835M Gator sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John
Deere tractor courtesy of John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen.
First and second runners-up in the OYFF contest will receive prize packages from Kubota and Corteva Agriscience, respectively. Both families will be awarded $500 from perennial sponsors Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit.
Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were named first runner-up. They raise row crops, plus children Chandler Jane and Cash, in Salem. They will receive use of a Kubota M series tractor courtesy of Kubota.
As second runner-up, Jacob and Misty Porter of Clay County will receive a custom chemical package from Corteva. The Porters are poultry and cattle farmers in Lineville and have two children, Olen and Asher.
OYFF interviews in February were followed by on-farm judging in June. Families were judged on the growth and diversity of their operations, along with community involvement and Federation
From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell; Drew and Lauren Wendland with sons Mills, Smith and Rhett; and Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer.
Josh and Bailey Williams
Discussion Meet
Final Four
and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) leadership. OYFF competitors must receive over half their income from farming.
Excellence in Agriculture winners
Josh and Bailey Williams of Tallapoosa County were judged on an application and presentation showcasing the role of agriculture in their lives. They also discussed solutions to industry hurdles.
As the Excellence in Agriculture winner, the Williamses will receive a zero-turn lawn mower sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. Josh is a career technical education director, while
Bailey is a speech pathologist. They also raise cattle in Eclectic.
First runner-up was Caleb Beason of Franklin County, with Austin Blankenship of Lawrence County as second runner-up.
Twenty-five Young Farmers put their agricultural knowledge to the test during the Discussion Meet, which simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to agricultural issues. A Sweet 16 advancement round was new this year.
The Final Four are Zach Amason, Clay County; Emmanuel Bankston,
Henry County; Drew Wear, Lawrence County; and Ben Castleberry, St. Clair County. They will compete for the title and a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit during the Federation’s annual meeting in December.
All finalists received custom cedar chairs from The Best Adirondack Chair Co., courtesy of the Federation. Winners will represent Alabama during American Farm Bureau Federation national competitions in California in January.
Scan for videos on OYFF finalists!
Zach Amason
Ben Castleberry
Emmanuel Bankston Drew Wear
McGriff Rewarded for Excellent Extension Efforts
By Maggie Edwards
Eddie McGriff has a passion for service. That’s evident in his 30-year career with University of Georgia Extension and subsequent decadelong journey working for Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES).
“Helping farmers is what I have always wanted to do,” said McGriff, an ACES agronomic crops agent. “I come from a long line of farmers myself, so this is in my blood.”
McGriff’s exceptional efforts and ability to go the extra mile earned him the Alabama Farmers Federation Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension, an award that honors ACES staff who implement solutions to help farmers.
As the program’s seventh winner, McGriff received $5,000 during the Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 16 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“It is a big honor,” McGriff said. “What means the most is that it was farmer-nominated. I enjoy working
with farmers like John Bevel. It is very rewarding when you see them do well.”
McGriff has helped Bevel and a plethora of north Alabama row crop farmers increase yields and improve profitability. He serves growers in Blount, Cherokee, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Madison and Marshall counties.
“I have been working with Eddie eight years now,” said Bevel, the Marshall County Farmers Federation president and award nominator. “The first project we completed on my farm was a corn variety trial in 2018. Since then, we have continued to complete numerous trials with corn, soybeans, fertilizer and fungicides.”
Bevel said McGriff always looks for ways to help farmers’ bottom lines.
“When Eddie performs a trial or tests a new product, he not only is looking for improved crop health and yields, but he most notably strives to see a positive return on investment for farmers,” Bevel said. “In turn, that assists all producers in his region as we make decisions on our farms. He is always easy to work with. He
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, left, presented the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension to Eddie McGriff during the Farm & Land Conference Aug. 16 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
puts information in front of farmers to make us better.”
On-farm trials are McGriff’s trademark, said the Federation’s Carla Hornady.
“All my growers appreciate what he does,” said Hornady, who directs Federation policy for cotton, corn, soybeans and wheat. “He even has farm trials in his front yard. Everyone in the state knows they can call Eddie. His ability to grow corn yields in this area is astonishing. He also works diligently on standability utilizing fungicide research and has started implementing drones.”
Though McGriff now spends time in corn and soybean fields, he once played football on Pat Dye Field as an Auburn University (AU) football player in the ‘70s. That’s when he received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences. He earned a master’s in crop sciences from AU at age 65.
“I think what I enjoy most is the relationships I have developed with farmers over the years,” McGriff said. “They aren’t my clients; they are friends who I want to see do well. You hurt when they hurt, like during last year’s drought. This year, it’s low prices. We’re in this together. My goal is to help them the best I can and offer as many resources to them as possible.”
Left: Alabama Extension’s Eddie McGriff is a helping hand to row crop farmers in north Alabama. His onfarm research trials and educational resources have led to increased yields and profitability. Right: Marshall County Farmers Federation President John Bevel is one of many farmers positively impacted by McGriff.
Farmers Praise Prasad for Practical Research
By Marlee Jackson
Dr. Rishi Prasad’s nutrient management research is at the intersection of two Alabama agriculture behemoths.
An Auburn University (AU) associate professor and an Alabama Extension specialist, Prasad is seeking a sustainable sweet spot for using poultry litter as natural fertilizer on fields and pastures — analysis that earned him the Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Research.
Prasad received the award Aug. 16 during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“I really enjoy what I do at Auburn,” Prasad said. “I’m a problem solver. My clients are poultry producers whose farms generate the litter, row croppers who apply the litter and, eventually, all these different agencies who create policies.”
