August 2012 Neighbors

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2012 Falcons Year Book.indd 1 5/1/12 3:20 PM

A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 3 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

In This IssueA Publication of the Alabama Farmers Federation

AUGUST 2012

A Fresh ApproachHoltville High School students are supplementing traditional textbook studies with down-to-earth

hard work in a new school garden. • 16

Endeavor Of LoveFour new greenhouses at Rainbow Omega are helping disabled adults have a safe place to do

meaningful work. • 5

Ag In The ClassroomTeachers learned some valuable lessons at the annual Alabama Agriculture in the Classroom

Summer Institute. • 6

Alfa2GoAlfa customers can pay bills, file claims and

access policy information on their smartphones with the latest version of the Alfa2Go app. • 11

Holtville High School juniors Chandler Morgan, left, and Tyler Blankenship pick beans as part of their summer job with Holtville’s “Farm Fresh to You” community-supported agriculture garden.

Photo by Melissa Martin

4 President’s Message

26 Alabama Gardener

28 Country Kitchen

ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 4 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

Predictions of higher food prices garnered media attention around the world last month, but lost in

the headlines was an implicit warn-ing of what could happen if activists are allowed to dictate agricultural policy.

In a joint report, the Organiza-tion for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nation’s Food and Agricul-tural Organization (FAO) said world food prices are likely to rise over the next decade as growth in agricultural production slows and demand rises.

While food costs are expected to remain relatively flat when adjusted for inflation, the report said average prices would be 10-to-30 percent higher than the previous decade. It said population growth and an increas-ing appetite for red meats, poultry and dairy products in developing countries will increase demand, while growth in agricultural production is expected to slow from 2 percent per year over the past several decades to 1.7 percent annually.

Although increased use of biofu-els, labor shortages and unpredictable weather conditions will affect pro-duction, the report noted that higher input costs, increasing resource con-straints and growing environmental restrictions will hamper the ability of farmers to respond to increased demand. Development, as well as government agencies taking land out of production because of environ-mental rules and threatened species, will mean farmers have fewer acres on which to produce food and fiber.

In other words, regulations and profitability will be our biggest obstacles with feeding America and a growing world.

For Alabama farmers, this is not news. Although agricultural advance-ments have helped more than double yields since 1950, farmers continue to see potential profits shrink due to skyrocketing costs for fuel, feed, fertilizer, seed and other inputs. Meanwhile, food manufacturers, law-makers and government agencies are succumbing to pressure from activist

organizations by placing additional restrictions on how food is produced.

Unlike regulations based on scientific research, this new wave of restrictions has its foundation in focus groups and social media com-ments. These rules target everything from dust and methane to animal care methods and improved crop varieties.

To see how this trend can affect food prices, we need only look to Europe, where a ban on caged laying hens in January led to egg shortages and more than a 60-percent increase in prices.

Sadly, these restrictions are coming when farmers need to ramp up production to feed a growing world. According to the FAO report, agricultural production needs to increase by 60 percent over the next 40 years to meet the rising demand for food.

So, what is the answer?The report suggested increased

production and lower food costs could be achieved through more effi-cient use of irrigation; improved fer-tilizers and crop protection products; investing in agricultural research; and introducing policies that encour-age these changes.

At the Alabama Farmers Federa-tion, we already are pursuing these solutions. The Agricultural Water Incentives Program and Alabama’s new tax incentive for irrigation show promise in helping our state better utilize its abundant water resources. We continue to support agricultural research at our state’s land grant university through producer-funded checkoff programs. And, we work with lawmakers and regulators at the state and national levels to develop science-based policies that will help farmers be more successful.

In addition to these efforts, the Federation, along with the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Farmer and Ranchers Alliance and other organizations, is working to strengthen public trust in our food production system so farmers can focus on feeding our families rather than defending their way of life. n

V O L U M E 3 7 , N U M B E R 8_________________________________________

Debra Davis, EditorMike Moody, Graphic Designer

ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATIONPaul Pinyan, Executive DirectorJeff Helms, Director of Communications

FEDERATION OFFICERSJerry Newby, President, AthensHal Lee, Vice President/North, HartselleDean Wysner, Vice President/Central, WoodlandRicky Wiggins, Vice President/Southeast, AndalusiaJake Harper, Vice President/Southwest, CamdenSteve Dunn, Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen

DIRECTORSJoe Dickerson, LexingtonTed Grantland, SomervilleWaymon Buttram, GeraldineDarrel Haynes, CullmanJohn E. Walker III, BerryDell Hill, AlpineRichard Edgar, DeatsvilleDickie Odom, BoligeeGarry Henry, Hope HullCarl Sanders, BrundidgeDavid Bitto, ElbertaS. Steve Dunn, SamsonRita Garrett, CentreJohn Bitto, Elberta

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Wendy McFarland, McFarland AdVantage, 133 Bridlewood Lane, Hope Hull, AL 36043. Phone: (334) 652-9080. Email: [email protected]. Editorial inquiries should be directed to the editor at (334) 613-4410.

ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: Ad vertise -ments contained in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or the Alabama Farmers Federation.

EDITORIAL MATTER from sources outside of the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for the information and interest of our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of material does not necessarily imply its endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

ADDRESS editorial, advertising and change of address correspondence to Neighbors, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001.

www.AlfaFarmers.org

A member ofAmerican FarmBureau Federation

Jerry Newby


Alfa Joins Lt. Gov. Ivey In Dedicating Facilities At Rainbow OmegaBy Jeff Helms

Disabled adults have a safe place to do meaningful work thanks to a new vocational center and

greenhouses dedicated June 8 at Rainbow Omega in Eastaboga.

The four new greenhouses were made possible, in part, by a donation from the Alabama Farmers Federa-tion and Alfa Insurance. The orga-nization’s president, Jerry Newby, joined Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey for an open house at the facilities.

“There’s not many things you see in life that are as pure as love. This endeavor is love,” said Newby of the Rainbow Omega ministry. “We at Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation are blessed to be a part of this, and we are blessed that God has given us the resources to do this.”

Rainbow Omega is a faith-based, residential and vocational commu-nity for adults with developmental disabilities. The campus is home to 79 residents and includes eight fam-ily-style group homes and a state-of-the-art medical facility for residents needing individualized care.

Inspired by their son, Chris, who is now a resident at Rainbow Ome-ga, Stentson and Dianne Carpenter founded the non-profit organization in 1991 and opened the first two homes in 1995. Stentson, who serves as CEO of Rainbow Omega, said dedication of the 25,000-square-foot Chris Carpenter Work Center is a dream come true.

“The Bible says we were all created from a handful of dirt, and then God put a few dreams in our pockets,” Carpenter said. “We never want to underestimate the power of a dream. Today we are here to celebrate that dream coming true for Rainbow Omega.”

