September 14, 2023

WOTUS Woes Linger as EPA Releases Minor Rule Revisions

The Biden Administration wrote another disappointing chapter in the controversial Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) saga Aug. 29 as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released minor revisions to the rule.

The revisions scrap the “significant nexus” standard to determine when waters or wetlands are covered by the Clean Water Act. The definition of “adjacent wetlands” was also revised.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker said the revisions, while technically in line with a May Supreme Court ruling, are discouraging. 

“It’s disappointing to see the EPA again hamper farmers’ rights to manage water on their land,” said Walker, who leads national affairs for Alabama’s largest general farm organization. “We have been fighting for clear, concise rules since the 2015 WOTUS rule was released. This is a small step in the right direction, but EPA must make more changes to roll back regulatory overreach.”

Federation Signs Contract for Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm

Alabama Farmers Federation today announced plans to begin due diligence on a site selected for the Alabama Farm Center at iconic Hallmark Farm in north Jefferson County.

The Federation entered into a real estate contract with Hallmark Farm Cooperative District to purchase the approximately 500-acre property, located along I-65 in Warrior at Exit 280. Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell said execution of the contract allows the organization to take next steps regarding due diligence and fundraising for the proposed project.

“We are excited about the prospect of moving forward with the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm,” Parnell said. “The location was chosen after a competitive site selection process throughout Alabama. Jefferson County is working cooperatively with the Federation to bring a state-of-the-art agriculture and event center to the heart of the Southeast. The Farm Center would create jobs, enhance tourism and bolster the economy.

"It’s been more than 70 years since Alabama invested in a regional agricultural center. Current facilities are outdated and can no longer meet the needs of Alabama. We are excited to be part of the Alabama Farm Center, which will serve our residents and attract visitors from across the country.”

Bee & Honey

Alabama beekeepers likely experienced colony loss in early 2023 according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. The survey showed losses of 10% for Alabama beekeepers, which is slightly under the national 14% of colonies lost. Varroa mites were reported to be the key health stressor, and pest management should be a priority for beekeepers across the state. Learn more here.

Beef

Higher input costs (energy, interest rates and feeder cattle prices) are huge hurdles for cattle feeders to overcome. With a significantly higher cost of production and no higher price for fat cattle, margins and profits of feedlots have already peaked and are getting squeezed. Long term, this will limit what feedlots can pay for feeder cattle. There is still a premium available for cow-calf and stocker/backgrounder operators to market into using CME Feeder Cattle Futures and Options.

Hay & Forage

Be patient in planting cool-season annual forages this fall. Southwest Alabama continues to be brutally dry. In addition, the short-term precipitation outlook provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to have Alabama in the "below" or "near normal" rainfall categories for the next 8-14 days. Moisture is on the way as precipitation in October and November is projected to be above normal. Learn more here.

Peanuts

U.S. peanut exports are up 4.6% compared to the same six months in 2022. Mexico continues as the No. 1 market for U.S. exports (28.21% market share), while Canada ranks second with 23.11%. China continues to buy a 23% market share with a 26% increase over last year. 

Poultry

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is helping cost-conscious consumers save money, be more creative in their cooking and reduce food waste with the launch of its innovative "Search By Ingredient" tool. Learn more here.

Wheat & Feed Grain

Alabama producers could see higher premiums for sorghum thanks to a noticeable surge in exports over the past two months. China continues to be the primary importer, driven by the demand for livestock feed. China imports are anticipated to increase by 125.7 million bushels. Learn more here.

Wildlife

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service indicates that, when used correctly, a warfarin-based toxicant can be an effective tool for landowners to combat wild hogs. While the full study has not been released yet, preliminary results seem to be a step in the right direction for wild pig toxicants. Learn more here.

Cheesecake Recipes Spotlighted at Heritage Cooking Contest 

Twenty-three Alabama Farmers Federation members put their baking skills to test during the cheesecake-themed Heritage Cooking Contest Sept. 7. 

“It’s more than cheesecake,” said first-place winner Jeanette Tew. “It’s the support between the ladies — in cheesecake and life. This is a community of ladies who love each other and work together. It’s a labor of love.” 

Tew of Elmore County said preparing for the contest was the first time she tried baking a cheesecake. 

“This contest taught me patience and growth,” Tew said. “My process was trying to find something unique.” 

Tew received $150 from the Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division for here winning Sweet Potato Pecan Baked Cheesecake. Barbara Norred of Randolph County earned second place and $100 for her Strawberry Cheesecake, while Montgomery County’s Amy Belcher took home third place and $50 for Biscoff Cookie Cheesecake. 

Pork Producers Gather in Cullman

Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Pork Checkoff hosted a pork producers meeting Sept. 7 in Cullman. 

The agenda included swine herd health discussions, production practices and nutrient management.

Alabama Farmers Federation Pork Division Director Colton Christjohn and Federation State Pork Committee Chairman Daniel Tubbs updated the group on National Pork Board information. This included industry challenges, the importance of consumer education and details about the board's mission. 

Bull Show Added to Jr. Livestock Expo

The Alabama Farmers Federation is excited to announce a bull show is joining the Jr. Livestock Expo lineup.

Federation staff are developing rules for the contest, which will be held this spring. Contact Colton Christjohn at cchristjohn@alfafarmers.org for more information.

The Auburn University (AU) Agricultural Alumni Club and AU College of Agriculture Ag Roundup is Sept. 16 from 2-5 p.m. at Ag Heritage Park in Auburn. The event takes place prior to the homecoming football game. Admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online.

Alabama Farmers Federation Annual Meeting Dec. 3-5

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent Farm Sector Income Forecast dropped 2023’s net farm income expectations lower than initial February estimates to $141.3 billion. That's down 23% from 2022’s net farm income.

It’s a decline of $41.7 billion decline, which nearly erases the $42.9 billion increase that was originally forecast two years ago. When adjusted for inflation, net farm income, a broad measure of farm profitability, is expected to decrease $48 billion (25.4%) in 2023.

The forecast also shows farm and ranch production expenses rising by $29.5 billion in 2023. That follows a record increase of $56 billion in 2022.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Market Intel is presented by AFBF agricultural economists.

Quick Clicks

• Alabama congressional redistricting challenges continue after federal judges rejected the recent legislative proposal. Click here to learn more.

• An annual report of state-level land values for farm real estate indicates a strong market in the Southeast. Georgia leads the region at a 9.8% increase in 2023 farmland values over 2022. The overall increase for the U.S. was 7.4%, and Kansas led the nation with a 16.3% increase. Learn more here.

• Alabama has experienced an increase in tick-borne diseases affecting humans (ADPH 2017). Presently, the only statewide tick surveillance program is based at the University of South Alabama. Consider sending tick information into officials at the university. Learn more here.

• Steven Hague, an internationally recognized cotton breeder has been selected to lead the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences in the Auburn University College of Agriculture. Read more here.

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is conducting a statewide survey for landowners. The survey will help ACES develop educational programs for Alabama farmers and landowners. Take the survey here.

Continue enjoying brand-new episodes of Simply Southern TV!



Sept. 16/17/20: Alabama Sports Hall of Fame; the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, including an interview with the Federation’s Blake Thaxton; and a Southern Bite recipe for Peanut Butter Chess Pie, sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association

Sept. 23/24/27: A best of Sweet Grown Alabama episode featuring Sullivan Creek Ranch, Dayspring Dairy and Foundry Farm, along with a Southern Bite recipe for Baked Ham and Egg Pimento Cheese Cups, sponsored by Alabama Poultry & Egg Association

To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”

In Memory

• Michael "Mike" Hines, Coffee County