In its seventh year, the Federation’s Rittenour Award recognizes researchers whose work tangibly impacts Alabama agriculture. It’s named after Charles Rittenour, the first president of what is now the Federation, and includes $10,000 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
Prasad joined AU’s faculty in 2017. In the decade since, he and his team of research assistants have used high-tech laboratory equipment to analyze soil, water and other resources gathered from Alabama farms and research stations.
Projects include reducing ammonia emissions in poultry houses, evaluating the Phosphorous Index and studying the Phosphorus Saturation Ratio. That concentration on phosphorus, a macronutrient essential for plant growth, is important in Alabama, the No. 2 state for poultry production. That’s because poultry litter — a mixture of bedding material, manure and feathers routinely removed from poultry houses — is rich in phosphorus and is often spread as natural fertilizer on row crop and pasture land.
He’s now researching a technique that pelletizes litter to create a slow-release fertilizer.
Prasad’s sharp instinct for problemsolving extends his scope across stakeholder groups — from farm organizations like the Federation to state and national agencies.
“We appreciate Dr. Prasad’s proactive work to help both poultry and row crop farmers,” said Federation Poultry Division Director Colton
Christjohn. “Adding value to a byproduct like poultry litter is especially important during the current tight farm economy. We’re pleased to recognize his commitment to solving real problems.”
Before moving to Auburn, Prasad worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Pennsylvania studying weather patterns’ impact on row crop farms and a Michigan-based technology company focused on farm profitability. He holds degrees from the University of Florida, West Virginia University, and G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in India.
While not in his lab tucked off University Drive, Prasad enjoys time with his wife, Dr. Debolina Chakraborty, and their two children, Rohan and Deeyan. Prasad’s research occasionally converges with that of Chakraborty, an assistant research professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering.
“What keeps me moving is to think forward,” Prasad said. “How can we meet future demands while keeping things we do today as well? We want to make sure our air is breathable, our water is drinkable, our food is nutritious, and at the same time, people are happy and healthy.”
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented Dr. Rishi Prasad with the Rittenour Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Research.
Dr. Rishi Prasad has spent the last decade studying nutrient management in Alabama, with particular focus on the impact of poultry litter as natural fertilizer on fields and pasture land.
Farmers Finish Two-Year Leadership Development Program
By Marlee Jackson
Two years ago, 18 Alabama farmers and ag professionals embarked on an intense, immersive and impactful leadership development experience.
Six institutes later, members of Class VI graduated from the Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) program Aug. 16. They were honored during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The class included Trevor Collier, who raises poultry, cattle and Tennessee walking horses in Lauderdale County. The Rogersville farmer said the program exceeded expectations for personal and professional growth.
“It’s been more than leadership,” said Collier, 32. “It’s been about building relationships. Everything we did had a purpose.”
That’s important for a class packed with full-time farmers who spent more than 40 days with each other — and
away from their farms and families.
Their inaugural institute in Montgomery laid a strong foundation and delved into Federation structure and impact, including an up-close look at grassroots policy development.
“We learned that you can bring up something at the county level, fine-tune the policy and then see it enacted at the state or federal level,” Collier said. “We can make a difference in our communities from our farms.”
Subsequent sessions introduced the
Lauderdale County farmer Trevor Collier, left, greeted Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, during meetings in Montgomery.
Sidney McKathan, right, presented gifts from his Covington County Pleasant Pastures farm to producers in Brazil.
Cullman County’s Whitney Haynes jotted down ideas during a brainstorming session for the A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI capstone project.
class to state and national advocacy.
During a week in Washington, D.C., the class met with decision-makers such as U.S. House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa. That sparked a fire in Whitney Haynes. Her family grows row crops, raises cattle and operates a direct-to-consumer farm business in Cullman County’s Fairview.
“I like to explain the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’” said Haynes, 40, also a high school teacher. “I like for ag to be seen and for people to hear what we have to say. I take for granted that everyone lives like us, but they don’t.”
The class’s focus on advocacy extended into a capstone project about workforce development. They used individual and collective strengths to craft and propose a unified resource to encourage youth to pursue jobs related
to farming and equip older producers in passing their passion on to the next generation.
The project resonated with Sidney McKathan. He’s a skip-generation farmer from Covington County whose ingenuity and persistence carved a place in agriculture through beekeeping.
“When I was in school, I wanted to farm, but I thought the only way to was to be a row cropper or an ag teacher,” said McKathan, 35, who farms in Pleasant Home. “Part of the capstone is outreach to tell young people about the possibilities that are out there.”
A quiet, thoughtful leader, McKathan credits A.L.F.A. Leaders for drawing him out of his shell. The program expanded his network of farmer-friends, too.
“It may not seem like it, but this has really pushed me out of my comfort
zone,” he said. “Public speaking is still not the most fun, but I can do it. It’s awesome to feel more comfortable in my own skin in front of people.”
That personal growth was prioritized during a session at the Alabama 4-H Center which concentrated on leadership, team building and media training. A workshop in north Alabama focused on volunteerism and service, while an international experience in Brazil introduced the class to the U.S.’s largest agricultural competitor.
“Although we were thousands of miles from home, they seem to face the same issues — farm labor, government oversight and consumers who don’t understand where their food comes from,” Collier said.
McKathan offered a wellspring of gratitude to the Federation and its Ag Leadership Programs Director Hunter McBrayer for the investment of time, energy and resources.
“A.L.F.A. Leaders surpassed what I thought it would be,” McKathan said. “I grew in appreciation for what the Farmers Federation does day-to-day, saw state and national advocacy and learned how Alfa serves the state. Plus, I met great people along the way.”
Applications for A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VII open in spring 2026.