The $3 million work center was made possible through private donations as well as grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Appa-lachian Regional Commission, the Economic Development Adminis-

tration, the Calhoun County Com-munity Foundation and the Arc of North Talladega County. Alfa gave $60,000 over two years for construc-tion of the greenhouses, with addi-tional funding coming from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ivey was introduced to the work at Rainbow Omega by her chief of staff, Steve Pelham, who assisted the organization with other construction projects while previously serving as state director of USDA Rural Devel-opment.

The lieutenant governor praised the Rainbow Omega board of direc-tors and staff for their compassion and stewardship.

“Your commitment, vision and dedication...has built a foundation of hope and a solid foundation for the future that’s impacted thousands of lives to date, and more to come,” Ivey said.

During the open house, Ivey presented Chris Carpenter a proc-lamation naming him an honorary lieutenant governor.

The Carpenter Work Center includes comfortable space where residents earn a paycheck while performing work for private compa-

nies. The new building also boasts a cafeteria capable of seating all the residents for lunch.

The building also includes office space, a training facility for staff and an exercise room for the residents. Carpenter said an exercise plan would be tailored for each resident.

Meanwhile, the four new green-houses supported by Alfa will not only provide work opportunities for the residents, but they also will provide a sustainable source of revenue for Rainbow Omega. With the additional space, the charity now has nine greenhouses. The residents help grow a variety of annuals and perennials in the spring and mums in the fall, but their signature crop is poinsettias.

“Our residential program doesn’t receive any money from the state or the federal government to pay for our residents to live here,” Car-penter said. “So the work center and the greenhouses all contribute. Hopefully, someday, we will be self-supporting here as we work toward that goal.”

For more information about Rainbow Omega, visit rainbowomega.org. n

From left, Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Rainbow Omega CEO Stentson Carpenter, Alfa and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby and Federation Board Member and Talladega County Farmers Federation President Dell Hill examine plants growing in one of four new greenhouses built with the help of a donation from Alfa.

w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 6 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

By Mary Johnson

At the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute, teachers from across the state put away their rulers and textbooks and took to the fields,

learning hands-on education techniques for incorporat-ing agricultural lessons into their classrooms. Hosted June 12-14 at the Grand National Marriott in Opelika, participants spent an entire day visiting local agricul-ture centers and farms, including the Lazenby Farm in Auburn.

“We roll out the red carpet for this group because teachers mean so much to us,” said farmer Mitch Lazenby. “(This event) allows teachers to actually see farmers who are very passionate about what they do and are willing to put everything they’ve got into it: sweat, blood, money, and sometimes sacrificing quality time with their families. School kids will benefit from knowing where their food comes from and learning to value food grown safely and abundantly in our coun-try.”

At the Lazenby farms, educators walked through corn and cotton fields and enjoyed lunch while learn-ing what it takes to run an agritourism business.

Another tour stop at the Randle Farms in Auburn exposed teachers to a Community Supported Agricul-ture Program (CSA). The Randles supply seasonal fruits and vegetables to patrons each week for a yearly fee. Attendees walked the grounds, munching fresh-picked blueberries and carrots as sheep grazed nearby.

The day rounded out with visits to the Southeast-ern Raptor Center, Auburn University’s Horticulture Department and the Fisheries Department at Auburn University’s Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

Walter Jackson Elementary School librarian and Auburn alum Todd Jackson said the tours introduced him to parts of the university he had never seen before.

“When I think about agriculture, I don’t think about farming fish,” Jackson said. “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the fisheries and learning how they feed, sell and market fish. When we were at the green-houses, I was fascinated with the hydroponic grow

Teachers Get A Hoot Out Of Ag Education At Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute


boxes. I think kids will get a kick out of growing some-thing just from water.”

Attendees also participated in seminars and craft-making activities which can be incorporated into their classrooms.

The institute provided each teacher with farm-ing books, lesson plans, DVDs and other educational resources.

Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jacqueline Hope said she had a number of “whoa” moments during the institute, like when she watched a video of a chick hatching.

“That was amazing to me,” Hope said. “I know if it’s amazing to me, it’s amazing to my kids. (The institute) has been so enlightening, and it is something authentic that I never would have gotten by sitting in the classroom.”

The AITC program receives the majority of its funding from the Farming Feeds Alabama license plates. For more information about the program, visit AlabamaAITC.org. n

An explosion of butter creates a mess of laughter during one of the teacher workshops.

June Jackson from Hokes Bluff Middle School enjoys a slice of watermelon, served by Alabama Watermelon Queen Amber Nolin.

Teachers view hydroponic plants at Auburn’s horticulture greenhouses.

Farmer Mitch Lazenby shows teachers Rachel Wright from Helen Keller School, left, and Rhonda Kirkpatrick of Piedmont Elementary School the corn crop at Lazenby Farms.

Participants learn about “Spirit,” a bald eagle at the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

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House Agriculture Committee Gives Favorable Report Of 2012 Farm BillBy Melissa Martin

Details of the 2012 farm bill continue to slowly emerge, but farmers across the country

are eager for an official version to materialize soon.

Members of the House Agricul-ture Committee met and gave a favorable report of its version of the farm bill July 11. Known as the Fed-eral Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, the bill was approved by the Committee by a vote of 35-11. The FARRM Act now moves to the House. Whether a bill will be finalized before the 2008 farm bill expires Sept. 30 remains to be seen, but congress-men are optimistic.

U.S. House Agriculture Com-mittee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., emphasized the importance of the House passing the legislation before the late sum-mer recess.

“Our nation’s farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a new five-year farm bill, and they need it before the current farm bill ends,” said Peterson, who drafted the FARRM Act alongside Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla. “There will be challenges ahead. But, if the House leadership gets this right and brings this bill to the floor, we will ultimately finish the bill in Sep-tember.”

Lucas echoed Peterson’s remarks, adding that the com-mittee’s report could foreshadow the House reaction.

“This marks an important step forward in the development of the next farm bill,” said Lucas.

According to Alabama Farm-ers Federation National Legislative Programs Director Mitt Walker, there is still no commitment by House leadership to bring the bill to the floor, but there is still a chance of seeing it passed this year.

“We could see a compromised version of the Senate and House bills attached to another piece of legislation later in the year,” he said. “The savings created by the

farm bill could be used to offset the cost of other legislation.”

After reviewing the FARRM Act, Walker said key components of the House bill differ from the version passed in the Senate.

“As expected, a vastly differ-ent bill was approved by the House Agriculture Committee July 11,” said Walker. “The main differences resulting after the nearly 14-hour mark up involved the Commodity Title, which remained essentially intact as the majority of the amend-ments impacting the section of the bill were defeated. There were also deeper cuts to the nutrition title.”

Defeated amendments would have modified the current sugar program and repealed the market stabilization component of the newly proposed dairy program, noted Walker. Both amendments were offered by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va;, and Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., joined Goodlatte in cosponsoring the dairy amendment.

“The Alabama Farmers Federa-tion heard from our dairymen and actively opposed the Goodlatte-Scott Amendment,” Walker said. “We were pleased to see both Rep. Terri Sewell and Rep. Martha Roby

vote against the measure.”Another amendment by Rep.

Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., would have repealed the catfish inspection program authorized in the 2008 farm bill. According to Walker, the 20-25 vote to defeat this amend-ment was key because the program was repealed in the Senate bill by an amendment sponsored by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Keeping the program in the House bill keeps the program alive for now.

The House bill is estimated to cut the deficit by $35 billion and provides regulatory relief to mitigate burdens farmers, ranch-ers and rural communities face. Meanwhile, the Senate’s version of the 2012 farm bill, which passed June 21, is estimated to cut the national deficit by almost $24 bil-lion over the next 10 years. It also looks to place increased emphasis on individual crop insurance, while the FARRM Act offers produc-ers a choice between revenue loss coverage and price loss coverage. Both the House and Senate agree on eliminating direct payments.

The Federation’s Farm Bill Com-mittee continues to monitor the status of the farm bill. n

Covington County Farmers Federation Vice President Richard Jones, right, talks to U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., during a visit to Washington earlier this year. Roby, who represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

Pike County farmer John Dorrill says being a farmer is a blessing without measure. “Farmers are not only rewarded economically, but gain satisfaction knowing they help pre-serve our freedoms,” he said.

Dorrill, 83, is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federa-tion’s State Forestry Committee and president of the Pike County Farmers Federation. He is supervisor of the Pike County Soil and Water Conservation Board and is a member of U.S. Rep. Martha Roby’s Agriculture Advisory Comm-ittee. He retired from the Alabama Farmers Federation in 1998 after more than 40 years of service, 20 of those as executive director.

He and his wife, Carol, along with sons John III and Lee, have a 900-acre farm that includes 800 acres of timber, 100 acres of pasture land and three fish ponds. They also have a barn that’s been converted for agricultural, forestry and conservation education meetings.

The Dorrills have been married 45 years and are mem-bers of First Baptist Church in Troy. Together, they have three children, Rachel, John III (Sonjua) and Lee (Lynn), and six grandchildren.

John DorrillForestry Chairman

Six-day bus tour leaves Montgomery and includes visits to several types of beef cattle farms in Louisiana, plus a stop at the Louisiana State Fair, rodeo and concert. Seating is limited; register early.

Oct. 28-Nov. 3Contact: Nate Jaeger • Phone: (334) 613-4221

email: [email protected]

Alabama Farmers Federation2012 Cajun Beef Tour

Alabama Farmers FederationAlfaFarmers.org

Alabama Farmers FederationAlfaFarmers.org

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A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 1 1 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g

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the first states in the coun-try to accept electronic identification cards for law enforcement, and we believe other states will follow suit.”

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w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g 1 2 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

By Melissa Martin

Nearly 140 high school students strengthened their leadership skills during the Alabama

Farmers Federation’s annual Youth Leadership Conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana June 22-24.

The conference seeks to develop the students as leaders in their chosen careers while helping them better understand Alabama agricul-ture.

During the three-day event, 136 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from 25 coun-ties around the state participated in character-building activities and interactive workshops.

Federation Young Farmers Divi-sion Director Brandon Moore said the annual conference is a great way to bring the next generation of Alabama’s leaders together and teach them about the role of agri-culture in the state and nation.

“Our focus is to teach them to recognize the responsibilities they have to develop into effective lead-ers so they can be prepared to give back to their communities, schools and churches,” said Moore, who organizes the annual conference.

According to Moore, the role of the conference is crucial to develop-

ing strong leaders, not only for the Federation, but for other industry and trade organizations around the globe.

“The Youth Leadership Confer-ence teaches delegates that regard-less of which career path they choose, there are industry organiza-tions that depend on members who have developed skills they need to get involved and make a differ-ence,” said Moore.

State Young Farmers Committee member Scott Poague, who served as a chaperon during the confer-ence, echoed Moore’s remarks, add-ing that the event is beneficial in establishing a voice for farmers.

“In developing future leaders for this organization, it’s very impor-tant for counties to send young peo-ple to this conference. I think they take away a lot from the event,” said Poague. “It exposes them to different areas of agriculture they might not otherwise think about, while encouraging them to become service-minded leaders in whatever field they choose.”

Poague also emphasized how important it is to educate high school students about agriculture

“These students are going to be the future leaders of our state and this organization,” he said. “They

are going to be voting age soon, and they need to be educated about agri-culture in order to make wise deci-sions regarding the food they eat and their views toward farming.”

While organizers and conference chaperons recognize the importance of the event, students enjoy the amenities of the 4-H Center and the ability to share their interests with peers from across the state.

Jovita Perez, a student from Asbury High School in Marshall County, said her favorite part of the conference was meeting students from across the state who share similar interests.

“We’re all here to learn,” said Perez. “And if we can have fun together and make new friends in the process, what could be better?”

For more information about the program, visit AlfaYoungFarmers.org. n

Student participants discuss the weekend agenda with chaperons during the opening session of the Youth Leadership Conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana Friday, June 22. An annual event, the conference strengthens students’ leadership skills and educates them on agricultural issues. From left are State Young Farmers Committee Vice Chairman Clint McElmoyl of DeKalb County; Heather Waterhouse, Marshall County; Jovita Perez, Marshall County; Haley Gothard, Bibb County; Keyannah Mays, Bibb County; State Young Farmers Committee member Scott Poague of Elmore County; and Ryan Wood, Coffee County.

Alabama Students Learn Valuable Lessons At Youth Leadership Conference

Sunday, December 2, 2012Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa Street7 p.m. Doors Open8 p.m. Dwight Yoakam Show

Advance ticket sales are available to Alabama Farmers Federation members from July 1 - Sept. 6 by calling the MPAC Box O� ce, (334) 481-5100, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $95, $65, $50, $45, $35 (plus service charge)

After Sept. 6, tickets will be available online to the public at TicketMaster.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

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When Bill Mullins isn’t buzzing around his Madison County beekeeping operation, he’s likely to be found on his 92-acre farm in Meridianville harvesting cotton, pecans, blueberries and musca-dines.

Mullins, 76, has served as chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Bee & Honey Committee for 11 of the past 13 years. While he admits he enjoys farm life away from the hives, Mullins said he’s proud of the accomplishments he’s made over the past 37 years as a beekeeper.

“Of all the producers in the state, I have the only gravity flow honey house in Alabama,” said Mullins, an innovative apiarist who learned the craft from his grandfather.

Mullins and his wife, Sue, have been mar-ried 52 years. They have three children, Susan, Ted and Todd; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mullins serves as a Deacon at Flint River Baptist Church.

Bill MullinsBee & Honey Chairman


By Melissa Martin

Most students have to visualize the information they’re taught in school, never experiencing first-hand the glories of the earth or the great outdoors. But for some Elmore County students, the great

outdoors is just another classroom. Holtville High School FFA students – led by agriscience teacher Scott

Poague – supplemented traditional textbook studies this year with the inaugural “Farm Fresh to You” program. A community-supported agri-cultural (CSA) garden located on Holtville’s campus, “Farm Fresh” pro-vides eight customers with weekly deliveries of fresh summer produce for a seasonal fee of $100. Though Poague laid the groundwork for the garden, he says it’s the students who deserve credit for its success.

