July 8, 2020 | News from the Alabama Farmers Federation
Ag Committee Members Visit Farms
Members of the Alabama Senate and House Ag Committees toured farms and seafood industries June 24. They’re pictured at Sessions Farm in Grand Bay in Mobile County.
National Ag Updates
New Trade Deal With Canada, Mexico Takes Effect
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) took effect July 1, bringing good news to Alabama farmers hit hard by low commodity prices and market disruption in the wake of COVID-19.

Farmers Welcome New Clean Water Rule
The Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection rule went into effect in late June, a welcomed move by farmers and ranchers. It replaces the flawed, Obama-era Waters of the U.S. Rule.

Get Ag-tive
  • Century and Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm program applications are due Aug. 28. The programs recognize family farms that have played a significant role in Alabama's history.

  • Farm Service Agency County Committee nomination forms are due Aug. 1 at local U.S. Department of Agriculture service centers.

  • 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest nominations are now open. The contest celebrates dogs that work alongside farmers to produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America.
Farmers Give Back During Pandemic
The Shelby County Farmers Federation (SCFF) recently donated food to the Asbury United Methodist Church food pantry to help feed families impacted by the recent pandemic.

Pictured from left are Alfa Insurance agents Wendy Albright and Ryan Grace, Alabama Farmers Federation state board member Phillip Hunter, Alfa agent Jacob Vail and SCFF Secretary Rachael Wood.
Commodity Corner
AFVGA 
Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Assocation annual conference registration opens Aug. 17. The conference, held at Gulf State Park, is Nov. 19-20. Learn more at afvga.org .

Hay & Forage
The Southeastern Hay Contest is open to hay or baleage producers. Hay/baleage sample, entry form, analysis and entry fees ($22 total) are due Sept. 1. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of Massey Ferguson equipment for the 2021 hay season and $1,000. Learn more here.

Cotton
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System Cotton Scouting School is iconic. For 60 years, Extension scientists taught the Scouting School in person; this year, due to COVID-19, the event is July 24 via Zoom. Register by clicking here.

Dairy
The dairy industry continues to be the bright star for U.S. exports in 2020 with a large increase in demand coming from Asian nations that desire a safe, high-quality, affordable product. New trade agreements such as USMCA and the Phase One China and Japan deals will allow the U.S. dairy industry to continue to grow its export market.

Peanuts
Alabama peanut farmers may vote on the Peanut Referendum July 23. All farmers who grew peanuts in 2017, 2018 or 2019 are eligible to vote. For more information and a list of voting locations, visit  alpeanuts.com .

Wildlife
Congress recently passed the Recovering America's Wildlife Act (RAWA), which will authorize $1.4 billion over five years to expand recreational infrastructure, restore natural resources, and invest in on-the-ground projects in every state and territory and on tribal lands. RAWA awaits further action in the U.S. Senate.
Tuberville Visits With Farmers
Tommy Tuberville, the FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate, visited with farmers in Monroeville June 26.

From left are Dallas County Farmers Federation President and Alabama Farmers Federation state board member Jimmy Holliman, Tuberville, and Tim Wood.
Partner Profile: Eve Brantley
Auburn University (AU) has named Dr. Eve Brantley director of the AU Water Resources Center.

Brantley has served as a professor in the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences and as an Extension Water Resources Specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System since 2009.

In the new position, Brantley will coordinate developing innovative research, Extension education and water resource management instruction.

Brantley’s research focuses on stormwater management, riparian buffer systems and stream enhancement assessment.
Simply Southern Highlights Coronavirus Effects
This special episode from Simply Southern TV, airing July 12, explores how farmers and those in the food industry have been impacted by COVID-19.

Watch the episode preview here and check your local listing time here .

Segments include:
  • The food supply chain, featuring Corey Hill of Marshall County and his Douglas Food Valu
  • Farmers markets and U-picks with increased demand, featuring Scott Penton of Chilton County and Reed Ingram of Sweet Creek Farm Market in Montgomery County
  • Farmers who are #StillFarming, featuring Walt Richardson of Washington County and Jay Buckley of Lamar County
  • Bonnie Plants, which saw an increase in sales with more people planting gardens
Quick Links
In Memory
Gaines Smith of Billingsley died June 10. He was 77. Smith was the former director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Click here to read more about Smith's legacy.

Jack Thompson of Montgomery died June 21. He was 87. Thompson was a former commissioner of Agriculture & Industries, as well as an Alabama Cooperative Extension System long-time employee. Click here to read more about Thompson's legacy.

Jimmy Pursell of Sylacauga died June 21. He was 89. Pursell was the founder of FarmLinks, the world's first research and development golf course, in addition to Pursell Farms and Pursell Technologies. Click here to read more about Pursell's legacy.

Ginny Costner of Alexandria died June 30. She was 89. Costner was a longtime member of the Calhoun County Women's Leadership Committee. Click here to read more about Costner's legacy.