A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI Graduates
Cara Clough | Marshall County
Trevor Collier | Lauderdale County
Joe Corcoran | Barbour County
Nic Cornelison | Jackson County
LauraBeth Gamache | Lee County
Ali Gotcher | Colbert County
Rejeana Gvillo | Hale County
Whitney Haynes | Cullman County
Destry Hopper | Baldwin County
Isaac Jones | Cherokee County
Josh McCutcheon | Blount County
Sidney McKathan | Covington County
Daniel Mullenix | Lee County
Evan Nelson | Jefferson County
Sid Phelps | Tallapoosa County
Matt Smith | St. Clair County
Ellie Watson | Autauga County
Noel Welch | Pike County
During an institute in Washington, D.C., Class VI members met with U.S. House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa. The class learned about agricultural advocacy and the importance of crafting relationships with decision-makers.
Members of A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI learned about production techniques in Brazil — the U.S.’s top agricultural competitor. Farmer-classmates agreed the international experience was life-changing and offered a fresh perspective on agriculture’s global impact.
Hunting Season Is Coming: What Every Landowner Should Know
As hunting season approaches, Alabama landowners often find themselves fielding questions from family, friends and even strangers looking to access land for hunting. Beyond food plots and trail cameras, it’s important landowners understand their rights and responsibilities under Alabama law to protect themselves and their property.
The Law
Trespassing becomes a greater concern during hunting seasons. Alabama law divides criminal trespass into different degrees. If someone knowingly enters or remains on land that is fenced or clearly enclosed to keep people out, they can be charged with second-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor that carries up to three months in jail (Ala. Code §13A-5-7).
If the land is not fenced or enclosed and someone knowingly enters without permission, it’s considered third-degree criminal trespass, which can result in up to 30 days in the county jail (Ala. Code §13A-3-25).
To deter trespassers and strengthen legal enforcement, landowners should consider fencing their property and posting “No Trespassing” signs at all entry points.
Landowners’ Legal Duty
Property visitors are classified as trespassers, licensees or invitees. A licensee is someone on the land for
their own benefit, like a social guest or recreational hunter. An invitee, by contrast, is there for a business purpose, such as a contractor or utility worker.
Alabama law generally does not hold landowners liable for injuries to licensees caused by the licensee’s own actions. However, if the landowner knows about a hidden danger — such as an unstable ladder stand, an open well or a broken bridge — and fails to warn the guest, they may be legally responsible if someone is injured by that condition.
A similar legal classification applies to individuals leasing land for hunting. Thanks to the Landowners Protection Act passed in 2011 (Ala. Code §35-1540), those who lease land for hunting are treated as a licensee, rather than an invitee. The law shields landowners from liability for injuries that occur during lawful use of leased hunting land. Exceptions exist if the landowner knowingly withholds information about a hidden danger that is not open or obvious or if they intentionally or willfully cause harm.
While the law provides strong protection, landowners are still encouraged to carry liability insurance to protect against unforeseen incidents.
Hunting Lease Agreements
A well-written hunting lease protects both parties and helps prevent disputes. Most leases are valid for a year or more and must be in writing, signed by both
the landowner and the hunting group to be legally enforceable.
A strong lease should include:
n Legal description of the land
n Types of game to be hunted
n Lease duration
n Rent amount and payment terms
n Agreement to follow game laws
n Maintenance and conservation duties
n Member and guest limits
n Liability release clause
n Requirement for hunter’s liability insurance
Because hunting involves risk and leases convey important legal rights, landowners should consider consulting an attorney before entering into a long-term agreement.
Learn More
Hunting can be a valuable and enjoyable use of rural land, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Whether hosting friends or leasing land, Alabama landowners should take time to understand trespass laws, liability protections and lease requirements. Clear communication, proper signage, written agreements and liability insurance go a long way in protecting land and relationships throughout hunting season and beyond.
Learn about hunting lease liability insurance through the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association.
South Alabama Corn Camp Sparks Ag Interests
By Tanner Hood
Piles of green begin to grow as small, steady hands shuck freshly ripened sweet corn at the third annual Corn Camp hosted by Escambia County Young Farmers (ECYF).
Over 80 students attended the two-day experience July 14-15 in Brewton where they learned about the value of agriculture, said ECYF Chair Kelsey Thompson Scott.
“Farmers are important, and people today don’t understand how much they couldn’t do without agriculture,” Scott said. “A lot of these kids appreciate what they’re eating more when they know where it comes from and the hard work that goes into it.”
Scott said Corn Camp began almost as a joke but has quickly grown into a valuable opportunity for young students to learn about agriculture and heritage skills.
“(My husband) Jacob had way too much corn planted in 2023, so he had the idea of having some kids come help pick it,” Scott said. “I put the idea out there on Facebook and jokingly said it would be great for character building. About 20 kids signed up.”
Corn Camp’s roots can be traced to Scott’s time with her grandmother. Campers pick, shuck, clean, bag and blanch corn — the same skills Scott’s grandmother taught her.
“The whole point is to teach children what I consider a dying art,” Scott said. “They don’t know how to cream corn or where it comes from or how it grows.”
The days began early with students shuffling single file through towering stalks, picking ears and filling 5-gallon buckets. More than 4 tons were collected by the end of Day 2.
Once the corn was loaded on a trailer, the kids were bused back to the Scotts’ family farm. There, the air filled
with a buzz of excitement and was punctuated with screams as the girls discovered earworms, some of which were flung their way by the boys.
“Most of the kids that attend camp are from the city,” Scott said. “Some of them genuinely come to work, and some come to play. Either way, they’re learning a lot.”