“I help with the harvest, make sure things run smoothly and deal with the customers, but the students are really the backbone of this project,” said Poague, who was inspired to start the CSA garden after visiting Randle Farms last year. At their Lee County farm, the Randles offer shares of meats and vegetables throughout the year for seasonal

Growing UpHoltville Students Find Success With Community Garden

From left, Holtville High School juniors Chandler Morgan, Devin Goodwin and Tyler Blankenship show they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty at the campus garden.



fees. Recognizing a good idea when he sees one, Poague tweaked the idea to fit his school’s landscape.

“After seeing the program in action at the Randles, I knew this would be a great fundraiser-type opportunity for our students,” he explained. “We received a grant through the Mid-State Resource Conservation and Development Council to purchase equipment last fall, prepped the land and planted this spring. It has done very well, and we’re proud to be providing a service – vegetables, in this case – to the community.”

While the program has been a financial success for Holtville’s FFA chapter, the program’s underlying benefits exceed fiscal values. Members of the Slapout, Holtville and Wetumpka communities have applauded the school’s pro-gram, emphasizing how nice it is that students are involved in farming. Community members also enjoy knowing sev-eral area residents are eating locally grown food.

“And for horticulture students, it’s been a great way to get them out of the classroom so they can see first-hand what we’ve talked about in class,” added Poague. “It’s good for them to get their hands in the dirt.”

In addition to experience, the garden provides a few students with a summer job. Most teenagers would rather sleep in and relax in the air conditioning during the swel-tering summer months, but a handful of Poague’s students come to the garden weekday mornings, pick what’s ready and earn a little money in the process.

“I really like having something I can do outside,” said Chandler Morgan, a junior at Holtville. “It’s not always easy work, but I enjoy it. I can get here early, pick beans or pull weeds, and still have plenty of time left in the day to do what I want.”

Tyler Blankenship, also a junior, echoed Morgan’s remarks, adding that the summer heat isn’t much of a deterrent for him.

“Working this garden is much better than being in the classroom,” said Blankenship, as he filled his five-gallon bucket with beans. “I grew up around hay and cattle, but I like being in the garden more.”

Based on the program’s popularity, Poague said he expects to open the garden to more customers in the future. Plans to expand the garden’s acreage and fare are also in the works.

“Some farmers may plant two or three things – sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches – but to do this, we had to plant different things over a period of time to keep things coming up all summer,” Poague said. “We limited the number of customers this year because we didn’t want to cut things too close, but I see us increasing that number next year.”

During its first season, Holtville’s “Farm Fresh” garden offered customers sweet corn, field corn, peas, peppers, tomatoes, onions, squash, okra, beans and cucumbers.

Interested in starting a CSA garden but not sure where to start? Email Poague at [email protected] for more information. n

Holtville agriscience teacher Scott Poague shows off a stack of field corn picked at the school’s campus garden.A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 1 7 w w w . A l f a F a r m e r s . o r g


Members Now Save At Office Depot®

Enhancements to the Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits program continue with

the latest savings program now available from Office Depot®.

Through this new member ben-efit, members can save up to 80 per-cent on Office Depot’s® Best Value List along with reduced prices on thousands of other items by print-ing an Alabama Farmers Federation discount card for use in any local Office Depot® store. Members can also have this card laminated for free at their local Office Depot® and present it to the cashier when checking out to receive their dis-count. Members may use the card as often they like.

Online ordering is easy at alfafarmers.org/officedepot, where members will receive the same discounts. Orders are delivered next

day with no ship-ping charges when spending more than $50.

“This is a great program for our members to help save on items they might use in their homes, businesses or educational activities,” said Marc Pearson, director of membership. “We are continuing to build a world class member benefits program that strengthens the relationship with our current membership while aim-ing to attract new members. We’re excited about the opportunities this Office Depot® discount program brings for our members.”

Members can save on ink, paper,

office supplies, toner, stamps/dat-ers, pens, pads, furniture and much more. More than 3,000 commonly used items are priced at 15 percent off retail pricing, along with 93,000 items discounted below retail pric-ing.

To learn more about the new program, visit alfafarmers.org/officedepot. n

In The Market For A Car Or Truck? New member benefit makes car buying easier than ever

Alabama Farmers Federation members have a free tool that helps save time and money,

plus provides information they need to make a smart car-buying decision. The best part? The $500 GM incentive for eligible members is seamlessly integrated into the process for additional savings.

How does it work? Step 1: Research new and used

vehicles at www.fbverify.com/driveMembers can easily select

makes, models and options, plus compare different vehicles, learn about available incentives, check crash safety ratings, read reviews, view pictures and even check esti-mated trade-in values. Plus, with used cars, members see guaranteed prices and are able to sort by the features that matter most. Step 2: Learn what others actu-

ally paid for their vehicleNot sure if it’s a good deal? The

new program gives members access to TrueCar price reports. Available with national, regional and local data, these reports show what oth-ers have paid for the car. Members see the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), the market average, the factory invoice and more.

Step 3: Get the price and print a certificate Once a vehicle is selected, mem-

bers locate a Program Certified Dealer and submit their informa-tion to the dealers of their choice. Minimum Guaranteed Savings and Estimated Member Pricing* are shown before talking to a dealer. The certificate will list a dedicated contact for questions or to arrange a test drive. Finally, take the cer-tificate to the Program Certified Dealer to ensure a hassle-free car-buying experience.

No cost. No obligation. No has-sle. Car and truck buying has never been easier! Visit www.fbverify.com/drive to learn more about this great member benefit. n____________________________________* Estimated Price and Savings currently not available in AR, CO, KS, LA, MD, NE, OK, OR, TX, VA and WA. In these states a “Target Price” is presented, which is not an advertised price, but an example of what you can reasonably expect to pay.


Program Seeks To Honor Historic Alabama Farms

The Department of Agriculture and Indus-tries is accepting applications for the 2012 Century and Heritage Farm program. This

program is designed to recognize and honor those farms that have been in operation as a family farm over a long period of time and have played a significant role in Alabama history.

A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has some agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must include at least 40 acres of land and be owned by the applicant or nominee.

A Heri-tage Farm is one that has been operated continuously as a family farm for at least 100 years. The farm must possess interesting and important historical and agricultural aspects, including one or more structures at least 40 years old. The farm must be at least 40 acres of land owned and operated by the applicant, who must reside in Alabama.

The application deadline for the 2012 Cen-tury and Heritage Farm program is Aug. 31.

The Century and Heritage Farm program began in 1976 when the director of the Alabama Historical Commission and a representative from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries met to discuss ways to recognize small family farms that had been in operation

for a long time. Out of this original meeting the idea for the Century and Heritage Farm pro-gram was born. It was decided that recognition should be given to these farms because of their significant role in Alabama’s history.

