June 16, 2021
Farmers Concerned Over EPA Water Rule Reversal
Alabama farmers are concerned over a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reverse the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR).
 
The NWPR will remain the law of the land while EPA drafts a new rule. Any new interpretation will likely face court challenges, and it could be years before the issue is resolved.
Beef Tour Travels Across South Dakota
Fifty Alabama farmers visited nearly 20 cattle farms and businesses during the Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Tour to South Dakota June 7-10.

Stops included the farm of American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal, university feedlots and historical sites, such as Mount Rushmore.
Timber Values Stagnant As Lumber Prices Soar
Construction is booming, and lumber prices are soaring. But timberland owners whose raw materials are in demand are suffering stagnant timber values.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, Alabama sawtimber averaged $22.84 a ton. It rose just 69 cents in a year to $23.53.

In nearly the same time, low interest rates fueled a building frenzy. From early 2020 to 2021, a thousand board feet of 2-by-4 framing lumber jumped from $370 to $1,155. Oriented strand board (OSB) increased from $255 to $795 per thousand square feet.
On The Move In Ag
  • Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation president, was inducted into the Alabama FFA Wall of Honor June 11. Other inductees were Tony Wood, Frank Crittenden (accepted posthumously by his daughter, Frazelma Crittenden-Lynn), Dr. Dorothy Riggins-Allen and Benny Isom.

  • Alabama 4-H dedicated new and improved facilities at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana June 9. Over 20,000 youth come through the center every year and will benefit from better dining facilities, more dorms, high-speed internet and more. Alfa Farmers Executive Director Paul Pinyan chairs the Alabama 4-H Foundation, which helped make the $8.4 million project a success.

  • Jonah Biensch joined Auburn University as its livestock judging program coach June 1. The Saskatchewan, Canada, native was formerly Texas Tech University's assistant coach. His team was first at the National Western Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show and the National Swine Judging Contest in 2020. Biensch holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from Tech.
Quick Clicks
Congressman Visits Farmers
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Alabama, recently visited farmers in the 2nd Congressional District.

Those farmers included Max Bozeman, president of the Coffee County Farmers Federation, left.

They discussed conservation, along with crop damage issues due to feral swine.

Moore serves on the House Ag Committee.
Events & Deadlines

  • June 28 — Hotel reservations close for the Alabama Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery. Tour and meal count registration closes July 16.