After shucking, one group of young people began removing silks while others bagged untouched ears. Those bags were sold to the community to cover bus fuel costs. Following cleaning, the students enjoyed lunch and played on waterslides while volunteers blanched the corn.
“The kids break into groups while some play and others cream,” Scott said. “Every child takes home corn plus a free T-shirt thanks to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.”
Even though her family farms, Corn Camp attendee Avery Salter, 11, said she loves to spend time with her friends while working hard.
“Corn Camp gives everybody something to do and learn how to do,” Salter said. “I think it helps people have ideas for what they want to be in the future. I also enjoy learning to do stuff for myself and being a bit more independent.”
Scott said her goal is for every child to have a similar experience.
“I hope, at the end of the day, they are learning something new they can pass on for generations,” Scott said. “People can tell you about doing this all day, but until you sit down and experience it, you’re not learning.”
Escambia County Young Farmers Chair Kelsey Thompson Scott, left, and camper Avery Salter demonstrate how to shuck corn.
Corn Camp attendees learn to take corn from plant to product. They ended the day creaming corn they previously picked, shucked and prepped.
Over 80 south Alabama students attended Corn Camp hosted by the Escambia County Young Farmers (ECYF) July 14-15 in Brewton. Center: ECYF Chair Kelsey Thompson Scott and her husband, Jacob, host the kids at their family’s farm to teach the ins-and-outs of raising a crop from start to finish.
Alfa Foundation Awards $100,000 In College Scholarships
The Alfa Foundation recently awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 100 students attending colleges and universities across Alabama.
Recipients hailing from 44 counties each received $1,000 to use on tuition, fees, books or supplies in the 2025-26 academic year.
Since 2014, the Alfa Foundation has awarded $1.15 million to deserving students through its scholarship program, which is administered by Kaleidoscope.
“We are proud to support this outstanding group of students as they further their education within the state of Alabama,” said Alfa Insurance® President Jimmy Parnell. “Investing in these future leaders is more important than ever, and we are happy to do so through the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program.”
Scholarships were awarded based on grade point average, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals. To qualify, students must be enrolled — or planning to enroll — in a full-time accredited program at a two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school located in Alabama.
Applications open annually Nov. 1 at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships.
The 2025-26 recipients and their schools, listed by county, are:
Autauga County
Gracen Murphy, Troy University (TU)
Baldwin County
Andi McKissack, Auburn University (AU)
Barbour County
Ben Jackson, AU
Jacob Jackson, AU
Bibb County
Landan Shoults, Shelton State Community College
Blount County
Patelyn Battles, Gadsden State Community College
Lyla Cleveland, Wallace State Community College (WSCC)
Bullock County
Lott Putnam, University of Mobile (UM)
Butler County
Sydney Blackmon, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBWCC)
Rileigh Rogers, AU
Calhoun County
Magen Brown, AU
Choctaw County
Ella Tew, The University of Alabama (UA)
Clay County
Melody Jordan, Jacksonville State University (JSU)
Mackenzie Mullins, Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC)
Cleburne County
Aidan Cochran, UA
Coffee County
Emily Rhodes, Wallace Community College (WCC)
Brodie Stinson, TU
Colbert County
Jonathan Miller, Northwest Shoals Community College (NSCC)
Conecuh County
Mallory Simmons, AU
Covington County
Riley Tucker, AU
Maggie Ruth Wiggins, LBWCC
Morgan Wilson, LBWCC
Crenshaw County
Lela Mansmann, LBWCC
Emily Anne Morgan, AU
Cullman County
Annalee Allen, AU
Tatum Brown, WSCC
Presley Burden, UA
Sadie Graham, Calhoun Community College (CCC)
Jay Lamar, Huntingdon College
Evan Roden, WSCC
Blaire Troutman, WSCC
Dale County
Jess Barron, LBWCC
Risdon McCraney, TU
DeKalb County
Cooper Garrett, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Shawn Guffey, UA
Ryan Koger, AU
Kaydence Smalley, JSU
Elmore County
Jacob Baker, SUSCC
Kaden Peters, SUSCC
Luke Reinert, SUSCC
Etowah County
Macy Fortenberry, AU
Katie Giles, University of South Alabama (USA)
Bryer Morrison, AU
Franklin County
Ashlyn Deaton, University of North Alabama (UNA)
Geneva County
Fletcher Green, Enterprise State Community College
Isabelle Padgett, TU
Hale County
Laura Kyser, AU
Houston County
Maggie Benton, AU
Emma Brannon, TU
Addyson Kelley, WCC
Emmalee Raley, WCC
Emma Reinelt, WCC
Jefferson County
Mia Gerson, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Payne Stuart, AU
Shaw Wiggins, SUSCC
Lawrence County
Wyatt Pace, CCC
Lee County
Joanna DeShazo, AU
Josh Fain, AU
Karley Nelson, SUSCC
Cruz Tylicki, SUSCC
Lowndes County
Will Carlton, AU
Caleb Osborne, USA
Macon County
Ragan Walker, AU
Riggs Walker, AU
Madison County
Hayes Burger, UA
Emma Grace Clemons, CCC
Hannah Kirkham, AU
Jack Shaw, WCC
Marengo County
Anderson Eddins, SUSCC
Marion County
Spencer Haney, Bevill State Community College (BSCC)
Clayton Keller, NSCC
Madeline Lovett, UA
Monroe County
Lane Booker, AU
Elizabeth Ellen Stacey, AU
Montgomery County
Katie Langley, AU
Luke Littlejohn, AU
John Parker Wilson, AU
Morgan County
Reagan Akridge, UNA
Ellie Blackwood, AU
Laura Newman, AU
Pike County
Dawson Bradford, UA
Eva Brown, Faulkner University
Britton Paul, TU
Shelby County
Kensen Dewey, USA
Lawson Starnes, UA
Cason Swancey, AU
Ross Tolbert, AU
St. Clair County
Sarah Conaway, AU
Brady Laminack, BSCC
Brooks Laminack, BSCC
Talladega County
Cohen Luker, AU
Lauren Luker, AU
Bayleigh Patterson, SUSCC
Edward Ponder, UAB
Brooks Turner, SUSCC
Tallapoosa County
Blair Burton, AU
Tuscaloosa County
Davis Hudson, UA
Samantha Young, UA
Walker County
Alayna Key, The University of West Alabama
Wilcox County
Callyn Falkenberry, AU
MASA Medical Transport Offers Members Peace of Mind
By Marlee Jackson
Months after being medevacked from Monroeville to Birmingham for emergency abdominal surgery, Bo Bishop was healed, healthy and back at work serving Alfa Insurance® policyholders. Then, he was hit with an unexpected expense.
