Conference Inspires Young Farmers To Take Action |
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From left are Federation State Young Farmers Committee Chair and Elmore County farmer Jonathan Edgar, the Henrys, the Peeks, the Loveladys, Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan and Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer. |
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They are:
- Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Lawrence County
- Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County
- Whit and Amanda Lovelady of Talladega County
Finalists received a Solo Stove fire pit from the Federation. They’ll compete for nearly $80,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer, and the state winner will be announced during the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in August.
In addition, 400 attendees heard from keynote speaker and American Farm Bureau President Federation Zippy Duvall and visited row crop, cattle and greenhouse operations in northeast Alabama. The Alabama Farmers Federation conference was Feb. 24-26 in Birmingham.
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AFBF President Zippy Duvall Visits Alabama |
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Duvall visited:
Farmers talked issues facing Alabama agriculture, ag policy, history of their operations and farm life with Duvall and his wife, Jennifer.
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Hegeman Family Wins National Outstanding Young Farmers Award |
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Successful land stewardship, strong community involvement and smart business practices scored Jon and Amy Hegeman the 2023 National Outstanding Young Farmers (NOYF) Award.
The Calhoun County farmers received the honor during the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) Awards Congress Feb. 18 in Appleton, Wisconsin.
As one of four national winners, the Hegemans, who operate a commercial greenhouse and raise cattle and horses in White Plains near Anniston, were presented a cash prize from John Deere. They will also represent OFA in Washington, D.C., during National Ag Week in 2024.
Coordinated by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents, OFA is comprised of past nominees of its national awards program. The 1,500-member group helps farmers network and exchange ideas to improve and promote agriculture.
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DIRTT Conference Held In Birmingham |
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The three-day DIRTT (Dedicated Internal Resource for Training and Transition) Project was held in Birmingham Feb. 20-22.
Alabama farmers experienced a hands-on intensive workshop taught by experts in farm succession planning. The foundations of their succession plan were set.
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County Federation Secretary Workshop Held In Montgomery |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation Department of Organization hosted a county Federation secretary workshop Feb. 28 in the home office in Montgomery. Attendees learned Federation history and were given tools to take back to their county Federations to help better serve our members. |
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Federation State Women's Leadership Committee Met In Montgomery |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation State Women's Leadership Committee met Feb. 16 in Montgomery to dive into planning and preparation for the year.
Members of the committee include:
- Chair & At-Large: Ann Whatley
- Vice Chair & Region 4: Debbie Dunn
- Secretary & Region 2: Rachel Chastain
- Region 1: Regina Carnes & Lydia Haynes
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Region 2: Carla Trantham
- Region 3: Dixie Black & Debbie Freeland
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Region 4: Monica Carroll
They are led by Federation Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood.
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Charles Holmes Honored For Conservation Excellence |
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Charles Holmes, a Perry County landowner and Alabama TREASURE Forest Association board member, recently received the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence.
The annual award honors a landowner whose principles mirror those of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) first leader, who helped farmers recover from the Dust Bowl.
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Federation Hosts Ag Labor Summit |
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Alabama farmers who represent a variety of agricultural boards, committees and commodities gathered in Montgomery Feb. 17 to review existing labor policies and discuss potential alternatives for the ag workforce.
Discussions will continue next week as Alabama Farmers Federation members visit with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C. during the Washington Legislative Conference
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Quick Thinking, CPR Save Farmer’s Life |
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Were it not for a last-minute decision to stock up on mower blades and quick action from a farmer friend, Oct. 19 would have ended very differently for Matt Smith.
“Before I left the farm, I checked to see if I needed bush hog blades. I decided they’d last another year,” said Smith, 41, of Dixie Sod Farm in Pell City. “I came up to Oxford, got the other parts I’d ordered at TriGreen and loaded up the truck. I was about to leave when something told me to turn around and ask if they had blades in stock. I remember thinking, ‘I don’t need these.’
“It was God making sure I went back in the store, because I normally don’t buy things I don’t need.”
Within 30 seconds of re-entering the dealership, Smith collapsed in cardiac arrest. A sales associate called 911. With paramedics en route, TriGreen General Manager Justin Lackey checked Smith for a pulse.
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Senator Attends Wilcox County Meeting |
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State Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma attended the Wilcox County Farmers Federation (WCFF) board meeting Feb. 23 at Gaines Ridge in Camden. He’s pictured with WCFF President Jake Harper, also the Alabama Farmers Federation Southwest Area vice president. |
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Jefferson County Hosts Legislative Livestock Workshop |
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The Jefferson County Farmers Federation (JCFF) hosted a Legislative Livestock Workshop Feb. 20. Legislators gathered to learn about the importance of youth livestock exhibitions.
The event was held at the farm of Rhonda Hughes, who serves on the JCFF board.
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The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) releases projections on expected spending for farm programs for the 10-year baseline – the current budget year plus 10 years – up to three times a year. CBO’s most recent Baseline for Farm Programs was released Feb. 15.
These projections identify expected outlays for farm program spending, assuming existing programs continue without changes and indicate program spending available to Congress as crafting the 2023 Farm Bill kicks into higher gear. Read more here.
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The Alabama Farmers Federation is hosting a Forestry & Wildlife Seminar March 24 at the home office in Montgomery. The cost is free for Alfa Farmers, but pre-registration is required.
Register by emailing William Green at wmgreen@alfafarmers.org. Lunch will be sponsored by the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. CFE credits are available to foresters.
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Agricultural producers can begin to apply for two new important programs for revenue losses, from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Both programs equitably fill gaps in earlier assistance. Click here to learn more.
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As the 2023 crop production season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will contact producers nationwide to determine their plans for the upcoming growing season. Click here to learn more.
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A third case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a hunter harvested, white-tailed deer has been confirmed in Lauderdale County in northwest Alabama. The first two cases of CWD in Alabama’s deer herd were detected in Lauderdale County in early 2022. Click here to read more.
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Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 24 states in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asking a federal court to vacate the newly published final rule redefining “Waters of the United States (WOTUS)” and declare it unlawful. Click here to read more. View the WOTUS Rule here.
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Alabama peach growers are currently evaluating the state of their fruit crop for 2023. Seasonal temperatures play a large role in providing quantity and quality of peaches through chilling hours. Click here to read more.
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March 7 - Legislative Session begins
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Simply Southern TV Season 9 |
The first half of season 9 is winding down. Be sure to tune in for more new episodes!
March 4/5/8: Generosity of DeKalb County’s Hody Childress, saddle maker Jimmy Hagood, an interview with Sunshine Farms as strawberry season begins, and a Southern Bite recipe for Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association
March 11/12/15: Main Street Atmore, Red’s Little Schoolhouse, What’s in Season? with Sweet Grown Alabama, and a Southern Bite recipe for Summer Succotash, sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama
Shows air over the weekend on six broadcast stations and on Wednesdays on national cable network RFD-TV. To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”
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