The population in rural Alabama at that time was rapidly changing as people moved to urban areas. The number of family farms was diminishing rapidly as it still is today. It was

decided that farms with more than 100 years of own-ership should be awarded a certificate to recognize significant achievement.

The Ala-bama Depart-ment of Agriculture and Industries administers the program. The first cer-tificates of recognition were

presented at an Alabama Farm Bureau meeting in

Birmingham in December 1977. To date, more than 500 farms have been recognized in Ala-bama.

Applicants must complete an Ownership Registration Form supplied by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. For more information, contact Amy Belcher at (334) 240-7126 or e-mail [email protected].

A list of farms that previously received a Century and Heritage Farm designation is avail-able at www.agi.alabama.gov/chfarmsl. n

Lime Ridge Farm, operated by Sam Givhan of Dallas County, received the Century and Heritage Farm designation in 2011.


Commission Continues Work On Major Revision Of State ConstitutionBy Mary Johnson

The Alabama Constitu-tional Revision Com-mission will resume

work on article-by-article revisions of the state consti-tution when it reconvenes Aug. 22.

The commission, which held its last meeting June 20, is reviewing three articles this year, one of which addresses the issue of home rule. Home rule, which redistributes certain governmental powers from the state legislature to local control, is favored by groups that support local govern-ments controlling taxation and zoning issues.

In 2005, state legisla-tion granted limited home rule to county governments, allowing greater control over issues of noise, sewage, litter, over-grown weeds, junk yards and animals outside of cities. Powers involving taxation and zoning remain with the state legislature.

The Alabama Farmers Federa-tion policy opposes any attempt to allow the state to give up its responsibilities and powers to county or local units of govern-ment. Permitting home rule could effectively result in 67 counties operating as individual entities with various laws.

Home Rule is included in Article IV of the Constitution. The revision commission will also address articles on distribution of powers and representation.

The commission accepted the suggestion of former Alabama Law Institute Secretary Bob McCur-ley that Article IV be broken into three sections with subcommittees assigned to each. The local govern-ment section, which includes home rule, will be reviewed in a subcom-mittee chaired by Greg Butrus, a partner in the Balch & Bingham

law firm. The ethics subcommittee will be chaired by Wetumpka Tea Party President Becky Gerritson. Matt Lembke, a partner in the Brad-ley, Arant, Boult, and Cummings law firm, will chair the legislative department subcommittee.

During the meeting, the com-mission discussed ways to educate the public about amendments to the banking and corporations sections of the state constitution, which passed the legislature this session. The public will vote on the

changes, known as Amendments 9 and 10 on the ballot, in the Nov. 6 general election.

The commission is chaired by former Gov. Albert Brewer, who was appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley, and Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, an ex-officio mem-ber, serves as vice chair. Other members include Bentley and his remaining appointees Vicki Drum-mond and Becky Gerritson; Sen. President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, and his appointees Matthew Lembke, Carolyn McKin-stry and Jim Pratt; House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, and his appointees Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, John Anzalone and Greg Butrus; and ex-officio mem-bers Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, Sen. Bob Taylor, R-Prattville and Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne. n

Above: Commission Vice Chair Rep. Paul DeMarco, R-Homewood, right, leads the June meeting of the Alabama Constitutional Revision Commission. Left: Samford University law professor and Alabama Law Institute member Howard Walthall provides recommendations for revisions to Alabama’s constitution.


Celebrate National Catfish Month - Buy American

The lazy dog days of summer provide the perfect time to chow down on catfish, as

August marks National Catfish Month. First established in the 1980s, National Catfish Month has celebrated delicious meals from the whiskered freshwater fish for more than 20 years.

When selecting a scrumptious filet to prepare, nothing compares to catfish grown and produced right here in the United States. Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year Kent Houlditch produces channel catfish in 250 acres of water at his Greene County farm.

“As a producer, it’s important to me to make sure that what we’re putting on dinner tables is safe to eat and affordable,” Hould-itch said. “I know first-hand what

goes into a grain-fed catfish, and I know the quality of water our fish are raised in. At the end of the day, I can hang my hat knowing that I’m raising the best fish I can.”

Catfish is a good source of protein and contains omega-3. But in addition to being part of a healthy diet, it also an important part of Alabama’s economy. Currently, the state boasts 200 catfish farms and ranks second in the nation in catfish production, with only Mississippi producing more.

However, catfish production in the United States has declined in recent years. Increased foreign compe-tition and different standards for imported catfish are both factors making it difficult for U.S. catfish farmers to continue on. According to research from Auburn University, Alabama’s catfish farming has declined 4 percent since last year. The same research shows a decrease in national catfish production of almost 50 percent in the past 10 years.

One way to support Alabama’s catfish farmers is to buy only domestic catfish. U.S. catfish farmers ful-fill strict government standards and follow stringent guidelines to provide healthy, nutrient-rich products. When ordering at a restaurant or purchasing from a local grocer, be sure to purchase U.S. farm-raised cat-fish.

While frying is the traditional cooking method, catfish is very versatile. It can be blackened, broiled or grilled. It can even be formed and baked into patties or used in chowders and dips.

For creative recipes using catfish, visit USCatfish.com. n

U.S. catfish

Freshideas

for

The Catfish InstituteP.O. Box 1669 e Madison, Mississippi e 39130

U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. Always a fresh idea.

We hope you found a few new favorites in this

recipe collection. We’re always amazed with chefs’

latest twists on U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish – and of

course, we always enjoy trying them out.

From a quick meal for a hungry family to new

interpretations of international cuisine,

U.S. Catfish always tastes great.

For even more recipes, be sure to visit

www.UScatfish.com.

catfish cakes

1 lb. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets, cooked

1½ cups mashed potatoes

¼ cup red onion, diced

¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon Creole mustard

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

½ teaspoon capers, chopped

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon hot sauce

1 cup bread crumbs

¼ cup olive oil

lemon caper sauce

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Creole mustard

¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend

1 tablespoon capers, chopped

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon red onion, finely diced

½ lemon, juiced

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.

2. Mix together all ingredients except olive oil and

bread crumbs. Shape into equal size cakes and coat

with bread crumbs.

3. In medium skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.

Cook catfish cakes 2 minutes on each side.

4. Transfer catfish cakes to greased baking sheet; bake

in oven 15 minutes.

5. Remove catfish cakes from oven and place on serving dish.

Garnish with Lemon Caper Sauce and fresh lemon wedges.

S e r v e S 4

Oven-Baked Catfish Cakes Lemon Caper Saucewith

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

lemon caper sauce

Combine all ingredients in a small

sauce pan. Bring to boil; reduce heat

and simmer 5 minutes.

citrus saucE

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish

1. Preheat grill.

2. Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze ½ fresh

lemon over each. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground

black pepper. Let sit 5 minutes.