“I got a bill for over $70,000,” said Bishop, now 64. “I saw on the record that my insurance provider had paid $12,000. The (air ambulance) company wanted the full amount paid.”
Bishop was floored.
“I had no clue,” he said. “I had good insurance. I thought that would be covered.”
It’s a cautionary tale, one Bishop said he could have avoided by enrolling in a service like MASA Medical Transport Solutions.
He said it’s a blessing Alabama Farmers Federation members can access discounted monthly rates — and peace of mind — through MASA. The service, established in 1974, covers 100% of ground and air ambulance providers in the U.S.
Members who enroll in MASA simply call 9-1-1 in an emergency. They forward the ambulance bill to MASA, which ensures the charges are accurate and the medical insurance company has paid its portion. Importantly, MASA covers the remaining balance.
Enrolling in MASA is money well spent, said Federation Member Benefits Director Paul Brown.
“We are pleased to offer this special rate to our members,” Brown said. “The high-quality service provided by MASA relieves a huge financial burden during already-stressful times. Enrolling is easy and affordable and will pay dividends, especially to those who live in rural areas far from surgery centers.”
While Bishop’s attorney eventually helped dismiss the bill, Bishop said he knows others who have accepted the burden of bulk payments or even payment plans.
“I felt like I was done wrong, like my family was done wrong,” he said. “If I’d had a program like MASA, I’d have never had that hassle.”
Bishop retired from Alfa in 2022 and lives in Fairhope with Candy, his wife of 38 years. Disregarding the invoice debacle, he said he’s grateful for the quality of care he received in the air ambulance and at the hospital.
That life-saving medical treatment allows the retiree to spend precious time with his three children and two grandchildren.
There’s one less worry on his plate, too, now that he’s enrolled in an air ambulance plan.
“What I experienced can happen to anybody,” he said. “Everyone needs this.”
Access discounted pricing on MASA plans at AlfaFarmers.org/perks.
Members can also call MASA at (888) 814-3458 or contact the Alabama Farmers Federation at (334) 612-5219 for assistance.
Special pricing for Federation members includes:
Emergent Plus Family membership at $19 per month with coverages for:
n Emergency ground
n Emergency air
n Hospital to hospital
n Repatriation
Platinum membership at $39 per month, which includes all the above plus:
n Patient return
n Companion transportation
n Hospital visitor
n Minor return
n Vehicle return
n Pet return and more
Nourish the Future attendees got out of the lab and on the land at Auburn University’s Old Rotation for activities they’ll
Alabama Teachers Develop Skills to Nourish the Future
By Tanner Hood
More than 30 Alabama middle and high school teachers gathered around rows of corn and cotton at Auburn University’s Old Rotation June 24-25 to learn about soil and seed impacts on the state’s top crops.
For many, this was their first time receiving education on agricultural
products and practices — an experience provided through Nourish the Future (NTF) and sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff. The national education initiative introduces teachers to food, fuel and fiber production.
“This curriculum is wonderful, and I’m looking forward to bringing it to the kids and actually doing hands-on work,” said Karlyn Greene-Watson, a teacher at Lott Middle School in Mobile County.
Greene-Watson has guided young minds as a reading teacher for 24 years but recently began offering ag classes.
“I basically teach a gardening class that started as an elective,” she said. “This institution has been interesting because they’ve shown us the science behind farming. Opportunities like this are helpful to gather resources and ideas for my class because it’s kind of being invented along the way.”
Teachers who attended NTF’s Feeding and Fueling the World Workshop received insights in fisheries, row crops and soil sciences. The educators stepped in the lab to learn about biotechnology and animal sciences; they also heard from Garrett Dixon, a Lee County row crop farmer.
“We got to visit with Garrett in such a beautiful setting at Lazenby Farms,” Greene-Watson said. “He shared with us the whole process of raising corn and other crops and allowed us to see
the tractors and maintenance of that machinery. This is going to be important for my school year and planning some of the activities we’ll do in class.”
Greene-Watson added part of her program is aimed at developing leaders. She said a new priority is bringing local farmers into the classroom to show students how the lessons they’re learning can translate to real life.
Billingsley School’s Gylendora Davis echoed Greene-Watson.
“This has been phenomenal because I get to see firsthand what students get to do after school and introduce them to new careers,” said the Autauga County educator. “I want to partner with our students who come from an ag background and maybe bring their parents into the classroom and allow the kids to see local farms and farmers.”
Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat & Feed Grain Division Director Carla Hornady said sponsoring initiatives like NTF ensures children learn accurate lessons about agriculture.
“Many kids know nothing about the magnitude of work farmers do,” Hornady said. “Nourish the Future is essential to make sure teachers go back to their classrooms with factual information that allows them to show students the wide berth of possible jobs once they leave school.”
Middle and high school teachers from across Alabama gathered at Auburn University to discover new, engaging ways to teach agriculture and sustainability.
Lott Middle School teacher Karlyn Greene-Watson volunteered to get her hands dirty by taking a soil sample at Auburn University’s Old Rotation during Nourish the Future June 24-25.
replicate in classes this fall.
Share the Road Safely This Harvest Season
passenger side hood and deployed the airbag. Meanwhile, Johnson crashed through the cab’s glass door onto a landing platform as the sprayer leaned left toward the ground.
“I actually thought the machine blew up,” remembered Johnson, 63. “Then, everything quit sliding, and I could see the car.”
Burkett said farmers are required to attach orange, reflective triangles to the back of machinery. Those slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs mean equipment operates less than 25 mph — a sharp difference from most cars’ cruising speeds. Johnson’s sprayer was outfitted with the SMV sign, plus reflective tape and other indicators.
By Marlee Jackson
Myron Johnson’s schedule was simple Oct. 12, 2024: Move a sprayer via Highway 431 and defoliate cotton.
It was a crisp, beautiful fall Saturday. Then, as Johnson traveled just 15 mph, a sedan struck the sprayer’s back left tire. The motion crushed the car’s
Later, the Henry County farmer gave thanks to the Lord for protection. He and the other driver walked away with minimal injuries.
Roadway Respect
Patience, situational awareness and understanding Alabama law can help reduce similar accidents, said Captain Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
“As long as you have the SMV triangle properly displayed on that piece of equipment, they are totally… within the law and within their rights to get out there and operate on the roadway,” Burkett said.
Bypass Busy Routes
A year after the accident, Johnson said he bypasses busy thoroughfares when possible.
Last fall, a sedan slammed into Myron Johnson’s spray rig as he was moving to a field across Highway 431. Johnson urges drivers to exercise patience and awareness as equipment hits the roads this harvest.
It’s been nearly a year since a car hit Myron Johnson’s sprayer. The Henry County farmer, and the other driver, left the scene with minimal injuries.
Tips to Share the Road Safely Drivers
should:
n Slow down when they see a piece of farm machinery.
n Watch for slow-moving vehicle signs — orange triangles required for vehicles that travel less than 25 mph.
n Look for electronic or hand turn signals. The size of farm equipment often dictates wide turns.
n Pass farm equipment cautiously.
n Keep all tires on the road.
“If I had it to do over again, I would have avoided the four-lane,” said Johnson, who serves on the Henry County Farmers Federation board. “I could have. It was a longer way to get to the field I was going to. I did have a reason for going (on Highway 431). It was the closest distance to the field I was going to start in, and I had a pattern in that field.”
Staying Safe
His advice for automobile drivers?
Pay attention.
Slowing down is a good rule of thumb, too, Johnson said. It takes just 5 seconds for a car moving 55 mph to close a gap the length of a football field with a tractor moving 15 mph. That’s especially important as harvest season rolls around and convoys of equipment outfitted with SMV triangles and flashing lights become more common.
A little awareness will go a long way toward safety — for both drivers of massive farm machinery and smaller vehicles, Johnson said.
“The good thing is harvest only lasts
n Watch for flashing amber lights or reflective tape, which can mark sides of the equipment.
n Remember farmers have a right to drive on the road.
about three months, so we try to be done as quickly as we can,” he said. “Just bear with us, and we’ll be as courteous as we can. We appreciate the public doing the same.”
Watch this story on Simply Southern TV!
Henry County farmer Myron Johnson, left, visited with Alabama Farmers Federation field man Jacob Davis in August.
Are You Fully Utilizing Your County Extension Office?
By Mike Clardy
Did you know your local Alabama Cooperative Extension System office is home to a treasure trove of services that could make life easier, healthier and more productive?
Many residents know Extension for its work in agriculture, gardening and 4-H youth programs, but there’s so much more that county offices offer — resources designed to meet the needs of every Alabama resident.
From practical advice to innovative solutions, Alabama Extension connects communities with solutions tailored to meet diverse needs. Resources ranging from disaster preparedness to business development fly under the radar, yet they can play a significant role in supporting individuals, families and neighborhoods across the state.
Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips said there are numerous
examples of often-underutilized services and the impact they can have.
“Extension services are designed to solve real-world problems, and it’s important for residents to know the range of resources we offer,” Phillips said. “People often discover new ways we can help once they step through our doors.”
Practical Solutions for Everyday Life
Balancing a healthy lifestyle with a busy schedule can be a challenge, but Extension’s nutrition education programs help tackle those daunting tasks. Programs offer guidance on everything from meal planning to grocery budgeting while empowering families to eat well without breaking the bank.
Extension doesn’t stop there. Homeowners can also access advice on energy efficiency, pest
control and home maintenance, which saves money and reduces stress.
Small Business and Workforce Development
For budding entrepreneurs and small business owners, Extension offices provide workshops on financial planning, marketing strategies and workforce development. These resources are tailored to help local businesses thrive and contribute to economic growth within the community.
Disaster Preparedness and Recovery
In a state prone to hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes, disaster preparedness is vital. Extension offices offer invaluable resources to help families prepare for emergencies and recover afterward. From creating an emergency plan to accessing recovery assistance, these services provide peace of mind during uncertain times.
Environmental Stewardship and Land Management
Landowners and conservation enthusiasts alike can benefit from expert advice on managing natural resources. Whether it’s improving soil health, conserving water or creating wildlife habitats, Extension specialists and agents are ready to provide solutions that promote sustainability.