3. Place catfish fillets on grill skin side up for 3 to

4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2 to 3 more minutes.

4. Transfer catfish to serving plate and spoon warmed

Citrus Sauce over fillets.

S e r v e S 4

rosemary catfish

4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets

½ fresh lemon per fillet

Salt and pepper to taste

Citrus Sauce

1 lime, zested and juiced

1 lemon, zested

1 orange, zested

6 ounces pineapple juice

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

¼ teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 450º F.

2. Heat oil in sauté pan over medium heat. When oil is

hot, add zucchini, onion and garlic. Cook 5 minutes or

until onions are translucent. Remove from heat. Stir in

olives, tomatoes, basil and capers.

3. Lightly brush catfish fillets with olive oil; season with

salt and pepper. Place fillets into lightly oiled baking dish.

Spoon equal amounts of vegetable mixture on top of each

fillet. Bake 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Serve with

crumbled feta cheese if desired.

S e r v e S 4

Baked Mediterranean Catfish

4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup zucchini, diced

½ cup red onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup mixed Mediterranean olives, halved

½ cup grape tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon capers

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional garnish

Baked Mediterranean Catfish

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish

Catfish Ad

Sponsored by The Catfi sh Institute

Kent Houlditch2012 Alabama

Catfi sh Farmer of the Year

Harrell Potter2012 Mississippi


Bill Troutt2012 Arkansas


Always fresh. Always American.

When you look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfi sh seal, you’re looking out for your family, and for ourAmerican farmers. Their pure, freshwater ponds

and strict standards ensure U.S. Catfi sh is the freshest, healthiest fi shavailable. And you can rely on that perfectly mild fl avor year-round.Try the recipe for Broiled Catfi sh at USCATFISH.COM

When you look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfi sh seal, When you look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfi sh seal, you’re looking out for your family, and for ourAmerican farmers. Their pure, freshwater ponds

and strict standards ensure U.S. Catfi sh is the freshest, healthiest fi shAnd you can rely on that perfectly mild fl avor year-round.

When you look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfi sh seal, When you look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfi sh seal, you’re looking out for your family, and for ourAmerican farmers. Their pure, freshwater ponds

7867-5 TCI AlwaysFresh ALFAAug2012.indd 1 7/9/12 3:31 PM


COUNTY DATE TIME LOCATION ADDRESS

Dale Monday, August 6 7 p.m. Dale County Ag Plex 202 Hwy 123 S., Ozark

Madison Monday, August 6 4 p.m. Holiday Inn Downtown 401 Williams Ave. SW, Huntsville

Henry Tuesday, August 7 7 p.m. Wiregrass Research & Experiment Center 167 E. State Hwy 134, Headland

Jackson Tuesday, August 7 6:30 p.m. Federation Building 23625 John T. Reid Pkwy., Scottsboro

Baldwin Thursday, August 9 7 p.m. Federation Building 21331 Hwy 59, Robertsdale

Calhoun Thursday, August 9 6:30 p.m. Federation Building 1535 Pelham Rd. S, Jacksonville

Barbour Thursday, August 9 6 p.m. Abercrombie Fish Camp 335 Eufaula Ave., Clayton

Coosa Thursday, August 9 7 p.m. Old Rockford Schoolhouse County Road 18, Rockford

Greene Thursday, August 9 6 p.m. Alfa Office Eutaw

Cullman Thursday, August 9 7 p.m. Federation Building Main Ave., Cullman

Cherokee Friday, August 10 6:30 p.m. Dean Buttram Senior Center 229 Dean Buttram Ave., Centre

Marion Friday, August 10 6 p.m. Hamilton Rec Center Hamilton

Morgan Friday, August 10 7 p.m. Hartselle Civic Center 406 Nance Ford Rd. SW, Hartselle

Chambers Saturday, August 11 6 p.m. Alfa Office 1006 Ave. A SE, Lafayette

St. Clair Monday, August 13 7 p.m. Alfa Office 32775 U.S. Hwy 231, Ashville

Butler Monday, August 13 6 p.m. Pioneer Electric Conference Room Greenville

Etowah Monday, August 13 6:30 p.m. Federation Building 125 Broad St., Gadsden

Houston Tuesday, August 14 6:30 p.m. Alfa Office 1038 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan

Franklin Tuesday, August 14 6:30 p.m. Best Western Hotel 13770 Hwy 43, Russellville

Cleburne Tuesday, August 14 6:30 p.m. Community Arts Center 279 Martin Luther King Dr., Heflin

Monroe Tuesday, August 14 6:30 p.m. Ag Center 334 Agriculture Dr., Monroeville

Shelby Tuesday, August 14 6:30 p.m. Alfa Office 256 S. Main St., Columbiana

Autauga Wednesday, August 15 7 p.m. Autauga County Ag Center Autaugaville

Covington Thursday, August 16 7 p.m. Oakwood Lodge 13725 Brooklyn Rd., Andalusia

Bullock Thursday, August 16 6:30 p.m. Greenway Sportsman’s Club Union Springs

Tuscaloosa Thursday, August 16 7 p.m. Bobby Miller Activity Center 300 Bobby Miller Pkwy., Tuscaloosa

Lawrence Thursday, August 16 6:30 p.m. Lawrence County Ag Center 13075 ALA-157 Suite 6, Moulton

Talladega Thursday, August 16 6:30 p.m. Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center 1314 Shocco Springs Rd., Talladega

Blount Thursday, August 16 6:30 p.m. Frank J. Green Building (BBQ will be served @ 6 p.m.) 415 Fifth Ave. E. Suite A, Oneonta

Limestone Friday, August 17 6 p.m. Alabama Veterans Museum 100 Pryor St., Athens

Randolph Saturday, August 18 5 p.m. Wedowee Kiwanis Park - Antique Tractor Pavilion Hwy 431, Wedowee

Choctaw Monday, August 20 6 p.m. Federation Building 229 Mulberry Ave., Butler

Lamar Monday, August 20 6:30 p.m. Vernon City Auditorium (Old High School) Vernon

Escambia Tuesday, August 21 6 p.m. Ag Center 175 Ag Science Drive, Brewton

Geneva Tuesday, August 21 7 p.m. Geneva County Farm Center 2765 Hwy 52, Geneva

Fayette Tuesday, August 21 6:30 p.m. Fayette Civic Center Fayette

Lauderdale Tuesday, August 21 6:30 p.m. Underwood Petersville Community Center 840 County Road 7, Florence

Montgomery Tuesday, August 21 7 p.m. Alfa Home Office Cafeteria Montgomery

Clarke Thursday, August 23 6:30 p.m. Federation Building 148 South Jackson St., Grove Hill

DeKalb Thursday, August 23 6:30 p.m. Alfa Office 346 McCurdy Ave. S, Rainsville

Pickens Thursday, August 23 6:30 p.m. Gates Restaurant Aliceville

Jefferson Friday, August 24 10 a.m. Birmingham Botanical Gardens 2612 Lane Park Rd., Birmingham