Lifelong Learning
From leadership training for adults to STEM activities for youth, Extension creates opportunities for personal and professional growth across generations. Programs like financial literacy workshops and workforce readiness training ensure residents of all ages are equipped to succeed.
More Information
To explore services designed to improve your life, your land and your community, visit your county’s Extension office or aces.edu.
Norma Gardner is the friendly face people see when visiting the Morgan County Extension office. County offices across Alabama are full of smiling faces and people ready to serve their communities.
PlantforSalviasPollinators
By Allyson Shabel
Fall is on the horizon, and while the days are still hot, the nights are getting a little cooler. This signals to native pollinators and beneficial insects that winter is coming. As that season draws closer, they begin looking for one more good food source to bulk up before they head into dormancy. Unfortunately, Alabama gardens are looking tired, and blooms are few and
far between. This is where salvia can really shine.
Many salvias bloom well in the late fall, providing a good source of nectar and pollen for pollinators and beneficial insects when other plants have given up for the year.
Salvia can be planted in full sun or partial sun and thrives in Alabama’s heat. Salvias are tolerant of many soil types but prefer well-drained soil. Additionally, they are resistant to deer and rabbits. They also tolerate the dry soil and drought common in Alabama’s late summer and fall.
One great fall-blooming salvia for Alabama is Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha). This plant has showy spikes of fuzzy purple and white flowers that stand on top of silver-gray foliage. Mexican bush sage stands 4 to 5 feet tall and blooms from late summer through first frost. As its name suggests, it is native to Mexico and may be a little tender in north Alabama. Those who live in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone 7 should plant it in a protected spot or mulch well for winter. For a native option, try scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea), which stands 2.5 feet tall and is topped with spikes of brightred flowers. The shape and color of its flowers make scarlet sage a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant flowers in spring, rests a bit in summer and picks up again with blooms from early fall until frost. Scarlet sage is perennial but also spreads from seed to create large swaths of bright-red flowers.
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) has a tertiary benefit. While ornamental and good for pollinators, it is also edible. The flowers and leaves can add a pineapple-like flavor to dishes. In a sunny spot, it grows 4 feet tall and wide. It’s topped with bright-red flower spikes just before frost, providing one last bright bloom in the garden before winter sets in. It starts easily from cuttings and is perennial if planted in a protected spot in the landscape.
Help local insect populations out this year by providing one last feast before frost with salvias. They are easy to grow and a great addition to any Alabama garden.
The Alabama Gardener is provided by Alabama Extension’s Home Horticulture Team. Learn more at
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans)
Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha)
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
REMEMBER
Yeah, I remember September 11.
I remember where I was when it happened.
I was getting ready for work. At the time, I was a high-school dropout who worked construction. I was watching “Good Morning America” on television, eating breakfast.
Charlie Gibson was talking about something nobody cared about. Something like stir-fry cooking. Or feng shui. Or El Niño.
And the TV cut to an image of the burning skyscraper.
“One of the World Trade Center towers appears to be on fire,” the newscaster said.
I was about to leave and turn off the TV. But then I saw something. From the corner of the screen, hurtling through the sky, came a commercial aircraft. The plane hit the building. A hole was torn into the South Tower.
The newscasters went silent.
Finally, someone broke the broadcast silence. I don’t remember what they said, but I remember what I felt. I felt scared. I felt as though our whole way of life had been threatened.
I went to work. But nobody was working. Everyone was watching a portable TV, sitting on the porch of an unfinished house. We were listening in rapt silence to interviews from firemen, policemen, anyone who watched the towers crumble.
One of my coworkers was an older man named Robert. Robert was tough. He had navy tattoos and cropped silver hair. His hands were the size of supermarket chickens. He was crying.
I remember showing up the following morning and being surprised. Draped over the banister of an unfinished home was an American flag
the size of a subtropical continent. Robert hung the flag.
And when I went to pick up lunch for the fellas at McDonald’s, there were even more flags in the fast-food windows. There was a huge American flag outside the local bank. There was a new flag outside the supermarket. The KFC. The used-car dealership.
You’d go to the bank, and the teller spoke as though you were family. You’d stand in line at K-Mart and talk to people like you were on the same team.
You went to church, and the preacher prayed for mercy, unification and love to conquer hatred. There were lots of people with bumper stickers that said “Let’s Roll.” And “I ‘Heart’ the USA.”
I remember the World Series between the Diamondbacks and the Yankees. I remember the packed Yankee Stadium. I remember a decimated New York City.
I remember going to a no-name joint to watch the game. Yankees’ manager Joe Torre was in the dugout, pep-talking the Bronx Bombers. I remember the American-flag patches fans and players were wearing. I remember the posters in the stadium reading, “God Bless America.”
I remember America’s president taking the mound to throw the opening pitch. He threw a strike. And 52,325 fans cheered. Not for America. Not for him. For each other. For life itself.
I remember when the singer on the TV sang the national anthem before the game. I remember when the guy next to me started singing “O' say can you see…”
I followed his lead. So did a few hundred other people around us.
Yeah, I remember September 11. And I guess I always will. ■
Crenshaw County | Thurs., Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 357 S Forest Ave., Luverne
Dallas County | Tues., Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 403 Broad St., Selma
Marengo County | Tues., Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. Alfa Service Center 206 Shiloh St., Linden
Monroe County | Mon., Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m.
Monroe County Ag Center 334 Agriculture Dr., Monroeville
Winston County | Thurs., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
American Legion Garrison-Bonds Post 184 60 New Legion Rd., Double Springs
For Rachael McLendon, the kitchen is the heart of the home. She and her husband, Jonathan, are raising their four children — Addie, 10, Anna, 8, Brett, 3, and Lindsey, 1 — on their Clarke County farm. The McLendons’ goal is to ensure their kids know the value of hard work by involving them in every aspect of the family farm. Rachael said one of her biggest blessings is homeschooling her children.
Tell us about your farm.
When we married in 2019, I was new to the farming lifestyle. Jonathan had been farming for 14 years before that, raising cattle and hay. Over the years, we’ve added a small pork operation, meat chickens, honeybees, dairy cows and a garden. We try to raise and grow as much of our own meat and produce as possible. We also own a land management and forestry mulching company.
When did your family get involved in the Alabama Farmers Federation?
Jonathan started with Young Farmers in 2006 and is now vice president of the Clarke County Farmers Federation. I’ve been involved with the Women’s Leadership Committee since 2019. I am also the Clarke County Farm-City Committee chair.
When did you learn how to cook? Who taught you?
I have been in a kitchen for as long as I can recall with vivid memories of standing on a chair in my nana’s kitchen as a toddler. As a child, I sat in a car seat on her counter helping make chocolate chip cookies. As I got older, she taught me to cook as part of home economics. My mom has also taught me so much. I am always calling her for another recipe or watching her cook as I write it all down, hoping I can make it the way she does so I can then pass it along to my kids.
What role does food play in your family’s life?
Food and cooking hold so many emotions. When I make a family recipe, I think about the memories shared around that dish. Many of our family stories involve meals together. We look back and laugh about the memories and mishaps. There’s also the connection to loved ones. I love recipes from my mom or my nana that bring me back to my childhood. I also enjoy my mother-in-law sharing her family’s favorite recipes. It’s such a special feeling of connection I cherish.
Do you have signature recipes?
My kids’ favorite is probably my version of a homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s quick and easy and a go-to for those hectic evenings when I need to throw something together. Our family also really loves pot roast. Most of my recipes come from found recipes that were shared or passed along. One of my favorite recent traditions is sending and receiving recipe cards with our Christmas cards.
Why do you write down exact recipes?
One Christmas, I wanted to make gumbo that tasted like one from my childhood. There wasn’t a recipe for it because my nana always made it from
memory. I searched for a basic recipe and edited it until it tasted like that pot of gumbo I remembered. I realized how important it was to write down recipes to share and pass along to the next generation. I started writing as I would cook, scratching through bits and scribbling notes on the recipe cards so it would taste the same every time. It is a goal of mine to make sure my kids can make something that tastes exactly the way they remember it.
Life is busy. Why do you spend time in the kitchen?
On my kitchen wall, there is a framed needlework that says, “The kitchen is the heart of the home.” There is also a framed notebook from an old family friend with a handwritten recipe collection from 1928, cast iron skillets that belonged to my great-grandmother and an ironstone plate that held meals my great-great-grandmother prepared for her 12 children. Spending time in my kitchen brings a sense of connection to my family. Preparing food for my family to enjoy is a love language.
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
2 cups shredded cheddar
In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine ground beef, seasonings, milk, broth and tomato sauce. Stir in pasta, and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Stir in cheese.
This month’srecipes by Rachael McLendon
Chicken and Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons salted butter, diced
A little less than a cup of milk
2 quarts chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Using an electric mixer, combine flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter, then slowly stir in milk until dough ball forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, then roll out to desired thickness. The thinner they are, the better and faster they cook. Cut into squares. In a large stock pot, bring broth and seasoning to a boil. Drop in dumplings a few at a time so they don’t stick together. Add chicken and cook 20 to 30 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
Mama’s Fudge
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 stick salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix cocoa, sugar and milk in a pot. Add butter and cook over high heat while stirring for about 8 minutes or until a candy thermometer reaches 250 F. Place bottom of pot in a bowl or sink full of cold water and continue stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour onto buttered surface. A marble cutting board works great. Shape with a buttered knife. Let cool and slice with a buttered knife.
Recipe note: This fudge has a firmer texture than some recipes.
Banana Bread
1 stick butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups sautéed okra
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/3 cup diced celery
1 pint diced tomatoes and liquid
3 cups strong chicken broth
1 dried bay leaf
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Roast
2 packs brown gravy mix
1 pack ranch mix
1 pack Italian dressing mix
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups water
2-3 pounds roast
2 pounds baby carrots
Diced potatoes, optional 1 stick butter
In a small bowl, whisk together seasonings, cornstarch and water. Pour over roast and vegetables in a Crock Pot. Add butter on top. Cook 8 hours on low. Serve over rice.
Heat oven to 350 F. Mash bananas in large bowl. Mix in sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and nuts, and mix until just combined. Pour evenly into two greased loaf pans. Bake 1 hour. Cover with foil for 15 minutes at the end. The internal temperature should reach 205 F.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 pounds chicken, boiled and shredded
1 pound sausage, browned
2 pounds cooked extra small shrimp, thawed
1 pound cooked crawfish tails, thawed
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven and whisk in flour over medium heat to make a roux. Continue to cook until dark brown (about the color of a dark penny). Sauté vegetables, including okra, in the roux for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender. Add broth, seasonings and meat. Simmer at least 1 hour, adding water if needed. Serve over rice.
The beans in your Alabama fields today are destined to see the world. Last year, we exported $83.8 million worth of soybeans. That’s a lot of overseas opportunity for one year. And we’re always growing new markets abroad to help keep this demand going strong. And if you’re wondering how far your soybeans can go, we’re charting more ways to keep your ship coming in. Learn more about the story of soy at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