Colbert Monday, August 27 6:30 p.m. Northwest Shoals Community College 800 George Wallace Blvd., Muscle Shoals

Washington Monday, August 27 7 p.m. Federation Building 54 Court St., Chatom

Chilton Monday, August 27 7 p.m. Alfa Office 301 1st St. North, Clanton

Marshall Tuesday, August 28 7 p.m. Federation Building 1333 Blount Ave., Guntersville

Tallapoosa Tuesday, August 28 6:30 p.m. Federation Building 111 N. Tallassee St., Dadeville

Conecuh Tuesday, August 28 6 p.m. David Burt Building 102 Liberty St., Evergreen

Bibb Tuesday, August 28 6 p.m. Alfa Office Centreville

Walker Thursday, August 30 6 p.m. Federation Building 903 Airport Rd. South, Jasper

County Annual Meetings


USFRA Kicks Off Search For Top Ambassadors Of Agriculture

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is seeking applicants for its “Fac-es of Farming and Ranching” campaign.

According to USFRA officials, the campaign will help put a real face on agriculture and shine a light on the heart, personalities and values that are behind today’s food.

Farmers from across the country are encouraged to apply. To qualify, applicants must be farmers or ranchers who are proud of what they do, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement with others and are actively involved today in sharing those stories.

Entries will be accepted through Sept. 8, and winners will be announced in January 2013. In addition to being awarded the oppor-tunity to tell their stories on a national plat-form, winners will receive a $10,000 stipend and professional media/speaker training. They will also receive a $5,000 charitable contribu-tion made in their name to an ag-related or local charity of their choice.

For more information and details to apply, visit FoodDialogues.com. n

Celebrities may be abundant in California, but Clay Kennamer says he sees plenty stars on his Hollywood farm in north Alabama.

Kennamer, 35, is chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Beef Committee and is a Jackson County Farmers Federation board mem-ber. It’s easy to see that he knows a thing or two about cows and business.

“We run a stocker cattle operation, a small trucking company hauling cattle, feed some cattle in Kansas, run a few momma cows, and just start-ed a custom backgrounding operation,” he said.

A self-made farmer, Kennamer has about 800 acres of pasture he owns and leases. He wasn’t raised a farmer, but said says he’s proud to active role in agriculture and the Federation today.

Kennamer and his wife, Dana, have been mar-ried eight years and are members of Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Clay KennamerBeef Chairman

As Farmers and Ranchers, We’ve Raised Pre� y Much Everything.

Except Our Voices.Join us in leading a conversation about the importance of today’s agriculture and our

commitment to answering American’s questions about how we raise our food. Begin by sharing your voice at www.USFRAonline.org.


By Lois Chaplin

The yard just lost a big shade tree. The upside is there is more sun and less root compe-

tition, making way for more fruits, vegetables and flowers. But the ter-race under the tree became instant-ly bare and hot, so two somewhat-neglected potted trees were moved into bigger pots onto the edge of the terrace.

The large pots are really a kind of investment because they last a lifetime, and we already had the trees. The trees made an instant difference and will grow to provide a little more canopy where it’s most needed. In fact, trees in containers are an excellent solution for a spot where there is no ground for plant-ing.

Not just any tree will adapt to a container, and not just any con-tainer will do.

For a tree that makes a canopy, it needs room to expand its roots. Select a tree species that is okay living in a big pot, at least for a while. Eventually, the tree roots will fill the container, no matter how big the pot is, and the tree may stop growing. At that point, a

decision has to be made whether to plant it in the ground (with help) or just wait and see how long it stays healthy it in its pot-bound state. Some plants survive like this for a few more years provided they get water and food.

Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gal-lery at Pepper Place in Birmingham has a great selection of pots. Even the 32-inch diameter and 28-inch tall container aren’t the biggest ones he can get.

The bigger the volume of soil, the bigger a tree will get. It’s also important to have a big pot for sta-bility. The height of these trees and pots totaled 10 feet, not bad for an instant shade tree.

Pots need good potting mix, regular watering and a slow-release fertilizer that feeds throughout the growing season.

One tree was a Japanese maple. The other was a very special Ameri-can elm started as a cutting from the Survivor Tree, a tree that sur-vived the Oklahoma City Bombing, which is now a focal point of the memorial. (For more information visit oklahomacitynationalmemo-rial.org.)

When selecting trees for pots,

the key is to choose trees with rather slow growth and roots that aren’t aggressive. The American elm doesn’t necessarily fit that description, but it spent years in a smaller pot where it was neglected, but survived anyway. It certainly lived up to its name.

Small but spreading deciduous trees for pots include: paperbark maple (Acer griseum), redbud (Cercis canadensis), crape myrtle (Lagerstromia indica), river birch (Betula nigra), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), Golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), purpleleaf plum (Prunus cerasifera) and smoketree (Cotinus coggygria).

Big pots with evergreens are great for screening a view and creating privacy. A dwarf Southern magnolia such as Little Gem, and weeping yaupon (Ilex vomitoria Pendula), Hinoki cypress, and dwarf crypto-meria also are good choices. n_________________________________Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

GET GROWING AT THE CO-OP. WWW.ALAFARM.COM


Farmers And Small Businesses Concerned About Impact Of ObamaCareBy Debra Davis

Farmers and other small business owners are concerned about the impact mandates and new taxes

contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act would have on them.

“Of particular concern to farm-ers are provisions in the law that increase expenses through mandated insurance coverage for individuals and employees, as well as provi-sions that impose new taxes like the health insurance tax,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Director of National Legislative Programs Mitt Walker.

On the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed most of the law constitutional, members of the U.S. House of Representa-tives voted July 11 to repeal the federal health care overhaul, dubbed “ObamaCare.”

The House has voted more than 30 times to scrap or defund the law since the president signed it in March 2010. Democrats predict the latest repeal bill has little chance of passage in the Senate, where they control the majority of votes.

The American Farm Bureau Fed-eration (AFBF) supports the repeal approved by the House.

Walker said increases in cost of health insurance because of mandat-ed benefits, higher Medicare payroll taxes and restrictions on Health Sav-ings Accounts, are among farmers’ and small business leaders’ greatest concerns.

“Those cost increases will divert resources away from business growth and expansion to the detri-ment of farmers and the production of food, fiber and fuel,” Walker said.

AFBF officials say health insur-ance reform is essential, but it must also be workable, sustainable and balanced against the overall cost of doing business.

AFBF urged Congress “to pursue health insurance reform legislation that provides for increased competi-

tion and choice, preserves a patient’s ability to keep his or her health plan, reforms the medical liability system to reduce unnecessary and wasteful health care spending, pro-tects the doctor-patient relationship, expands incentives to encourage personal responsibility for health care coverage costs and eliminates duplicative government programs.

All House Republicans voted in favor of the repeal measure.

The recent Supreme Court ruling did determine that the controversial penalty on those who do not buy insurance technically qualifies as a tax and not a penalty, as the Obama

administration had claimed.“Farm Bureau stands ready to

work with Congress to develop com-mon-sense, market-based solutions that improve health care delivery and reduce health care costs for our nation’s farmers and ranchers,” AFBF officials said in the letter to congressional leaders last month. “Only a bipartisan process that engages those who provide for their own health insurance can produce the variety of widely supported solutions needed to reduce health care costs, and increase the number of Americans with access to health care coverage.” n


Glenda Cardwell of Coosa Coun-ty has been cooking family meals since she was 12 or 13

years old. The skills she acquired came in handy later in life.

“My parents both worked, so my brother and I were supposed to have the house clean and dinner cooked when they got home,” she explains.

“At 12, I didn’t appreciate that I was cooking every day, but I appre-ciated that I knew how to cook when I got married. Ricky says he appreciated it, too,” adds Glenda, as she chuckles at her husband’s remark.

Married for 40 years, Glenda says Ricky sometimes starts or even completely cooks dinner when she gets home from her job at Rock-ford Town Hall. But she says she still cooks on a regular basis, like most people in her community.

“The drugstore and café close at 2 p.m. on weekdays, so you cook if you want to eat,” says Glenda.

Lifelong residents of Coosa County, the couple are both active

in the Coosa County Farmers Fed-eration. Glenda serves as chairman of the county Women’s Leadership Committee, and Ricky serves on the county Federation board of directors.

“We’ve been active in the Feder-ation for about 15 years,” she said, adding that other members encour-aged them to get involved.

The Cardwells have two chil-dren and four grandchildren, and Glenda recently traveled to Italy, where she spent two weeks with her daughter and son-in-law.

“My son-in-law is Italian, and he and my daughter live in Italy. It was beautiful to spend that time there with them,” she says.

“And Ricky didn’t starve while I was gone, so I guess he fended for himself just fine,” she joked.

When selecting recipes to share with the Country Kitchen, Glenda says she chose dishes that were repeatedly successful.

“I wanted to share things that I’d made more than once and that we all enjoyed,” she explains.

PLUM CAkE1 cup cooking oil2 cups sugar3 eggs2 cups self-rising flour1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground cloves2 (4-ounce) jars baby food plums1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except pecans in mixing bowl and stir until thor-oughly combined. Fold in nuts and bake in greased tube pan one hour. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes. Invert cake onto serving plate. Good served warm.

By Kellie Henderson

PARMESAN CHICkEN4 boneless skinless chicken breasts1 egg, slightly beaten¾ cup Italian bread crumbs1 jar (26-to-29-ounces) pasta sauce1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 400 F. Dip chicken in egg, then bread crumbs. Arrange in a 9-X9-inch baking dish coated with non-stick spray. Bake uncovered about 30 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken then top with cheese and bake another 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serves four.


Editor’s Note: Recipes published in the “Country Kitchen” are not kitchen-tested prior to publication. Visit www.AlfaFarmers.org for more recipes.

TOMATO PIE1 frozen 9-inch deep-dish pie shell2 medium tomatoes1 medium onion, sliced and sautéedSalt and pepper 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled½ cup mayonnaise½ cup sour cream1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Bake piecrust 6-7 minutes according to package directions, until crust begins to brown. Place sliced tomatoes into crust and top with onions. Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled bacon. In a bowl combine may-onnaise, sour cream and cheese; spread mixture over bacon to cover completely. Bake in 400 F oven for 25 minutes.

kOOL-AID PIE1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped

topping1 envelope unsweetened kool-Aid drink

mix¾ cup sugar1 9-inch graham cracker piecrust

Mix whipped topping, Kool-Aid and sugar together. Fold into piecrust and freeze for several hours. Makes one pie. Serves 8.

For an easy orange pie, use orange Kool-Aid and 1 (15-ounce) can of drained mandarin oranges.

MARINATED GREEN BEANS¾ cups sugar½ cup apple cider vinegar3 tablespoons water3 tablespoons canola oil2 garlic cloves, mincedSalt and pepper, to taste3 (16-ounce) cans green beans, drained2 onions, sliced

In a small bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, water, oil, garlic, salt and pepper until mixed. Place green beans and onions in a shallow, air-tight container, and pour liquid mixture on top. Refrigerate for 24 hours, stirring once or twice. Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish. Serves 8-to-10.

OATMEAL-RAISINS-PECAN MUFFINS

1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup shortening, melted and cooled1 cup self-rising flour1 tablespoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda1 cup raisins1 cup chopped pecans

In a small bowl, pour buttermilk over oats. Soak for 1 hour in refrig-erator. Beat egg and add to oats. Stir in brown sugar and melted shorten-ing. Mix flour, baking powder and baking soda, and stir into mixture. Fold in raisins and pecans. Spoon into 6 greased muffin tins. Bake at 375 F for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve hot with butter or cream cheese.

BUFFALO CHICkEN DIP3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked

and shredded2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese,

softened1 cup ranch dressing8-to-12 ounces Frank’s Red Hot Sauce1 cup chopped celery1 (8-ounce) package shredded mild cheddar

cheesePreheat oven to 350 F. Combine

all ingredients except cheddar and place in a baking dish 9-X7-inch baking dish coated with non-stick spray. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove from oven and stir in shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.

OySTER CRACkER SNACk1 ½ cups canola oil1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix1 teaspoon dry dill weed1 teaspoon onion powder2 (9-ounce) packages oyster crackers

In a large bowl, combine oil with seasonings. Add crackers and toss in seasoned oil until crackers are coated. Spread crackers on a cookie sheet and bake in preheated 250 F oven for 20 minutes.

PASTA SALAD1 (16-ounce) package rainbow rotini

noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained

1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 cucumber, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 small red onion, chopped 1 (2.62-ounce) bottle McCormick Salad

Supreme seasoning 1 (16-ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Drain rotini. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper and onion. Mix well. Stir in seasoning and desired amount of Italian dress-ing. Cover and chill before serving. For variation, add a 2.5 package of sliced pepperoni.

FRUIT IN A JAR1 cup orange juice¼ cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla4 cups fresh fruit, cut into bite-sized pieces

(watermelon, cantaloupe, seedless grapes, kiwi, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries)

In a large sealable jar, combine orange juice, sugar and vanilla. Pour syrup in covered jar and shake until sugar is dissolved. Add fruit, cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Can be made up to 2 days in advance. (Glenda says she makes large batches of this in a gallon jar when expecting guests, using a ladle and punch cups for serving.)

SOUTHWESTERN STEW1 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped2 envelopes taco seasoning2 envelopes dry buttermilk dressing mix2 (16-ounce) cans each of dark red kidney

beans, pintos, black beans2 cans white shoepeg corn1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes

In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Drain and transfer to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add seasonings and canned foods with liquid. Stir to combine and simmer slowly until ready to serve. n


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